Top Local Homeowner Concerns by Town (Connecticut)
- Daniel Peragallo
- May 21
- 5 min read
If you're going through the process of buying or building a house in Connecticut, the last thing on your mind is what’s happening beneath your basement, or behind your freshly painted walls.
It's easy to take for granted the climate and culture surrounding our homes: We aren't afraid of basements like Floridians, or building to withstand earthquakes like in California, but that doesn't mean Connecticut doesnt have its own unique local issues.
Whether you're looking at a 1920s colonial or a 2000s ranch, your town and location might be hiding specific risks like crumbling concrete, radon exposure, or aging septic systems, which often enough are buried in dated news articles or town releases. Here’s our biggest warnings about the specific, localized issues that hit CT's homeowners hardest.
Crumbling Concrete Foundations (Pyrrhotite)
“My foundation looks fine… for now.”
If your home was built between 1983 and 2015, especially in Tolland County, you may be at risk for foundation failure due to pyrrhotite, a naturally occurring mineral that causes concrete to expand and crack over time.
Known Affected Towns:
What Homeowners Need to Know:
Pyrrhotite reacts with water and oxygen, causing concrete to swell and break apart.
Damage may not appear for years, but once it starts, it progresses rapidly.
Homes built during the risk window in affected towns should be evaluated by licensed inspectors familiar with the issue.
Resources for Affected Homeowners
👉 Pro Tip: Foundation issues caused by pyrrhotite often aren’t visible from inside. If you're in a risk zone, testing is the only way to confirm.
Flood-Prone Neighborhoods
Flood risk is rising—and not just along the coast.
Connecticut has several inland towns with flood risks tied to rivers, poor drainage systems, and low-lying areas. Flooding isn’t just about property damage—it can cause long-term moisture issues that affect your home’s structure and air quality.
Commonly Affected Towns:
Naugatuck,
Middle Haddam,
Ridgefield,
Westport,
Washington
All Coastal Towns
What Homeowners Need to Know:
Flood zones affect insurance rates and resale values.
Chronic moisture leads to mold, rot, and hidden damage in basements and lower levels.
Some towns have outdated stormwater infrastructure, making flash flooding more common.
👉 Pro Tip: Even if you're not in a FEMA flood zone, local drainage and micro-climates can still pose real threats.
High Radon Zones in Connecticut
The invisible gas you can’t afford to ignore.
Radon is an odorless, radioactive gas that seeps up from the soil and collects in basements and first floors. It’s a known carcinogen—and it’s alarmingly common in many parts of Connecticut.
Most Affected Counties:
Tolland
Windham
Litchfield
Hartford
What Homeowners Need to Know:
Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.
Home radon tests are inexpensive and widely available.
High levels can often be fixed with a simple mitigation system.
👉 Pro Tip: Radon testing is especially important during home purchases or remodels that involve basement work.
Lead Paint Exposure in Historic Homes
Fresh paint doesn’t mean no lead.
Many Connecticut homes, especially in older urban areas, were built before 1978—when lead paint was commonly used. Even if it’s been painted over, disturbance during remodeling can expose dangerous particles.
Most Affected Cities:
All Older Homes (Pre-1978 Builds)
Waterbury
Bridgeport
Norwich
Hartford
What Homeowners Need to Know:
Lead exposure is especially harmful to children and pregnant individuals.
Homes built before 1978 should be inspected before sanding, cutting, or remodeling.
Lead-safe certification is required for contractors working on affected homes.
👉 Pro Tip: Ask your remodeler about their lead safety practices—don’t assume it’s being handled unless it’s clearly stated.
Aging Septic + Drainage Systems
It’s not just “a country thing.”
Towns with more spread-out homes and older development patterns often rely on private septic systems. If yours hasn't been inspected in the last 5 years, you could be one heavy rain away from a serious (and smelly) issue.
Most Affected Towns:
Brookfield
Guilford
Mansfield
What Homeowners Need to Know:
Septic failures can contaminate drinking water and damage landscaping.
Inspections are recommended every 3–5 years, especially for older systems.
Many towns have minimal oversight, placing the responsibility squarely on the homeowner.
👉 Pro Tip: Upgrading to a modern septic system may be eligible for town incentives or low-interest loans—check with local health departments.
Conclusion: Your Home Might Be Hiding More Than You Think
Connecticut's homes are unique— we're one of the few places in the country you can find 1700s colonials standing next to modern architecture. Every property has its quirks, and shows the huge variety of building standards our state through history.
Sadly many of these home's arent the architectural marvels they used to be: they're hazards that could cost you peace of mind, time, or money down the road.
The good news? Most of these risks are manageable with the right knowledge and expert support. Whether it’s testing for radon, upgrading an old septic system, or reinforcing a crumbling foundation, knowing what to look for is half the battle.
At Peragallo Construction, we don’t just build—we help you protect what you already own. Our local expertise means we know how these problems show up in real Connecticut homes—and how to fix them right the first time.
What’s pyrrhotite, and why is it a problem?
Pyrrhotite is a mineral found in some concrete that causes foundations to crack and fall apart over time.
How do I know if my house has a crumbling foundation because of pyrrhotite?
Which towns in Connecticut have the most flood risk?
Do I need flood insurance in Connecticut if I’m not on the coast?
What is radon? Why should I care?
Is radon testing expensive?
How do I check if my home has lead paint?
Why is lead paint dangerous?
How often should I get my septic system checked?
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