Healthy Home Inspection

A standard home inspection is the start of  the process to evaluate a property and identify potential problem areas.   We are expanding our services to provide you more options in assessing the condition of your property, beyond the standard home inspection.  The Healthy Home Inspection will include:

• Radon Detection

According to the American Cancer Society, getting your home tested for radon can help protect you and your family from a key cause of lung cancer.   It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.  Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas. It forms naturally from the decay (breaking down) of radioactive elements, such as uranium, which are found in different amounts in soil and rock throughout the world. Radon gas in the soil and rock can move into the air and into underground water and surface water. Because radon gas cannot be seen or smelled, the only way to know whether you are being exposed to it is to test for it.  The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.  A Radon detector will be placed in your home or building for up to seven days to measure radon levels.

• Gas Leak Detection

Combustible gasses such as natural gas and propane are commonly used in homes and commercial buildings as fuel for heating systems, stoves, clothes dryers, and hot water heaters.  Leaks may develop inside or at the connections to these systems from regular use and age.  Gas leaks are typically discovered through the presence of a rotten egg smell, but the source may be difficult to locate, or small enough they are not detectable by smell.  The concentration of gas in ambient air around connections and enclosed systems is detected using a hand-held gas detector.

• Mold Detection

Molds are a form of fungus, of many different types, that can occur both indoors and outdoors.  Molds produce spores, which spread by floating around in the air and are present in all indoor environments. There is no way to prevent spores, and they can persist in conditions where mold itself cannot grow.  As mold grows, spores, cells, fragments, and unstable organic compounds can enter the air. They can produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins. and reduce the quality of your indoor air.  Some of these can be toxic, especially to individuals who have a sensitivity to them.  Mold is detected through visual inspection, odor, and using a hand-held moisture meter and mold test kit.

• Moisture Detection

Building components that are defective, incorrectly installed, or simply missing can produce moisture-related problems. Moisture intrusion of a building can cause major structural damage and can threaten the safety of its occupants.   Moisture is detected through visual inspection, odor, and  scanning accessible, suspect areas (such as toilets, sinks, roof leaks into attic space) with a  hand-held moisture meter.

• Thermal Imaging

An infrared inspection can identify and document moisture intrusion, energy loss, and even unexpected hot spots.  An  Infrared camera is used to scan different areas of a structure to detect heat loss and air infiltration in walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; damaged and/or malfunctioning radiant heating systems; air-conditioner compressor leaks; under-fastening and/or missing framing members, and other structural defects that can lead to energy loss; and broken seals in double-paned windows.  IR camera imagery can be used to locate plumbing leaks; hidden roof leaks missing; damaged and/or wet insulation; and water and moisture intrusion around penetrations and at the foundation and building envelope that could lead to structural damage and mold.  It is also used to detect home hot spots including circuit breakers in need of immediate replacement; overloaded and undersized circuits; overheated electrical equipment and components;  and electrical faults.   Color gradients that thermal images provide can identify possible pest infestation, as revealed by energy loss through shelter tubes left by boring wood-destroying insects; the presence of vermin hiding within the structure and detected because of their heat signature that the IR camera captures; and dangerous flue leaks, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning of the home’s residents.