*A “home inspection” is a visual examination of the structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roof, HVAC, and other essential systems - with the primary goal of identifying material defects on our clients' behalf. A “material defect”, as defined by the Standards of Practice, is any condition that significantly affects the value, desirability, habitability, or safety of the dwelling.
Starting at $145.00 Note: This service is included at no extra charge on all inspections we perform and is also available as a stand-alone service. This is a valuable service for those concerned about hidden moisture, HVAC performance, missing insulation, or electrical wiring resistance.
Thermal imaging/infrared (IR) cameras are high tech electronic tools that utilize sensors which allow us to read thousands of surface temperatures (all at once), These readings are instantly converted into a user friendly camera-like image, whereby the information gathered can be used in many ways.
We regularly use IR to find hidden material defects such as: moisture intrusion, air infiltration, missing or compressed insulation, dangerous electrical resistance, and plumbing leaks. Hot areas show up easily but cool spots are a little more tricky. In any event, these “cool spots” will always be followed up with a closer examination using a high quality handheld moisture meter. In other words, not every cool spot on the screen equals a leak..but the IR camera is a powerful tool to use as a starting point.
Starting at $145.00. We walk most first and 2nd story roofs unless safety is an issue. In order to address roof inspections on 2nd and 3rd story roofs, we have developed proprietary technology that allows us to view higher levels without having to bring in an expensive roofing professional.
This service is included at no extra charge on all inspections we perform and is also available as a stand-alone service. We offer visual risk assessment. Note: at the present time we do not offer mold sampling but can recommend a local company that does air sampling and offers remediation advice and services.
Mold can cause both cosmetic and health problems. Mold, which develops as a result of moisture build-up in a home can grow behind the walls, in ceilings and in many other places. Sometimes identifying mold is as easy as looking for moisture spots on walls, near floorboards and on ceilings. Other times infrared imaging is needed in order to look behind walls to identify leaks in pipes that can’t be seen with the human eye.
Cosmetically, water damage and mold can cause paint to peel and discolor areas of the home. Generally where we find mold, the source of the moisture needs to be identified and repaired, drywall needs to be replaced and fresh paint applied. As far as health, mold in a home can trigger allergies, breathing and respiratory problems, and more. Extensive mold can mean expensive repairs.
You may have noticed that bathrooms have fans and vents in them. This isn’t just to aid in privacy or the removal of odors. Bathroom vents help move moisture out of the home that builds up during baths and showers. Without vents, moisture build-up can result in peeling paint, mold growth and deterioration of drywall. Moisture from a bathroom can also seep into the walls and ceilings of the room causing damage to other rooms in the house as well. The cosmetic damage may cost several hundred dollars to fix, but mold growth and spores can lead to health problems that include respiratory symptoms, nausea, vomiting and more. Dampness in the home can lead to an increase in house dust, mites and fungal spores which can trigger allergies.