CALL (734) 748-9584

EMAIL US

vince@stepbystepinspections.com

DOWNLOAD YOUR REPORT

Click Here

CALL (734) 748-9584

EMAIL US

vince@stepbystepinspections.com

DOWNLOAD YOUR REPORT

Click Here

A FULL-SERVICE INSPECTION COMPANY

OUR ADDITIONAL SERVICES

 MOLD TESTING – RADON TESTING – WELL & SEPTIC TESTING – PEST INSPECTIONS – ENERGY EVALUATION

MOLD TESTING

What are molds?

Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. No one knows how many species of fungi exist but estimates range from tens of thousands to perhaps three hundred thousand or more. Molds grow best in warm, damp, and humid conditions, and spread and reproduce by making spores. Mold spores can survive harsh environmental conditions, such as dry conditions, that do not support normal mold growth.

Where are molds found?

Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors, year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Outdoors they can be found in shady, damp areas or places where leaves or other vegetation is decomposing. Indoors they can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

How do molds affect people?

Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

The Key to Mold Control is Moisture Control.

It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.
 
A typical ice-damming event occurs when the heat escapes from the living quarters into the attic and eventually warms the roof deck. The combination of the sun and the interior heat combine to accelerate and exacerbate this process.

RADON TESTING

Providing radon testing services to Ann Arbor and surrounding areas.

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas.

You can’t see radon. And you can’t smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year. That’s because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. Only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Radon can be found all over the U.S.

Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the U.S. It can get into any type of building – homes, offices, and schools – and result in a high indoor radon level. You and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home, where you spend most of your time.

You should test for radon.

Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon.

WELL & SEPTIC SERVICES

There are several options available for performing well and septic services. Prices vary depending on specific needs and location.

Having the tank pumped and inspected is the recommended method.

  • Basic water test
  • Basic septic
  • Basic well and septic
  • Open tank septic with soil borings
  • Open tank septic with soil borings and well water test
  • Open tank septic, pump tank, with soil borings and well water test

Septic system inspections are required in some counties such as Wayne and Washtenaw, be sure to ask your Realtor if a well/septic inspection is required. The septic system will be inspected by a certified inspector. Lab results for water testing will take a few days so be sure to allow for enough time to receive the results back within your inspection contingency.

PEST INSPECTIONS

Completed to observe indications that may determine if there are structural pests or wood destroying organisms present. 

VA, FHA, HUD and most banks require these reports because termites and wood destroying organisms can impact the structural integrity of a home, reduce the property value of the residence and cost homeowners significant amounts of money in repairs. The inspector follows a standard form required by the regulatory authorities for real estate transactions.

ENERGY EVALUATION

Thermal imaging performed during the home inspection is a great tool to identify not only air infiltration, insulation issues but also water leaks.

Our infrared cameras show heat differentials on the surface of drywall or other finish materials which helps us to identify issues. Potential water leaks are verified using a moisture meter when necessary.

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