Quick Turnaround
Reports issued within 30 minutes of inspection
Termite
Otherwise known as Wood Destroying Organisms or Insects
Do you do VA Pest & Termite Inspections?
Yes, this is one of our specialties. Sales to VA buyers and VA refinances in Ohio usually require a wood destroying insect inspection. It can be difficult to find people who are licensed to do wood destroying insect inspections that don’t also offer treatment. We feel that this is a conflict of interest. We offer an unbiased inspection only.
What are Wood Destroying Organisms & Insects?
Wood destroying organisms & pests come in a variety of species and types. These insects and organisms are attracted to moisture and damp wood. Termites are the common type and are sometimes used synonymously with wood destroying organisms and insects.
What are signs of a Termite infestation?
- Small, pin size holes in drywall or wood
- Crumbling and/or damaged floors
- Fish-scale like wings left in and around the home
- Mounds of dry wood termite pellets
- Excessively squeaky floorboards
- Termite shelter tubes
- Audible tapping noise in heavily infested places
- Sagging floors or hollow wood
When should I get a Termite Inspection?
If you suspect there has been past or present water damage in the home or have seen any of the above symptoms.
What DIY remedies can I try to treat termites?
The best cure for termites and other wood destroying pests is prevention. Termites thrive in moist environments and like areas where wood is in direct contact with moist dirt. Preventing moisture dirt from being in direct contact with siding and sheathing on the home as well as posts is a good place to start. If there is an infestation it is best to bring in a qualified professional as the commercially available products are known to be significantly more effective than what is available at the store.
Mold
Mold Inspection Facts
Adding a mold test to your inspection can help you to feel safe in knowing whether or not you have harmful fungi in your home that your breathing in.
Mold can be a dangerous thing. Often times there can be many misconceptions about how to get rid of it. Or even what kind of mold it is. Currently there is an estimated to be over 100,000 different types of mold. Of those, at least 1,000 types have been found in The United States.
Mold Fact #1
Indoor molds destroy the materials that they feed on. This includes, bathroom walls, carpets, insulation, and ceiling.
Mold Fact #2
Exposure to high concentrations of certain molds creates health problems. When this is the case inside a home, the area must be completely removed. The reason being is because mold is like a cancer, unless it is dealt with and completely removed, it will continue to grow. The only way to have success in dealing with mold is to eradicate it.
Sewer Scope
Why Should I Schedule a Sewer Scope with my Home Inspection?
Many people have this question. There are many things that you won’t see when it comes to a home inspection. Things like wiring behind finished walls. Framing studs. The exact type of insulation used on the homes foundation walls. This is all normal and in most cases to be expected when you buy a finished home. One thing you should inspect though is your sewer line. But why would you want to do that, wouldn’t it just be a recording of unsightly objects in a pipe? Not necessarily!
What most people don’t realize is that a sewer scope can help prevent a major repair cost to you after your closing. If you schedule a sewer scope with your inspection you get a complete idea if you’ll have any potential flooding issues, any damage to the main sewer line caused by roots, bellying, negative slope, or even no slope.
With a sewer scope you’ll determine if the pipe is in good condition or if it needs to be repaired. In addition you’ll be informed of the type of pipe that was used to make your main sewer line, and how long it runs from your house to the city connection point. In the event you need to get it repaired, you will now have the grounds to work with you real estate agent to negotiate an agreement on how to get it resolved in your contract. Be sure to know as much as you can about potential major issues with in the home and schedule a sewer scope with your inspection
4 Facts to Know About Main Sewer Pipes
- A large part of sewer pipe issues stems from tree roots. Roots break the pipe and cause water to back up and create larger issues for the home owner.
- Most sewer lines cost in excess of $4,000.00 to replace.
- If you do have issues that need to be resolved its best to perform a sewer scope before closing that way you can work with your agent to create a negotiation with the sellers.
- Ignoring the warning signs of issues typically leads to major problems. The next sign of a problem may be a complete failure of your main sewer line. This means you could end up with no ability to use water in your home for days. This could also create potentially dangerous situation under the ground.
Lead Paint Inspections
Suggestions To Help Prepare For Your Lead Paint Inspection
- Make sure that no painted surfaces are chipping, pealing or flaking. Painted surfaces should be intact.
- Remove all construction-related debris from the site.
- Ensure that the area 24”-48” surrounding the foundation is clear of paint chips.
- Thoroughly vacuum the interior of the property, ideally with a HEPA vacuum or high quality vacuum.
- After vacuuming, clean all surfaces in the unit with standard household detergent (Palmolive, Simple Green, etc). Change the wash water frequently to reduce cross contamination.
- Pay special attention to all window sills, window wells, door casings, and floors.
- After wet cleaning vacuum the entire area using a HEPA or high quality vacuum.
- Visually inspect the unit and the soil outside the unit to ensure that all areas are free of debris and dust
Maryland Lead Paint Law
Maryland’s Reduction of Lead Risk in Housing law requires owners of rental properties built before 1950 to register their units with Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), distribute specific educational materials, and meet specific lead paint risk reduction standards at certain triggering events. Owners who are in compliance with this Maryland law are eligible for limited liability protection. This protection is also available for owners of rental units built after 1950 through 1978 if they choose to participate and meet the same requirements (“opt-in”).
Where is Lead Paint Found?
In general, the older your home, the more likely it has lead-based paint. Many homes in Maryland built before 1978 have lead based paint. In 1978, the federal government banned lead-based paint from housing. Lead can be found in any home, inside and outside the house, in soil around a home. (Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint, or other sources such as past use of leaded gas in cars.)
Lead is most likely to be a hazard in paint chips, which you can see, and lead dust, which you can’t always see. Lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard. Peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking lead-based paint is a hazard and needs immediate attention. Lead-based paint may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that gets a lot of wear and tear, These areas includes: windows and window sills, doors and door frames, stairs, railings and banisters, and porches and fences.
Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry scraped, dry sanded, or heated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can reenter the air when people vacuum, sweep, or walk through it. Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in bare soil or when people bring soil into the house on their shoes.
No Hassle
Landlords do not have to be present for inspection
Scheduling Service
We will schedule with tenants if their is a problem with “landlord vs tenant relationship”
Law Change Notifications
We notify you when there is a change in the law and provide 6 month reminders for renewals