Taking home inspection to new levels in excellence

Expect only the best!!!!

Philbricks

Building Inspections

Serving New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine Areas

1-800-923-4847

RESIDENTIAL ~ COMMERCIAL ~ INDUSTRIAL ~ INSTITUTIONAL

SERVICES

Mold Screening

Mold comes in many forms, shapes and colors. Mold found in indoor living and/or work space has been associated with health problems. There are no acceptable or unacceptable levels or standards. Studies are still underway to help find more information about the affects of mold on the human body. At this point, we do know there are three types mold; allergenic, pathogenic and toxic, also comes in many different strains (species). Individuals typically react differently to each type of mold. If you, your spouse, child, or other family member seems to have constant cold/flu like symptoms, has developed asthma or bronchitis, you should have a professional inspect the building to eliminate the possibility of mold poisoning being the cause of the symptoms.

Mold screening is an inspection for the presence, or suspected presence of mold. Often a home or building smells damp or musty. Occasionally, mold/mildew is visible on interior and/or exterior surfaces. In other cases, there may be no visible indications there may be mold/mildew problems with the home/building. If water has penetrated the building from a roof leak, plumbing leaks, missing caulking or grout around tubs and sinks, loose ceramic tiles on walls/counters/floors, there may be unseen water damage, including mold growth. Many buildings suffer moisture damage as a result of inadequate ventilation, wet/damp basements, lack of maintenance, etc.

As a Certified Environmental Inspector, our Chief Inspector can recognize conditions and materials which tend to promote mold growth, recommend which type of sampling, if any, would best fit your particular needs. Our Office Manager, Data Specialist, and an Apprentice Inspector, are also Certified Mold Assessors. Your questions can generally be answered in one call to our office.

Radon Detection

Radon Air; this test will measure the levels of radon gas in the air in your new home. Levels of radon that exceed safe levels can then be treated. Most customers have this test done as part of their inspection as a matter of safety. Radon is a colorless and odorless gas that is radioactive and is known to cause lung cancer. Some parts of the country have higher radon levels than others but all areas can have dangerous levels. It is important that you find out if the home has had a previous test and what the results were. If it hasn't, then have it done. The test itself takes 48 hours and is started during the inspection. The inspector will retrieve the test when finished and send it to a lab for processing. You will have the results of this very important test quickly. There are professionals who specialize in getting rid of radon gas in your home and the inspector can provide you with this information if high levels of radon are found. (You should also have your WATER checked for radon. Radon can enter the home through well water and enter the air through normal use, i.e.; boiling, showers etc. This will increase the amount of radon in the air.) Because radon poses such a serious heath risk, please make sure you consider doing both of these tests before you move in. The small price is worth your peace of mind!!

Wood Destroying Insect Inspection

We sub-contract licensed professional pest inspectors as part of our service to make sure that there are no "pesky" bugs compromising your foundation or structural beams. Some of the pests that are of concern to your home are carpenter ants, termites, powder post beetles, and carpenter bees. These pests can be eradicated and make sure your new home is pest free. (There are other pests that may be noted such as squirrels and mice)

Water quality tests

There are various water quality tests you may have performed. A water Safety Check is just that; it determines if your water supply is safe for drinking. This is especially important for properties with wells that have been unused for a long period of time. There are specific water quality tests that may be mandatory for funding, such as for FHA/VA or Mortgage approvals. These tests are more in depth and test for a variety of chemicals and safety. Feel free to call us for specific test information. (You may also have individual tests done for content or levels; such as, arsenic, lead, radon, fluoride etc.)

On-Site Sewage Inspection

We also sub-contract licensed professionals, as part of our service to you, to perform your sewage inspection. This inspection includes completely pumping out the septic tank and inspecting it for deficiencies such as flow back from leach fields, baffles in place, deterioration etc. We recommend you have this inspection if you are purchasing a home that is not on a public water/sewer system.

Hose Bibb Water Flow Test

This test measures the consistency of water pressure and gallons per minute rate. This allows the inspector to check the water pump function. This test will not determine the recovery rate of the well but will determine how effectively your water is flowing through your plumbing system.

Sellers' Disclosure Review

This service is designed to make sure that the sellers disclosure contains the same material or defects (if any) found in the inspection within reason. i.e.; If the roof leaks and it was not disclosed this would indicate an obvious difference in reports. There are however some items which a seller may not be aware of such as radon; or may not occupy the property full time and hasn't been kept up to date. This service is mostly necessary if you are purchasing a property that you have not seen physically. There are many people who purchase vacation homes etc., via long distance, and this particular service is of use in such cases. Most Realtors make sure the sellers disclosure is accurate however and most often spending the extra money on this test is unnecessary

info@philbrickconsulting.com

Philbricks

Building Inspections

1-800-923-4847