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General |
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Our basic inspection consists of a structural evaluation and an assessment
of the mechanical components of the home. The foundation and framing members
of the home are examined for structural integrity in relation to its age and
any abnormal conditions are noted. Our inspector will typically traverse the
roof to determine the level of wear of the covering through such indicators
as degranulation, brittleness, and cracks in the material. In the attic, the
inspector will determine whether there is sufficient ventilation to
facilitate air exchange in the attic space and examine the framing members
for damage and construction methods. The type and efficiency of insulation
is noted as well and recommends are made in regards to such. |
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| The mechanical portion of the
General home inspection examines the electrical, heating, and plumbing
systems. In addition, appliances to be included in the
sale of the home will be function tested as a courtesy evaluation during most
inspections. For the electrical system, we will examine components including
ground fault interrupters (GFI), outlets, switches, the panel box, to scrutinize
for defects such as but not limited to piggy back wiring, overloaded wires, open
grounds, frayed masts, and hot exposed wiring. The evaluation of the heating
system provides an estimated life expectancy of the unit as well as functional
assessments of the unit and its associated components. We will also test the hot
water heater and the pressure relief valve. For the plumbing and waste systems,
our inspector will flush the components to ascertain leaks, disjunctures, and
obstructions in addition to the adequacy of the pressure. The water main shut
off will also be tested to determine its efficacy in servicing the home. |
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Wood Destroying Insect |
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As per the guidelines of the PA Department of Agriculture, the wood destroying
insect inspection involves meticulous investigation of the building components
for the three major classes of wood boring insects: powder post beetles,
termites, and carpenter ants. We will examine any visible evidence such but not
limited to live insects, mud tubes, frass, and exit holes, to determine whether
the infestation is active or not. If so, we will recommend an appropriate course
of treatment.W |
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Well Water |
For rural homes being supplied by a well, we will collect a sample of the water
and send it to a PA State Certified Laboratory for Bacteriological Drinking
Water Analyses. Utilizing sampling procedures as prescribed under the PA Safe
Drinking Water Act as it relates to detection of coliform bacteria in drinking
water, the lab will determine the precise amounts of coliform bacteria and fecal
contamination. Based on the results, the lab can ascertain whether the sample is
in compliance with State Standards for Potable Water. |
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Radon |
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Radon gas testing is conducted under the prescribed recommendations of the PA
Department of Environmental Protection typically utilizing Continuous Radon
Monitors (left, below) to provide the most accurate results as possible. We follow a stringent
Quality Assurance program including duplicate monitors, blanks, and annual
calibrations, to ensure the accuracy of our readings. For more information on
Radon, please visit the DEP website. Click on the following DEP link to gauge
Radon levels in your zip code:
Radon Test Results Data. |
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Septic |
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Our septic evaluation is a tripartite process: stress, dye, and probe. First,
the waste treatment system is placed under stress by running upwards of 150
gallons of water into the system in approximately one hour – the equivalent to
the total daily usage of household water for a family of four. Second, colored
dye is flushed into the system to allow the inspector to more easily identify
problems in the tank and leach field. Third, the inspector will perform random
probing of the leach field area to determine the efficiency of the leach field
in processing such a large volume of water. Spongy areas or leaks in the field
are identified to allow the inspector to make a supposition regarding problems
within the system. The stress, probe, and dye method is an efficient and
cost-effective way to determine the capability of the system to proficiently
treat and process waste. |
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