Typically it takes 2.5 hrs for a complete Comprehensive Inspection
Click pic for Sample Report
Optional Testing
Radon Testing (podcast)
Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas.
You can’t see radon. And you can’t smell or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That’s because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is a second leading cause of lung cancer in United States today. Only smoking causes more long cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of long cancer is especially high.
Water Radon Testing
Radon In Water
Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems. Sometimes radon enters the home through well water in a small number of homes, the building materials can give off radon too, however, building materials rarely cause radon problems by themselves.
Radon comes from a natural decay of uranium that’s found in nearly all soils. It typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Your home traps trade on inside, where it can build up. Any home may have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes with or without basements. Radon problems and water can be readily fixed. Most effective treatment is to remove radon from water before it enters the home. This is called point of entry treatment. Treatment at your water tap is called point of use treatment. Unfortunately, point of use treatment will not reduce most of the inhalation risk from radon. If you’ve tested your home and found radon a problem, and your water comes from a well, have your water tested. (For more info in Wisconsin call 608-267-4795)
Safe Water Testing
You should test your well water every year for coliform bacteria. If you are pregnant or have infants under six months of age, you should also check for nitrate. Water should also be tested if you notice any change in taste, odor or appearance or after flooding.
Carbon Monoxide Testing (podcast)
Why should I be concerned about carbon monoxide (CO)?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas that can build up to dangerous concentrations indoors when fuel- burning devices are not properly operated, vented, or maintained. Because it has no odor, color or taste, CO cannot be detected by smell, taste, or sight. It is estimated that acute CO poisoning contributes annually to more than 2,000 deaths in the United States.1 In addition, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 8,000 to15,000 people each year are examined or treated in hospitals for non-fire related CO poisoning. Breathed over long periods of time, low concentrations of CO may also contribute to other illness. Fortunately, simple measures can be taken to prevent CO problems. One such action is the installation of a CO alarm to detect potentially deadly conditions.
1Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 288(8): 988-995; August 28, 2002.
Note that combustion gases from these appliances can be dangerous. Carbon monoxide meter tests to determine if gases are entering your home.
Moisture Meter Testing
Testing Housing Materials for Moisture
Too much moisture in the home can be damaging to your health and the house structure.
The amount of moisture in concrete, wood and drywall can be measured. Also, the amount of moisture in wood joists, studs, furniture cabinetry can be determined with a moisture meter. If the moisture content is less than 10% don't worry. Readings above 20% could indicate a problem.
If your house contains excess moisture:
- Turn up your thermostat higher than normal.
- Crack open two or more windows.
- Run exhaust fans.
- Run the bathroom fan beyond shower time.
- Use a dehumidifier (especially in hot, humid months).
- Check to see that exhaust appliances are running properly. Furnace, water heater and clothes dryers that are improperly vented increase moisture in the home.
Flood Analysis Reports
What is the impact of FEMA's remapping?
How a Property's Flood Risk Can Change.
Many of the nation's Flood Insurance Rate Maps have become outdated due to urban development, changes in natural landscapes, and other factors. While some maps have been updated at various times, many are 10, 15, even 20 years old.
In 2005 FEMA began the Map Modernization Initiative, a massive, multi-year project of re-examining the nation's flood zones and issuing new maps. The new maps will be based on more accurate, current data and employ the latest mapping technology.
New Flood Insurance Rate Maps have already been issued for many communities, and additional maps will be completed throughout the course of the project.
FEMA estimates that in 2007, 26% of the U.S. population will live in communities slated to receive new flood maps, and another 19% in 2008.
All this map revision activity means there's an increasing chance that the flood zone status of a home may have changed since the previous owner purchased it, or may change in the near future.
By including a Flood Analysis with the home inspection process, you give the homebuyer the most current flood zone information available.
Our Focus:
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Is the home safe?
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Is everything operational at this time?
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Are their deficiencies or signs of potential failure?
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Are the components installed in a professional manner?
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Should small things be repaired or replaced now, to prevent large expenses in the future?
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Our Reports are the Narrative Type (Not a Check list) with color digital pictures, to more define the problem area's.
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