Additional Services.

Do I Need A Sewer Scope Inspection?

As a rule, we recommend sewer scope inspections to everyone who is interested in purchasing a home. A few signs you may need an inspection include:

• Any water backing up inside the house
• Very large trees around the yard and sewer line, as the roots can constrict or damage the pipe
• The house was built more than 25 years ago, and could have clay sewer pipes which are easily damaged
• The ground around the home is shifting or seems to have moved
• You see very green or lush patches of grass, indicating a potential sewer leak

What’s The Process Like?

A professional inspector will send a flexible borescope camera down the pipes of the home, and into the sewer pipe to look for cracks, damage, and any other potential issues or major faults. The process only takes no longer than an hour, and you’ll get a comprehensive report about the condition of the sewer line afterward.

What Are The Benefits Of A Sewer Scope Inspection?

It usually costs $125 or more per foot of sewer pipe that needs to be repaired, so sewer pipe inspection can save you thousands of dollars. It also gives you peace of mind and better negotiating leverage with the home seller, should you identify an issue before you buy a home.

As a rule, we recommend that everyone get a sewer scope inspection. The process is fast and affordable, and can potentially save you an enormous amount of money. Schedule your appointment now or contact us for more information.

Do I Need Radon Testing?

Radon testing is performed to test for radon, a potentially-carcinogenic radioactive gas that’s found naturally in the Earth’s crust, which can cause lung cancer. Radon has been found in homes all over the United States, and the only way to identify it is by having a radon test done, so we highly recommend investing in a radon test if you’re still in the process of buying a home, or if you have recently purchased a home.

What’s The Process Like?

Radon testing typically uses testing devices called “passive devices.” These include charcoal canisters, alpha-track detectors, as well as other devices. Short term tests usually take somewhere between 48 hours and 90 days, while long-term tests will be in place for 90+ days. Short-term tests are better for getting immediate results, while long-term tests can help you understand potential seasonal fluctuations in your home’s radon levels.

After the test has been in place for at least 48 hours, a certified professional will then take the test to a laboratory, where it will be analyzed, and radon levels will be assessed, and a report will be issued to you.

What Are The Benefits Of Radon Testing?

The biggest benefit of radon testing is safety. Radon is a chief cause of lung cancer, causing more than 21,000 cases according to the EPA’s 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes.

Radon testing also helps you determine how you can solve this problem, and take steps to remedy high radon levels, like install a radon reduction system. Radon can often be drawn away from the home using an exhaust system, or by installing high-density plastic sheeting that makes it difficult for the gas to pass through the foundation and crawlspaces.

If you’re interested in radon testing, either for your own home or for a home you’re interested in buying, we encourage you to schedule your appointment with us right away. You can also contact us for more details about the radon testing process, and  information about the risks of undisclosed radon issues in your home.

Asbestos can be found in many items in our homes today. Although asbestos is no longer used in new products, many of us have homes from an era with asbestos. Asbestos testing generally takes 2-3 business days for certified lab results.

WHAT IS ASBESTOS?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of fine and durable fibers that are resistant to water, heat, fire, corrosion, and many other chemicals. Because of its fiber strength and heat resistance asbestos has been used in a variety of building construction materials. Most common exposure happens during remodeling, demolition and building maintenance as the material becomes air born from disturbance. In general, the more one is exposed to asbestos, the greater the chance of developing one of these three health issues; Lung cancer, Mesothelioma, and Asbestosis.

COMMON RESIDENTIAL MATERIALS CONTAINING ASBESTOS

• Insulation products found in the attic or walls such as, vermiculite or certain spray on material.
• Specific roofing and siding shingles.
• Textured coatings and patching compound for ceilings and walls.
• Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring.
• Some caulking, tapes, sealants, adhesives, and mastics.
• Gaskets on old oil and coal furnace.
• Some water proofing materials.