Our Services

Home Inspection

Environmental Inspections & Testing

 

A professional home Inspection makes a difference to the seller and the buyer.

¨       For security.

¨       For protection.

¨       For a smoother closing.

 

Buy or Sell your home with confidence.

 

Inspections performed to our standards…  and yours.

 

Available weekends for your convenience.

 

A HOME INSPECTION is for your security and peace of mind. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, knowing its condition at the time of the sale guarantees you a fair and smooth transaction.

 

You may not know everything you should about the condition of the roof, chimneys, siding, trim, attic ventilation, electrical wiring, plumbing, furnace, and air conditioner or a great number of other items in the home.

 

Your HOME or ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTION is a thorough, in-depth visual examination of the structure and/or operating  components of the home performed by trained professionals.

 

A trained inspector will inspect your home for 2 to 3 hours. You’re invited to follow the inspector for a step-by-step analysis of your home.

 

When the inspection is over, the inspector will prepare a PROPERTY  INSPECTION REPORT.   Immediately following the inspection, your inspector will complete and deliver to you onsite, a detailed custom report outlining your home.

 

Our inspection service takes pride in every inspection we perform. Our inspectors are highly trained, knowledgeable, professional, certified and insured.

 

Safety is our #1 priority.

 

 

 

 

Home Inspection

INSPECTIONS

 

Ø       Single Family Homes

Ø       Condominiums

Ø       Duplex’s Mobile Homes

Ø       New Home Construction Inspection

Ø       Re-Inspection of repairs

 

EXTERIOR COMPONENTS

 

Landscaping

ü       The effect on the foundation.

Siding, trim, exterior windows & storms

ü       General condition of each.

Roof, chimney, flashing, valleys

ü       Evidence of water penetration, materials, condition.

Gutters, downspouts

ü       General condition, effects of dampness in basement and the ability to carry off rainwater.

Driveways, patios, decks, porches

ü       General condition of each.

Air conditioner compressor

 

INTERIOR COMPONENTS

 

Walls, floors, ceilings, windows

ü       General condition of each.

Plumbing system

ü       All visible fixtures, pipes and drains tested for operation.

Electrical system

ü       Outside entrance wiring, service panel and visible wiring inspected. Random testing of outlets.

Heating system

ü       Visible portion of heating plant and components.

Attic

ü       Visible roof sheathing, ventilation, insulation and framing.

Crawlspace

ü       Foundation soundness and evidence of moisture penetration.

 

SPECIALTY COMPONENTS

ü       Pool, Spa, Ponds & Water Fountains

ü       Fireplace and Chimney

 

 

 

Environmental Testing

·            Mold

·            Lead

·            Asbestos

·            Biological Contaminants – E. Coli

·            Remediation Reports

Our Team of Experts include:

ü       Industrial Hygienist

ü       Microbiologists (Medical Mycology, DNA Analysis)

ü       Medical Doctor

ü       Architect

ü       AIHI accredited lab

ü       Remediation Contractors

 

Standard of Practice for the Assessment of Indoor Environmental Quality

Indoor Environmental Standards Organization - IESO

IESO is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 that provides a national forum for the development and publication of voluntary consensus standards for the assessment of indoor environments.

Its mission is to be the foremost developer and provider of voluntary consensus indoor environmental quality standards, related technical information, and services having recognized quality and applicability that promote public health and safety, and the overall quality of life. The first volume of standards, “Mold Sampling; Assessment of Mold Contamination” was released early 2002.

Section 1 – Grounds

A.       Areas to be observed

1.      Surface grading, hardscaping and drainage within 6’ of the primary building or associated primary parking structure.

2.      Water features (pool/spa, lakes, ponds, etc) as they impact the primary building or associated primary parking structure.

3.      Exterior wall coverings.

4.      Decks and balconies

 

Section 2 – Foundation

A.       Areas to be observed:

1.      Foundation

2.      Crawlspace

a.      Ventilation

b.      Wood separation from soil

c.      Presence of drainage systems or sump pumps within foundation footprint.

3.      Basement

a.      Ventilation                  

b.      Window wells

Section 3 – Roof

A.       Areas to be observed:

1.      Roof coverings.

2.      Vents, skylights, and other penetrations.

3.      Roof drainage.

 

Section 4 – Attic

A.       Areas to be observed:

1.      Framing, sheathing.

2.      Insulation.

3.      Ventilation.

Section 5 – Plumbing

A.       Areas to be observed:

1.      Water main.

2.      Visible supply and waste lines.

3.      Visible vent piping.

4.      Fixtures, faucets and visible drains.

5.      Water heating equipment.

Section 6 – Interior

A.      Areas to be observed:

1.      Walls, ceilings, and floors.

2.      Ventilation (bathrooms, kitchen areas, laundry areas)

3.      Doors and windows.

4.      Floors and floor coverings.

 

Section 7 – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

A.      Areas to be observed:

1.      Air filters.

2.      Fan.

3.      Condensate, pump, lines.

4.      Visible condition of return air box.

5.      Visible ductwork.

 

Section 8 – Sampling procedures

After completion of the survey, areas identified as a “Red Flag” will determine the number of samples and areas that samples may be recommended. A minimum of three (3) air samples, will be taken when “red flags” are present.

 

A.     Air Sampling

Air Samples should be taken if any “red flag” conditions are seen.

When an indoor air sample is taken at lease two outdoor air samples must be taken. This is necessary for the testing lab to complete their analysis. Procedures from qualified laboratory used by surveyor/sampler shall be followed taking appropriate precautions so as to not contaminate the sample. Chain-of-Custody document shall be complete, noting the sample number(s) you have assigned.

Where no visible mold-like substance or specific suspect location is found, yet sampling is warranted by surveyor/sampler or requested by client, the indoor air sample shall be taken near the HVAC return duct.

 

B.    Swab sample

Swab samples should be taken where visible mold-like substance or stains are present. Procedures from testing lab used by surveyor/sampler shall be followed taking appropriate precautions so not to contaminate the sample. Chain- of- Custody document shall be complete, noting the sample number(s) you have assigned.

 

C.    Carpet Sampling

At least one (1) Carpet sample should be taken where no visible signs of mold-like substance or stains are present.  When sampling carpet care must be taken in order to get as deep in the pile as possible. Carpet that has been recently cleaned may not provide accurate results. Procedures from testing lab used by surveyor/sampler shall be followed taking appropriate precautions so as to not contaminate the sample. Chain-of-Custody document shall be complete, noting the sample number(s) you have assigned.

 

D.    Other Types of Sampling

All other types of sampling used shall be performed following procedures from qualified laboratory, and taking appropriate precautions so as to not contaminate the sample(s).  

    

    

Recommended Mold Sampling Decision Chart:

Conditions observed

Swab Sampling

Interior Air Sampling

Exterior Air Sampling

Carpet Sampling

Visible mold

YES

YES

YES

YES

No visible mold

“Red flags”

 

YES-in the room with red flags present

YES

YES

No visible mold

No “Red flags”

 

YES near the HVAC duct

YES

YES