Utica NY Radon Mold Septic Dye Testing Inspections Utica NY Radon Mold Septic Dye Water Testing Inspector

List of Services

What is a pre-home sale inspection?

A pre-home sale inspection is the same as a home inspection only it is preformed for the home owner, before it is put on the market. It gives you a good selling point because it has been inspected and a report compiled by the inspector with repairs or suggestions. At which time you can decide to perform the repairs or suggestions, or choose to disclose them before listing the home.

Written Reports -

Reports are a combination checklist & narrative written for the property we are inspecting. It is not a canned or booklet. Each report is prepared especially for the individual home that is being inspected. The report contains pictures of conditions that are in need of attention or are considered up-dates. They are detailed and easy to understand.

Structural Assessment -
We give you a general assessment of the structural components of the home, including the basement, attic, flooring, walls, interior & exterior.

Roof Assessment -
We give you details on the type of roof, roofing components and pitch of the main roof, and any additional roofing structures attached to the home. We also detail the condition of any plumbing vents, chimneys, flashing or other protruding equipment through the roofing materials.

Plumbing Assessment -
We will describe the type of plumbing in the home, both supply and waste systems. Details will be supplied that identify any potential condition, which may cause a problem with the supply or waste systems.

Site & Drainage -
Identify problems with natural drainage of ground water that could potentially damage the home. Point out conditions of roof drainage in respect to any damage that may deteriorate the foundation or other structural materials of the home.

Water Quality -
We will collect and send out water samples to a certified lab, in accordance with F.H.A. or V.A. requirements. We will discuss any concerns regarding water quality with you.

Septic & Waste Water -
We perform a standard dye test and document our findings. The test is performed on site and generally takes 2 to 4 hours depending on pressure & flow and if the home is occupied or vacant.

Heating Assessment -
A description of the type of heating system, general condition and layout of the system.We will also check for conditions that may cause deadly carbon monoxide to enter the home.

Electrical System Assessment -
We will evaluate and identify the system size, type of entrance, condition of the wiring and overall safety of the electrical system. We will also discuss the availability to expand the current system to meet your needs.

Air Conditioning -
We only insect central air conditioning systems. We will detail the size of the system, condition, and performance of the system if weather conditions are conductive for testing of the equipment.

Exterior Assessment -
We inspect and report the condition of all exterior building materials of the home including siding, paint, trim, porches, decks, outside electrical, plumbing fixtures, doors, windows, and even problems with vegetation and trees that could result in damage to the home.

Interior Assessment -
We inspect and report the structural condition of walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, stairs, electrical outlets, heating supplies, and plumbing fixtures.

Attic Assessment -
We inspect attic space for structure, ventilation, roof sheathing, insulation conditions & type of insulation installed also vapor barriers. We also report on accessibility, lighting and any equipment which might be located in this space, (whole house fans, heating or cooling systems).

Insect Assessment -
We inspect for any insect damage be it present or past. (Example carpenter ants, bees, termites, wildlife - mice, bats, birds.) And advise you to what actions should be taken or what conditions must be met to prevent further damages. If there is a suspected condition we will advised you to contact a licensed pest or insect firm to take further action.

Radon Gas -
We perform standard radon gas testing by placement of a charcoal canister where needed for accurate averaging of household air and any concentrations that may be present. These canisters are placed, then collected and sent to a private lab for analysis. (Note it takes more than one canister placed in basement to give accurate results.) The E.P.A. Standard is two canisters placed 6 inches apart in the lowest point of the home.
Radon cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, but it exists in the air you breath. You are likely to get the most exposure at home where you spend most of your time. Radon normally dissipates in the air but with tighter homes and possibly poor ventilation it can become concentrated and cause real health hazards.
For more information on Radon Gas go http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon.

Lead Paint -
We provide lead paint analysis as to the presence of lead paint, this is not and will not give you the concentrations of lead but you will know that it is present. The concentrations can only be obtained by further collection of samples and further testing by a company that provides this service.
More info http://www.paintinfo.org/leadpaint.htm.

Fireplace & Wood Heating -
We will inspect fireplaces and wood, coal burning and pellet systems. This inspection is a visual inspection only; we do not light fires in them for the testing. Clearances and functions of doors, dampers and visual flue are inspected.

Molds and Mildew -
At present there are no Federal Guidelines or standards regarding molds. For more information please refer to the Environmental Protection Agency Web site at http://www.epa.gov.

Mold and Mold Inspections-
If I suspect there is a mold condition present I will suggest further testing and inspection be done. Depending on if it is obvious or concealed, recommended testing or inspection procedure will be discussed with you, at that time.

Understanding Molds: What is Mold?

Molds are microscopic organisms found virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. They can produce and release millions of spores, which are small enough to stay airborne and invade the respiratory system. When produced in quantities they cause allergic systems similar to those caused by plant pollen.

Mold needs several conditions for growth.

Moisture or Humidity 50% RH (relative humidity) is desirable for mold growth.
Moisture 18% or greater can cause mold growth.
Nutrients organic materials i.e. wood paper & plant waste.
Air Velocity or movement. Mold prefers stagnant areas. I.e. closets, attics, basements and crawl spaces, or inside walls.
Temperatures between 68-86 degrees are the optimal temperatures for growth
Mold prefers to grow in dark, damp & closed places.
Water source and time remaining wet, it takes 2-3 days for microorganisms to start growing in a petri dish.
I am trained in Mold conditions and causes. We do offer a full range of testing both physical and air sampling. I am a certified Mold Inspector - Pro-Labs (http://www.Reliablelab.com/)

Asbestos Testing: Former New York State Asbestos Building Inspector.

Asbestos and Asbestos Inspections-

If I suspect there is a asbestos condition present I will suggest further testing and inspection be done.. Depending on if it is obvious or concealed, recommended testing or inspection procedure will be discussed with you, at that time.

Asbestos exists in many areas of the home. Many building materials contain it as a bonding agent. It was used for many years and in some cases is still used today.
There are ways to encapsulate the material depending on the conditions, if it is fiable (coming apart) it may be recommended to remove it for health concerns and this should not be attempted by the home owner or potential buyer. Removal is very costly and should only be done by a licensed, approved contractor, as it is an environmental concern and must be handled and disposed of as per E.P.A. standards.

Revised 08/30/07