Older or newer home, it doesn’t make a difference! While a home may appear to look fine on the outside, there could be hidden major and minor deficiencies that may not be easily seen by the average purchaser. Not everyone knows what to look for or what questions to ask. That’s where we come in! We spend time looking closely at the structure, the plumbing, the electrical, and many other components. We look at items that could affect the structural integrity and the value of the home, including the presence of mold or radon, as well as infestation by termites or other wood destroying insects.
We produce a detailed report that summarizes the current, real-time condition of the home. Using this information, a client can make decisions about if the property meets their standards or if they need to negotiate the terms of their purchase agreement.
Our general non-invasive home inspection includes:
An inspector also has access to the latest technology, including Infrared Thermal Imaging, a device which looks for hot spots and cool spots throughout the home. This tool can show leaks and areas that aren’t getting good airflow.
A moisture meter can detect hard-to-find leaks, including behind walls or drywall. Discovering a pocket of black mold that no one is aware of could affect negotiations or even final offers.
Another tool that’s getting good results is the drone. We can fly a drone around the exterior of a home.
The following services are also home inspections and examine the same components.
Radon is a clear, tasteless, odorless and naturally-occurring gas that’s formed by the breakdown of uranium. It can be found in soil, under water and around rocks. We need to worry about radon because it is a known carcinogen and the second largest cause of lung cancer, following smoking. More than 21,000 people have had lung cancer-related deaths. Radon is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Certain protocols are also in place in many municipal building codes to make sure any radon is ventilated away from a home and possible entry areas are safely capped.
Radon Measurement for your Home
A & T Trusted Home Inspections has access to state-of-the-art equipment to accurately measure radon. We’ll present this information to you in your report. If dangerous levels are detected, it can be a lengthy and complicated process to retrofit a home to safely remove it.
A Wood Destroying Insect inspection looks for the presence or activity of termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees and powder post beetles. An invasion from any or all of these wood destroying insects can destroy a home over the course of several years, and it’s often difficult to detect. The best way to know about this kind of infestation is to get a professional WDI Inspection by a licensed professional. They have the proper tools to look deep into a home, including the crawlspace, and can help you become aware of unwanted insects. All quality and professional inspections performed by A & T Trusted Home Inspections are generated using an approved NPMA-33 form, which is the current approved paperwork required by Housing and Urban Development, Federal Housing Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs.
You may need a mold inspection if there have been water-related issues in a home or issues with plumbing, including leaks that may have gone undetected. A mold inspection also gives an air quality assessment which looks at conditions inside the home, including moisture levels and the presence of mold or other contaminants and toxins. Mold grows in areas with excessive moisture and can be a health threat to homeowners. It also can lead to issues with the home’s structural integrity. All mold inspections done by A & T Home Inspections are sent to an approved lab for a complete report and analysis.