Services
what is offered:
home inspections
During the purchase process - Whether you're a first time home buyer or an experienced home buyer it can be a daunting and stressful experience. Let me help take some of that stress away by performing a full, thorough, inspection so you can focus on the other aspects of the purchase.
Pre-listing inspections - Getting ready to list your home on the market? Why wait for the potential buyers to have an inspection done and then use it as a bargaining tool to get a lower price? I'll come inspect your house before you list it so you can fix any potential issues and have it priced appropriately when it hits the market.
Post-Purchase Inspections - Already purchase a house and didn't have an inspection done? Maybe you didn't feel it was necessary but now that you're moved in you're realizing you probably should've had one done? Maybe there just wasn't time in the process? It's ok! I'll gladly come out and do an inspection, even after the house is officially yours.
During the inspections I will inspect the:
-Roof
-Exterior Walls
-Exterior Grounds
-Garage
-Attic
-General Interior
-Kitchen
-Bathrooms
-Basement and Foundations
-Heating System
-Water Heater
-Plumbing System
-Electrical System
Water quality testing
Did you know that your water may not be safe to drink just because it's clear and tastes good?
It's true! The only real way to know is by testing for coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria is found in the digestive tracts of animals and are found in their wastes. One you've most likely heard of is E. Coli. Although most coliform bacteria are not harmful, certain strands of E. Coli are and can cause serious illness. The only way to know if E. Coli is present is to have your water tested. New York State Department of Health recommends that you have your well water tested for coliform bacteria at least annually and more frequently if there's a history of contamination.
Did you know that certain types of home loans require that a water quality test be done before the purchase can go through?
It's true! Certain types of loans, such as a VA loan or a FHA loan, require it. Typically they will not only require that the water be tested for coliform bacteria, but also for nitrites, nitrates and lead. Be sure to contact your loan officer and see what the requirements are for your loan type and geographic location to help ensure your home buying process goes as smooth possible.
Whether you're purchasing a home and need it done, or own your home and need an annual test, call me to get your water quality tested!
radon testing
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless, radioactive gas and is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Radon forms when radioactive metals (uranium, thorium, or radium) breakdown in soil, rocks and groundwater. It can enter your home through cracks and holes in the foundation and through well water. Radon can be found in any type of home, homes with basements, homes without basements, old homes, new homes, etc. The US EPA and the NYS Department of Health both recommend that you know your radon number, or levels, prior to buying a home or if you're a homeowner already. If your home's radon levels are too high, don't worry. Radon levels can be brought down by radon mitigation systems that get installed by a qualified contractor. They will work hard to keep the radon levels at bay so you can continue to work hard at enjoying life and not worrying about lung cancer from something you can't see or smell!
Just like water quality tests, some home loans, such as a FHA loan, will require a radon test to be completed before the purchase can go through. Other types of loans, like the VA loan, will recommend it but not require it. As always, ask your loan officer and real estate agent to ensure you get all the required inspections/tests done if you are in the process of purchasing a home.
If a radon test is needed, let me know!
well flow test
Purchasing a house that relies on a well for it's water? You should consider having a well flow test done! A well flow test will determine if the water supply will meet the needs of you and your new house. For example, if the previous owners only had 2 people living in the house and state they've never had an issue with water supply, they're probably telling the truth. But, if you're a family of 4 or 5, you will use quite a lot more water than they would.
Before coming to the conclusion that you need a well flow test done, talk with your real estate agent and the home seller, the home seller being the more important one. You will have to get their permission to have the test done because it isn't without risk. If the well gets pumped dry it could potentially collapse the water reservoir below it and lead to a bigger, possibly costly, problem.
Don't let all that information scare you away from having the test done before purchasing a home. There's not too much worse than moving in and running out of water or realizing you need to have a new well drilled.
Most well flow tests are done by home inspectors during the inspection process, let me know if it's something you would like done.
septic dye test
A Septic Dye Test is a non-invasive test that can be used to help determine the condition of your home's waste system. It can expose obvious leaks and faults with the system and can be a good sign that the system is in need of repairs or replacement.
Basically, a fluorescent dye is introduced into the septic system, usually through the toilet, which is then monitored for a period of time to see if any of the dye becomes visible around the septic system outside. No visible dye is a good sign. Visible dye means there is a potential issue somewhere that needs to be addressed.
Also, just like the other tests, a septic dye test is sometimes required as part of a septic certification by a lending institution before the purchase of the house can go through. As always, check with your loan officer and/or real estate agent to ensure you get all the required testing done so it doesn't prolong the buying process.
Let me know if this is something that you think you're going to need and we can let you know for sure as well!