Underground Dangers to Consider Before Buying Your Dream Home Owning a home is one of the largest investments you can make. Due to the amount of funds you will have to put into the investment, it is good to make sure you get the best there is. You should avoid the possible risks that you may face when owning your dream home. Unfortunately, most people only have their home inspected for obvious risks such as the structural integrity of the building, environmental hazards, and water resources, but do not check for underground hazards. Underground risks have become more pronounced than in the past. You need a qualified inspector to check whether your home is free from the risks as explained below. • SinkholesThese are natural depressions or holes in the surface of the earth. They are caused by the natural dissolution of underlying carbonate rocks or sandstone. This hole could be from one to six hundred meters wide and deep. They can form gradually or suddenly. The anural formation of sinkholes is due to the gradual erosion of soluble bedrock such as limestone or the collapse of a cave roof. Artificial sinkholes are due to human activities such as abandoned mines or salt caverns. Breakage of water and sewer pipes can open these surfaces leading to the formation of sinkholes. A geological study would show which areas are prone to sinkholes. • Floodplains Floodplains are low, flat land around lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water that collect excess water above the normal water levels on the bodies. In case of heavy rain these areas risk being flooded. As cities rapidly expand, authorities have largely ignored the risk of floodplains. This is a matter of great concern that needs to be addressed. • Sites of contamination There are sites where toxic waste has been buried. A list of these locations is available from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This list also provides some suggested sites. You should take a look at the list to know the proximity of any site to your identified home. Get an analysis of the risk you face if you plan to buy a home near the contamination site. • Solid waste and landfills pose a potential health hazard. Such areas may be at risk of sinkholes or contamination of subsurface water sources through seepage into the ground. Additionally, the inspection should provide information on any underground storage tanks and their contents.