Additional Services.

Sewer Scope Inspections

Starting at $175

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.

48 Hour Radon Testing

Starting at $175

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.

Mold Testing

Starting at $175

Do I Need Mold Testing?

You may think that you only need mold testing if you can already see visual signs of mold – but that’s not the case. In fact, mold testing is usually required when you think there may be mold but are unable to see any. Mold can hide inside walls, structural areas, and other parts of the house that may be difficult to check on your own.

So, you should consider mold testing when you smell mold, you think that there may be moisture issues in the home, or if you feel like the overall air quality inside a home is poor. These can all be indicators that mold may be present.

What’s The Process Like?

There are a few different ways to test for mold. An air test may be used to collect spores from inside the home. We then send them in for testing in a laboratory to check for the presence of mold.

In other cases, bulk samples may be taken. A piece of the affected area can be physically removed and sent in for testing. Swab samples and tape samples may also be taken of the areas that may have mold present.

What Are The Benefits Of Mold Testing?

Mold testing gives you peace of mind, ensures that you’re buying a home without any serious mold problems. It protects you and your family from potentially-dangerous black mold and also helps identify other potential issues, like water leaks and flooding, that could also affect the structural integrity of the home. Schedule your appointment now, or contact us for more information.

Surface testing can be as simple as one swab in one location or paired with a multiple swab and air sampling package. When is a surface sample recommended?

  • When visible or suspected mold is present.
  • Where a cleanup or removal of visible mold took place.
  • When a third party will be involved with repairs to ensure those repairs are done properly.

Air sampling packages start with 3 air samples; 1 outside for a control and 2 inside. Larger and multilevel homes may require additional samples. A good rule of thumb is one sample for every 600 SqFt or large separated area. When you should consider an indoor air quality test?

  • When a recent or past water intrusion is suspected.
  • When a “must” smell is noticed.
  • When an occupant of the home is suffering from respiratory distress.
  • When a recent mold remediation took place and you want to verify the effectiveness.

Asbestos

Starting at $175

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.

Lead Paint Testing

Starting at $175

We offer lead paint testing onsite with chemical swabs or sample testing through a certified laboratory. Lead was a common additive to paint for many years, it is usually not a hazard if it is in good condition and undisturbed. When a material is disturbed and becomes airborne it can cause many health issues. We recommend you have lead testing conducted on any material that will be removed or disturbed.

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