Water Testing

Listed here are some of the most common drinking water problems we find in New Hampshire. Not only can these affect your health but also can make maintaining your home challenging – we have all seen those ugly stains in the bathroom sink and on plumbing fixtures!

samples are collected and brought to an independent laboratory for analysis. Water testing usually takes three days and the results will be emailed directly to you and your agent if requested. We know the real estate industry has short deadlines, and we make every effort to obtain water samples before your inspection so you will not be kept waiting for results.

Are you looking for information about water filtration systems? We are proud to be one of the first inspectors in the state to be certified for the evaluation of water filtration systems

Radon (Water)

Radon is a gas produced by the decay of the radioactive elements uranium and radium. This comes from the bedrock under our homes. It is colorless and odorless. The gas can be found in the soil and released into the well water. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon mitigation systems for water depend on the levels in the water. Typically they consist of aerators that introduce air into the system, removing the gas before it enters the home’s plumbing system.

Arsenic

Arsenic is naturally found in wells from the fractured bedrock that occurs during the drilling process. Agricultural and industrial practices can increase the presence of arsenic. When in water, even at high levels, it has no color or odor. Over time, drinking water with arsenic can cause it to accumulate in the body and lead to an increased risk of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders. Since arsenic is not absorbed through the skin, the remedy would be a Reverse Osmosis drinking water system.

Iron/Manganese

Metallic elements that are commonly found in soil and rock. Sometimes iron pipes can also be the source of iron in the water. High levels of these minerals often cause orange or brown staining on fixtures, appliances, and clothing. They are not considered health hazards but may give the water an unpleasant, bitter, metallic taste

Water Quality Testing

Home Inspections we offer water quality testing as an add-on. This type of test will determine if your water is safe to drink. We will draw two samples from your house’s water supply and deliver it to a lab where the chemist will then run a series of tests to determine the quality of your water supply

Drinkability of water should always be tested for private well water, but some homes on a public water supply may benefit from their water tested since some types of water supply lines inside the house can cause water quality issues.

DOES MY HOUSE NEED A WATER QUALITY TEST

The short answer is yes. If your house has a well then, your water needs to be tested because there is absolutely no oversight for the quality of your water other than what you proactively choose do do. A private well on your property can have a significant number of issues with the quality of the drinking water from the minor issues such as taste to the major issues such as E.coli bacteria. If your house is connected to a public water supply it doesn’t necessarily need to be tested, but some houses have pipes in them that can cause water quality issues.

Private wells should always be tested and should be tested regularly to ensure that water is safe to drink. Public water supplies are tested by the governing body that provides the water and their test results should be public record. Unfortunately, these public water supply tests are not done at your tap and there are many things that can happen inside your house that could cause the water quality to be lower than what the public water utility is providing.

HOW MUCH DOES A REPAIR COST

Repairs for water issues can range from a few hundred dollars to install a new filter system to an unfixable issue that prevents your home from ever having safe water to drink. If your well water is unsafe and unfixable, the property value will plummet and the house may have to be abandoned.

Water Testing

Lead is a common metal found throughout the environment in lead -based paint, air, soil, household dust, food, certain types of pottery, porcelain, pewter, and in drinking water. Lead can pose a significant risk to your health. It can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells and kidneys. The greatest risk is to young children and pregnant women. Lead has been shown to slow down normal mental and physical development of infants and children.

Lead enters drinking water primarily as a result of the corrosion, or wearing away, of materials containing lead in the water distribution system and plumbing. These materials include lead-based solder used to join copper pipe, brass and chrome plated faucets, and in some cases, pipes made of lead.

You can evaluate various means to reduce lead levels. This may include replacing fixtures and piping that may be contributing lead to the water and/or installing chemical corrosion control treatment. The program selected should be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the EPA

Lead levels in your drinking water are likely to be highest if:

Your home has faucets or fittings of brass which contains some lead, or

Your home or water system has lead pipes, or

Your home has copper pipes with solder, and

The house is less than five years old, or

You have naturally soft water, or

Water often sits in the pipes for several hours.

Q: Why is lead a problem?

A: Although it has been used in numerous consumer products, lead is a toxic metal now known to be harmful to human health if inhaled or ingested. Important sources of lead exposure include: ambient air, soil and dust (both inside and outside the home), food (which can be contaminated by lead in the air or in food containers), and water (from the corrosion of plumbing).

Well Water

Home buyers whose properties are served by well water need to test that the water purity is satisfactory and healthy. In addition, home buyers are typically required to have water quality testing as a condition to mortgage approval.

WATER QUALITY IS A CONCERN FOR MANY REASONS:

Drinking and bathing in contaminated water can cause serious health problems for your family.

If you are purchasing a home with a private well, you should also be concerned about its physical condition.

Sometimes a well becomes contaminated because it is defective. In other words, it’s not the water source that’s the problem, it’s the well itself. Wells can be very expensive to repair or replace ($5,000 – $10,000 per well).Your lender may require that the well pass a water test prior to loan approval.

Whether you are purchasing a home or have lived in yours for a long time, a private well should be tested for the most common contaminates: bacteria, nitrates, nitrites and lead.

WHAT HOME BUYERS NEED TO KNOW

Millions of live in homes connected to private wells. Whether they’re for bathing, drinking or the plumbing, these wells are key components of the property. Therefore, it’s equally important – if not more so – that the water is tested to ensure safety and quality. However, many home buyers overlook this critical step when in the market for a new home, simply because it’s not a problem for every listing – only those that are hooked up to private wells

WHY TEST THE WATER QUALITY?

If you’re asking why you should test the water in a private well, the answer is simple: your family’s health and safety. Contaminated wells can contain bacteria, nitrates, nitrites and lead. More extensive tests also look for chlorine, clarity of water, iron and even the pH level. All this is done to ensure that the quality is safe not just for toilets, but also for bathing and drinking.

HOW CAN BAD WATER AFFECT A HOME SALE?

While the health and safety of the residents is paramount, there’s another reason why testing the water is a must before buying a home. A damaged well – or a well with low-quality water – could lead to delays in closing and even impact the property’s overall value. This water supply is integral to homes connected to private wells, and any problem, even a minor one, affects the livability of the house. If the buyer finds that the well is contaminated, he or she could either request a lower purchase price or walk away completely. In many cases, it would at least lead to a delay in closing.

WATER TESTING

Provide additional tests for water. The presence of bacteria, lead, and/or nitrate in your home’s water supply can indicate septic tank failure, well/pump problems, and most importantly, cause immediate health risks to those living in the home. Water testing helps identify potential problems with the water supply and allows us to suggest feasible courses of action to address these issues.

Well Inspections

well inspections involve evaluating the functionality of the well pump as well as proper water flow at fixtures throughout the home. A bacteria sample is included with all of our well inspections. Additional water tests such as Lead, Nitrate / Nitrite may also be added for an additional cost.

offers the following water tests:

Bacteria only

Lead in water

Nitrate / Nitrite

The Benefits of Water Quality Testing

No matter if you have well water or public water, you worry about the quality of the water that comes from your home’s tap. It’s entirely understandable considering how many places are facing problems with their water. Stop being concerned about your water quality and employ water test labs to help you in determining if there’s anything to be concerned about with your water. Several benefits come from having your water tested through water test laboratories.

Peace of Mind

The first benefit is that it offers peace of mind. You’ll know for sure if there’s anything wrong with your water and its quality without a doubt. Then, you can either relax or address the issue that was found with the test.

Hard to Find Contaminants

Having your water tested privately will cover a wide range of contaminants in your water. Every water treatment plant has different standards and tests that they run. By having your water tested yourself, you’ll know that a comprehensive analysis has been done on your water’s quality.

Insights into Health Concerns

Contaminants in the water could be behind health concerns that you have. For instance, you may have problems with your skin, such as dryness, itchiness, or even rashes. You may have issues with your scalp, or your hair always feels dirty. It’s easy to assume that it’s from the weather, not drinking enough water, or just the way your body is. But, it could be from the water that you’re showering with during your daily routine. Hard water can be an underlying cause of your skin condition, and knowing this can help you address that root problem. Hard water doesn’t thoroughly rinse you off during a shower as soft water will.

What are the Effects of Waterborne Contaminants on Health

The EPA has a list of more than 80 contaminants that can effect your water quality which can pose a risk to your. The contaminants fall into two categories according to the health effects that they cause.

Acute Effects

Acute effects occur within hours or days of the time that a person consumes a contaminant. People can suffer acute health effects from almost any contaminant if they are exposed to extraordinarily high levels (as in the case of a spill). In water, microbes, such as bacteria and viruses, are the contaminants with the greatest chance of reaching levels high enough to cause acute health effects.

Most people’s bodies can fight off these microbial contaminants the way they fight off germs, and these acute contaminants typically don’t have permanent effects. Nonetheless, when high enough levels occur, they can make people ill, and can be dangerous or deadly for a person whose immune system is already weakened.

Chronic Effects

Chronic effects occur after people consume a contaminant at levels over EPA’s safety standards over the course of many years. The water contaminants that can have chronic effects include chemicals (such as disinfection byproducts, solvents and pesticides), radionuclides (such as radium), and minerals (such as arsenic). Examples of these chronic effects include cancer, liver or kidney problems, or reproductive difficulties

Basics.

Getting enough water every day is important for your health. Healthy people meet their fluid needs by drinking when thirsty and drinking with meals. Most of your fluid needs are met through the water and beverages you drink. However, you can get some fluids through the foods that you eat. For example, broth soups and foods with high water content such as celery, tomatoes, or melons can contribute to fluid intake.

Water helps your body:

• Keep your temperature normal
• Lubricate and cushion joints
• Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues
• Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements

Your body needs more water when you are:

• In hot climates
• More physically active
• Running a fever
• Having diarrhea or vomiting

How do contaminants (germs and chemicals) get into my drinking water?

There can be many sources of contamination of our water systems. Here is a list of the most common sources of contaminants:

• Naturally occurring chemicals and minerals (for example, arsenic, radon, uranium)
• Local land use practices (fertilizers, pesticides, livestock, concentrated animal feeding operations)
• Manufacturing processes
• Sewer overflows
• Malfunctioning wastewater treatment systems (for example, nearby septic systems)

Many contaminants that pose known human health risks are regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA makes sure that water meets certain standards, so you can be sure that high levels of contaminants are not in your water.

Signs of contaminated water

It is important for the EHP, or whoever is in charge of the water supply within the community, to constantly monitor the quality of the water.

One sign that the water supply might be contaminated is when several people from different families in the community become sick at the same time. A contaminated community water supply can make lots of people sick at the same time. Remember, however, such sickness may also be caused by contaminated food or vectors carrying disease-causing germs.

It is, therefore, a good idea to occasionally check the complete water supply system for any problems. If any are found they must be fixed. It might be necessary to call the water supplier for help in locating and fixing the problem. Where contamination by germs is suspected, sampling of the entire water supply system is recommended to find the contamination source. This is done by working through the water supply system and sampling at different places.

The results of these samples will show which parts of the system are contaminated and where the contamination may be happening.

It is important that every water tank is inspected regularly for signs of water contamination. These are signs that the water in the tank is contaminated:

• The water is a green or brown in colour
• Green slime is growing on the sides or bottom of the tank
• Faeces, rotting leaves or dead animals are in the water
• Live animals, such as frogs, are in the water
• There is no lid on the tank
• The lid of the tank is not on tightly or is rusty and has holes in it

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MOLD REMEDIATION COMPANY?

Whenever anyone notices mold in their house, the first thing which comes to mind is to get rid of it as soon as possible. You should know that the presence of mold in your house is an alarming situation, and it can make everything you love in your home vulnerable. Most of the experts recommend to not live in the house till every single inch of mold is removed from your house as it brings in various safety issues. It doesn’t matter on which scale molds have stormed into your home; one of your priorities should be to get rid of it in the most precise way possible.

Many people think that they can get rid of mold from their house on their own, but that is not a good choice because if you do not take right precautionary measures, then the mold can affect your health as well. You should never make mold removal a DIY project and leave it to the professional as they have the know-how of removing every inch of mold from your house in the safest way possible.

Most people get confused while choosing a mold remediation company as there are various mold remediation companies and choosing the best one depends totally on you. So, in this blog post, we will be looking at some of the most amazing tips which you can use to choose the best mold remediation company and get rid of mold from your house as soon as possible.

CHECK LICENSE

One of your priorities while choosing a mold remediation company is to check their license as there is no excuse for such a company not to have an official permit and insurance for your area. Before making the final decision, you should ask the company about their license and insurance, and if they are not able to provide you these essential documents, then you should immediately switch to another company. There are various options for such companies, and you are not bound to stick with the one which doesn’t have the proper documentation to carry on their work in your area.

COLLECT QUOTES

If you want to choose the best mold remediation, then you should collect at least three quotes from three different mold remediation companies. By adopting this approach, you will be able to increase your chances of choosing the best one in the market. You should know that most of the companies will be happy to provide you a quote without any hesitation as they will see you as a potential customer. Price should indeed be an essential concern while choosing such service, but this doesn’t mean that you should always go with those companies which offer the least amount as getting rid of mold is your priority.

Choosing a Mold Removal Service

Do you need to hire a mold removal service to help you with a household mold problem? Mold removal can be expensive and you’ll want to make sure you hire the right company for the job. Since your health and the health of your family rest on making sure the job is done right, it’s not a decision to be made lightly. While you probably want to get the mold removed from your home as soon as possible, and we recommend getting it taken care of as soon as possible to prevent any mold-related health problems from worsening, it’s still best to take the time you need to find the right company for the job.

Here are a few questions we recommend asking before hiring a mold removal service. Add any additional questions you may have and make sure you are satisfied with the answers before choosing a company to hire. It’s acceptable to contact more than one company, and even to have more than one company come to your home to inspect the problem and give you written estimates of the cost, before making a decision about which to hire.

We recommend against hiring companies that are unwilling to answer questions or provide references. Remember, this is a big investment. You should have access to all the information you need in order to make the best decision for yourself and your family.

How much experience do your employees have?

Can you provide references, names and numbers of other customers for whom you’ve worked? (We recommend contacting more than one previous customer of a company when checking references.)

Do you offer free in-home consultations?

Can I get a free written estimate with no obligation before I decide if I want to hire you?

I plan to file a claim with my homeowner’s insurance company to cover the cost of mold remediation. Are you accustomed to working with insurance companies? Can you provide the documentation my insurance company requires? (If you want the work to be covered by your homeowner’s insurance, check with your insurance company to see if they require you to use any particular mold removal service or if you can choose any company you like.)

Do you offer any kind of guarantee for your work? What happens if I have my home tested for mold after the mold remediation is completed and mold is still found? (And we do recommend you have your home tested for mold after the job has been completed. For a list of certified mold testers in your area.)

How soon could you begin the job if I decide to hire you?

To Find Mold Remediation Services Near You

To assist you with your search for a mold remediation service, we’d like to offer you a list of professional mold removal services in your area. While we cannot make any guarantees about any particular company, we believe these companies provide quality services. Be sure to ask questions and also request references. For a list of mold removal services near you

How to Hire the Right Mold Remediation Company

Water damage from floods or even leaky pipes can cause serious mold damage to both commercial and residential properties. In most cases, the damage goes unnoticed for long periods as it usually occurs in isolated areas such as the basement. Dealing with mold and smelly odors is a difficult situation for any homeowner.

Upon discovery of mold, fungus, or mildew, homeowners or managers of the affected property should hire mold mitigation experts at once as any further delays could cause structural damage and is hazardous for the health of the inhabitants. Once water damage has been set in, only experts armed with professional gear can completely root out the problem, eliminating foul odors and stains that decrease the value of your property

Experience Always Counts

As the owner of a mold-infested property, you should consider hiring a restoration company that has experience in mold removal services. Mold removal companies with a solid reputation and a well-trained workforce should be given priority. Homeowners should avoid contractors that visit different localities with a few tools and claim to be experts at mold removal. Well established companies should have a physical location

Insurance and License

The most optimal restoration companies should have licenses and insurance for mold mitigation. A reputable company would have insurance against any damage caused by its employees in dealing with fungus, molds, and dangerous chemicals. Homeowners should avoid going to uninsured contractors as a cheaper option because any damages by their crew are transferred to the client. This ends up causing more damage than the mold issue itself.

Prices Offers and Estimates

Reputable companies offering cleanup and restoration services will be able to give their potential customers free estimates. Homeowners are advised to get a quick quote from different companies over a call or via appointments. You shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions to get the best value for the money you are paying.

MOLD REMOVAL & REMEDIATION

“Black mold” strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners with good reason. It can cause serious health issues for everyone.  Especially vulnerable are the very young and very old. There’s no reason to panic if you find this unwelcome visitor in your home, but it is extremely important that you have a professional inspection as soon as possible.

A Safe Solution

Break the Mold knows how to identify the root cause of your mold problem and eliminate the conditions that allowed the mold (black or other types) to grow in the first place. Using a safe, non-toxic treatment, we’ll treat existing mold and show you how to take steps to help keep it from becoming a problem again. Prevention is key!

Custom Treatment for Your Situation

When it comes to mold, there are no generic answers; every situation and every home is unique.  This is why we always start with an inspection.  This allows us to craft a plan specifically for your home

Executing the plan almost always involves minor construction work to address moisture issues. You can handle this yourself or we can do it for you using trusted and licensed contractors we’ve worked with before. The amount of work needed depends on your specific situation.

The mold remediation itself is done using a unique and proven mold removal process that effectively and safely decontaminates your home.  Break the Mold uses a less labor-intensive procedure than traditional methods, making our solution surprisingly affordable.

Tips for Using Microfiber Cloths during Mold Remediation

If you haven’t included cleaning with microfiber as part of your mold remediation regimen, you’re missing out on a great method of removing mold particles. Microfiber cloths are not only ultra-absorbent, but their small fibers can help capture mold spores you might otherwise miss. Here’s more on how microfiber is a smart way to finish up mold restoration

Use Microfiber Cloths to Remove Mold Particles from Surfaces      

Removal of mold involves the use of air filtration devices, which minimize the spread of airborne contamination, and fogging, which helps to better control particles. Fogging adds small droplets of liquid to the air to force mold particles to cling together, further preventing them from spreading. Though these methods do a thorough job of removing particles from the air, they can still leave behind particles on surfaces that even vacuums might miss.

Microfiber, on the other hand, does an exceptional job at removing particles from surfaces. Microfiber cloths have small fibers that lock in any and all dust, dirt, and spores. These fibers tend to be much smaller in size compared to fibers in standard cleaning cloths, such as cotton making them ideal for capturing the smallest of particles.

To put microfiber’s incredibly small size into perspective, it is at least 1/100th the diameter of a human hair. Microfiber must be smaller than 1 denier (a unit of measurement that expresses fiber thickness), and high-quality microfiber used for cleaning is often 0.5 denier or smaller, some even as low as 0.1!  Mold spores are measured in micrometers (microns), 10 Micrometers (Microns) is equal to 1 Denier. Mold spores on average range anywhere from 3-100 Microns, meaning that a high-quality microfiber (5 microns or less), is effective at picking them up.

Choosing Microfiber Cloths For Mold Restoration

Not all microfiber cloths are the same. There are a variety of different weaves, types, and thicknesses that make each cloth great for different uses. Below we’ll go over what type of microfiber cloths are the best to use for mold restoration.

Factors to Consider When Looking for a Mold Inspection Company

Exposure to mold can have serious health effects such as a cold with accompanying flu symptoms. It is vital to have mold inspection conducted in your home to eliminate such issues that might emanate from mold. The choice of a mold inspection company is not easy. Therefore, you have to consider several factors before opting for a mold inspection company. This article explains these different elements.

Certification

You should do extensive research before settling on a certain mold inspection company. Most companies have websites and the “about us” page reveals whether they are industry certified or not. The mold inspection field might appear to be hugely unregulated. However, check whether they have certification from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC).

Testimonials and Experience

Testimonials and experience are essential factors to consider. They help ensure that you do not settle for mold inspector who is actually a rookie. The testimonials could be by word of mouth or you can find them in the inspectors or company’s website. This therefore implies that you have to enquire about the company and any possible recommendations. It ensures that you settle for a company that will exceed your expectations.

Insurance

It is vital to hire an inspector who has insurance that duly covers them. This protects and guards you in case there might be any possible losses. Insurance is therefore very important, especially pertaining to liability if any accident happens in your house. This also applies when there is sub-contracting. Such contractors also have to be well trained and insured as well. They ought to bear documents or credentials clearly depicting the same.

Price and Pre Testing

The price of mold inspection varies from company to company. It is good and prudent for you to get quotations and compare them before choosing and settling for one. Some companies insist on pre-testing mold but this is not important, as it escalates the prices. Professionals who insist on doing these tests only want your money and to ultimately drain your bank. It is also not ideal for you to choose quotations that are exceedingly low hence; this should be a major red flag. Only quacks charge very low prices, as they are not properly trained but just merely experimental.

How to Choose a Certified Mold Inspector

Experience

How many mold inspections has the company performed? An experienced mold inspector most likely will have performed several hundred mold inspections per year. That way you know the mold inspector has seen a wide variety of scenarios. Ask your mold inspector how many verifiable mold inspections have been performed in the Los Angeles area.

Credentials

There a several types of certifications and as many certifying organizations. The mold inspection company should carry Workers’ Compensation insurance and professional liability insurance. They should hold membership in good standing with at least one nationally recognized trade association for mold professionals. The certifying organization should also be nationally recognized with an online registry of certified professionals. In both cases, you can verify the mold inspection company’s trade association membership and the mold inspector’s certification. Not all certifications are created equal! Make sure the mold inspector’s certification is based on verifiable work experience and the certification is issued by an accredited educational organization.

Inspection Equipment

Every mold inspector should have the basics: a moisture meter, an air sampling pump, and a respirator. Several other tools should be at the inspector’s disposal including sampling media (swabs, air cassettes), flash light, gloves, knee pads, and a mirror. There are various types of each of these tools. Ideally, the mold inspector will have the latest technology available. There are other tools that are high tech such as a thermal imaging camera which is a tool designed to detect temperature variations typically associated with moisture.

References

With the abundance of review sites on the internet, it should be pretty easy to get an idea about the mold inspection company’s reputation. Any company that has been around for several years is bound to have a couple unsatisfied customers. But what is even more alarming are no reviews at all. It makes you wonder if the company has been around long enough (or is qualified enough) to be considered for the job at hand. With some due diligence on your part, you should be able to see a trend in the volume of reviews: a majority of good reviews means you probably have a reputable mold inspection company under consideration. Also, make sure the company actually responds to reviews. If a company ignores any review, it could mean a company lacks the appreciation for every customer served. A popular subscription based consumer review site is Angie’s List. Reviews are provided by real people that pay to be on the site. There is a mutual understanding among members that the reviews are only useful if they are truthful. A paid subscription-based consumer site means members have a vested interest in providing genuine reports because s/he will be depending on other reviews when making his/her hiring decision. Other popular review sites are Better Business Bureau, Google Maps and Yelp

Mold “Test Only”

In my opinion, mold inspection companies should only perform mold testing and not perform mold repair. It is considered a conflict of interest to do both because the test and repair company may exaggerate the problem in order to overcharge for a solution. Mold inspection costs for “test only” companies are paid at the time of the inspection

Picking The Right Mold Inspection Service

It takes a lot of things in order to live healthily, and one of the most important aspects is to have a healthy living environment. We know it’s pretty obvious, but that’s why proper cleaning and an adherence to hygiene really matters, even more so than having a place that looks good. In order to achieve that, you need to clean regularly and have preventative maintenance done, such as regular mold inspections.

That’s easy enough, right? You either jump online or grab your Yellow Pages, book an appointment with the first mold inspector you find, and you’ll be assured of getting excellent service and wonderful results, all at a reasonable price. Well…it doesn’t quite work like that. Just like any other type of business, there are companies you’d be delighted to work with, and then there are the less desirable ones. Read on for a few tips to help you choose the right mold inspector.

First, remember that not everyone has the same kinds of problems with mold. Some people are strictly taking precautions by having an inspection done. Others have had recurring issues, and they’re praying the problem is gone. The wise choice is to pick a company that handles numerous issues, inspections to let you know what your situation looks like, and eradication to get rid of mold once and for all.

What a company does is important, but how it does it is just as important. Specifically, the company you consider ought to have access to the latest equipment. They should have testing equipment for moisture testing, air quality testing, HVAC reports, leak testing, and microbiological testing. Once the inspection is concluded, you should expect to receive a report laying out how serious the mold situation is and what can be done to resolve it.

Next, it’s important to find a company that’s been in business for a while and has a proven track record. If an inspector has been on the job for a long period of time, they likely have gained the experience to recognize a number of different issues and have a number of solutions. You’ll also want to ask if the company is licensed and if their employees hold certifications for providing mold inspection services.

Tips to Get an Effective Mold Inspection

The mold inspection and remediation process is a balancing act of ensuring occupant health and safety and preserving the property value for the owner.

The mold inspection company you choose should offer a value proposition that stands apart from others. The credentials should include a certification, experience, a fine work product and a competitive price. In addition, the company should be able to provide multiple references of past customers who were satisfied with their experience.

To minimize the chance for conflict of interest, the mold inspection company should strictly be in the business of inspecting, testing and consulting. That way, the company has no vested interested in benefiting from the repair that may be necessary through mold remediation.

The inspection report should be a two-part document – lab results and an inspection report. Once mold testing is conducted, samples should be sent to an independent laboratory for analysis. The results of the lab analysis will be interpreted by the inspection company, which will then provide a comprehensive analysis of the property condition, laboratory findings and recommendations

The report should be easy to understand when you read it. Some inspectors simply provide lab results without any additional documentation. An inspector also serves as a consultant and should be able to produce a document to reflect his/her interpretation of the inspection process

Tips of Choosing a Mold Inspection Company

There are many health problems that are associated with mold exposure. Hiring a mold inspection company immediately you notice a problem is very important. The main reason you are hiring this company is so that they can be able to identify the main source of the problem you have. The mold inspector will also provide you with advice on what you need to do about your problem. Choosing the right mold inspection company is imperative if you want your work to be done in the best way. Here, I will talk about the clues that you can use to help you choose the best mold inspection company.

As you choose the mold inspection company, you need to consider the training that they have. Hiring the best company is very important even though the industry is not regulated. You need to look out for institutions that can assist you to choose the best mold inspection company. If the mold inspector is trained, it means that they understand about building envelop. They also have important certification in mold inspection and infrared technology. If the mold inspection company has certification in water damage restoration, you can hire them for the services that you need

Prior settling on the mold inspection company, you must ensure that you know of the procedures that they use to offer their services. If the inspector is well trained and experienced, they will have a checklist that they follow when providing these services. It is important to hire an open company because they have the ability to explain to you the procedures that they use step by step on how they identify the areas where mold in coming from in your property. If the company has the right protocol, they will have the capacity of identifying the problem you have within a short amount of time

The equipment and tools that mold inspection companies use can play a major role in the company that you decide to settle on. In the mold inspection industry, there are numerous tools and equipment that companies can use for inspection and detection of mold. If the mold inspection company has invested in the right technology, then you can be sure that the services that they offer you will be of high quality. The upside of having this equipment is that it can help the company detect your mold problems as well as confirm these findings. If you want to get high quality services, you need to hire a company that has trained its employees to use mold inspection equipment; this training will also help these people to offer you efficient services

How to Choose a Home Inspector

Would you call a retail store and ask “How much do you charge for a TV?” Probably not. You’d have to do research and decide what you want to buy before asking for prices.

Home buyers often ask me this because they’re trying to find the inspector that offers the best deal. When buyers are only concerned with the price of a home inspection, they have already made an assumption that all home inspectors offer the same thing, and they assume they’re comparing apples to apples. This just isn’t true.

When reviewing a sample report, there is much more to look for than just photos and illustrations. Watch out for useless report writing that is designed to cover the home inspector’s butt, not yours. A bad report would contain a lot of phrases like “This was observed, recommend further evaluation and correction by a licensed blah blah blah”.  With this type of writing, you could easily have an inspection report that recommends a dozen additional inspections.   If further inspections are needed, that’s fine, but these recommendations should never be made lightly, because additional inspections require more time and money.

When I first started inspecting, I was told by a home inspection instructor that this was the best way to write a report. As I’ve written more and more reports over the years, I’ve come to realize that home inspection schools teach this style only to protect the inspector. This doesn’t provide a service for the client.  A good home inspection report will clearly state the problem, explain the significance of the problem if it’s not obvious, and will give a recommended course of action.

When picking out a home inspector, spend some time researching inspectors, even if you receive three different names of inspectors from your real estate agent. Many agents give out three names because they don’t want to assume liability if their client isn’t happy with the inspection, not because they have three companies that do great work. For more tips on finding an inspector online

HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD HOME INSPECTOR?

Choosing the right home inspector is almost as important as choosing the right house. A good home inspector will provide you with an invaluable amount of information about the house you are interested in buying. With this information, you can decide if you want to continue with the purchase of the home or look for a different house that better suits your needs.

Education

Not all home inspectors have the same background and training. When speaking to an inspector, don’t be afraid to ask them about their training and education. A good home inspector should have extensive training on all the systems and components in a house. Continuing education is also important. Home inspectors should complete continuing education courses regularly to stay on top of new policies and regulations.

Certifications

Home inspectors can complete a number of different certifications to expand their knowledge and better serve their clients. Some common certifications include infrared, pest and termite, and indoor air quality (mold).

Experience

Experience is an important part of being a good home inspector. You can gauge an inspectors experience by asking them how many inspections they have completed or how long they have been a home inspector. If you are dealing with a specific problem like Chinese drywall, ask the inspector if they have experience dealing with these types of issues. An experienced inspector will be able to provide more insight which will help you decide if the problem is a deal breaker or not.

Client Reviews

Other people’s experience with a specific home inspector can help you determine if they are a good home inspector or not. You can usually find the inspector’s reviews by visiting their google listing, yelp page, or facebook page. When looking at reviews, consider the number of reviews and the overall rating.

How to choose a home inspector

top-notch home inspector discovers and helps you understand your properties’ strengths, limitations, and liabilities. With an inspector’s assessment, it’s easier to decide whether a property is worth buying, or when you’re selling, to prepare for any potential objections buyers might have.

“Based on the size and scope of the property, you want someone with experience in similar properties so you’re getting what you really need,” he says. So if you have a 100-unit apartment building and you’re talking to an inspector who usually inspects smaller buildings or single-family homes, he or she probably isn’t the best fit.

Additionally, Quint explains that inspectors with a background in architecture or engineering will have more construction knowledge and an understanding of the structures and systems they evaluate. Those with real estate management experience will, too, and they’re usually well-versed in the ins and outs of proper building maintenance.

When you find an inspector that’s a good fit for your property, ask what services they provide. Most can do basic inspections, but you may need more specialized services, such as evaluation of environmental issues or thermal imaging to detect electrical hot spots. Look for inspectors who have the right expertise or partner with qualified specialists. And finally, before you make a decision, ask them for a sample report from a property that’s similar to yours.

Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — A potential buyer may want to know if any units or the building itself accommodates tenants with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility

How to Choose the Best Home Inspection Company

Moving into a new home is like a dream come true. The level of excitement and enthusiasm that you have is hard to define. Now imagine inspecting a problem in the AC unit on your first day in your new home. Thanks to a faulty component in the AC, you’ll have to deal with insane heat in your home.

How to Find a Trustworthy Home Inspector

A home inspector will be evaluating the property that you’re interested in buying and it is important that you choose one who is reliable and trustworthy so that you can rest assured that your home inspection is carried out thoroughly. Here are a few tips on how to choose the best home inspection company in Tallahassee or other areas.

Ask for the Experience and Certificate of the Home Inspector

It is important to hire a person who has adequate knowledge and experience about home inspections. Since many states require home inspectors to be licensed, it is even better if you hire someone who has proper training and does this job full-time at a professional organization.

Ask Your Real-Estate Agent for a Reference

If you are buying a house through a real estate agent, it is convenient for you to hire a home inspector. All you have to do is to ask your agent to refer you to a trustworthy inspector and your work will be done. The reason we are encouraging you to talk to your agent is because most real estate agents interact with home inspectors on a regular basis. They know who the experts are and they are motivated to connect you with the most experienced professional.

Relevant Reports

Before hiring a company for your potential home to be inspected, you should ask them to show you sample reports so that you have an idea of the extent to which the home inspector will vet the house.

How to Avoid Hiring a Bad Home Inspector

Hiring an unqualified home inspector can be disastrous for you as the buyer. It could even lead to the seller canceling the transaction. There are steps you can take to ensure you are working with inspectors who are professionally qualified. These steps can include asking for credentials at the outset and reviewing a home inspection report they have created for another buyer.

Ask for Credentials and Qualifications

Choose a certified inspector. There is no shortage of home inspector associations. One of the best known and oldest organizations is the American Society of Home Inspectors. You can also ask friends for referrals or ask your real estate agent for a recommendation, but in either case, research the inspector’s qualifications.

Review a Sample Home Inspection Report

A good home inspector should agree to send you a sample report. If the assessment is only a few pages long, don’t hire that person. While report lengths may vary, comprehensive inspection reports average between 20 and 50 pages and should contain color photographs highlighting defects or problems.

Avoid Inspectors Who Recommend Contractors or Perform Repairs

Home inspectors are in the business of inspecting homes. If a home inspector offers to direct you to a contractor to work on repairs, that inspector could be creating a conflict of interest. If a home inspector takes it upon himself to recommend repairs, liability issues may ensue.

The Length of Your Home Inspection

Most home inspections take between two and three hours, and sometimes longer. During the inspection, the inspector will climb into the attic, crawl under the home or check out the basement, climb onto the roof, and should open every closet door in your home. They will check cabinets under sinks and the intakes of air conditioning units.