HOUSEMASTER HOME INSPECTIONS

SERVING PALM BEACH, BOCA RATON AND DELRAY BEACH

A short-term test is performed to determine the possible presence of elevated levels of radon gas pursuant to local regulations or practices for real estate transactions. Radon is an odorless, colorless and radioactive byproduct of natural soil decay known to increase the risk of cancer in those exposed.

A Termite Inspection (also referred to as a Wood Destroying Inspection or Wood Destroying Organism Inspection) includes a visual examination of the readily accessible areas of the home for evidence of wood-destroying insect activity such as termites, or carpenter ants or the visible damage caused by infestations.

Water testing services include taking a water sample following accepted protocols with analysis of samples performed by a certified lab. General options include a basic water Potability test for Coliform (bacteria) and other elements such as Nitrate/Nitrite, Hardness, Acidity (pH). Expanded testing options may include volatile organic compounds (fuels), heavy metals (lead, etc.) or other elements required or recommended by local authorities or common practice such as when a property is located in close proximity to agricultural land, mining, dry cleaning establishments, gas stations, industrial facilities, landfills, or other known or suspected local hazards exist.

What we inspect:  Inspection includes the visible (above water) pool and or spa elements including assessment of the physical condition of accessible decking, coping , walkways, and other surfaces. exposed electric and plumbing components, the filter and heater, if applicable. Watch us in action!

What we inspect: water flow of the interior drain system and the surface area over the concealed drainage field, observing for any surface bleed out. Determine whether the water flows freely into the system from the house and readily apparent defects. Does not include inspection of buried or concealed components, soil testing, excavation of system components or opening or pumping of the tank.

Screening includes: Sample paint on surfaces inside and/or outside of the home following recognized protocol, certified lab analysis. Not intended to determine whether lead is a hazard; rather it determines whether sampled surfaces contain lead-based paint. Sampling can include bulk sampling or use of x-ray fluorescence equipment.

Screening includes: air and/or surface (bulk) sampling to determine presence of elevated levels of mold spores or verify presence of a mold growth.  Includes one air sample in one interior area and one outdoor control sample, with surface sampling of random or requested suspect mold growths. Processed by a qualified lab to determine results.

Inspections include: draw inspection (verification of installed elements for lender release of funds); phase inspections (conducted at several stages of the construction process); and inspections of new homes ready for occupancy and assessment of the condition of installed components to supplement code compliance inspection provided by local authorities.

Inspections include: inspection of the visible and readily accessible areas of the roof, structure, mechanical and electric components of the public areas of a building, as well as all or representative individual dwelling or office/store units, as requested by the client.

Wind mitigation inspections are conducted to identify whether construction features that have been shown to reduce losses in hurricanes, such as a roof framing connectors, gable end bracing, impact resistant windows, shutters and opening protection, and secondary water resistance barrier are present. Homes with wind mitigation reports indicating the presence of features to minimize wind damage can qualify for insurance discounts. Performed by individuals that meet training and certification requirements.

Thermal imaging services make use of an infrared imaging camera that can detect the thermal energy (heat) emitted from an object. Thermal imaging measurements indicate temperature differentials that may help diagnose a myriad of potential concerns in a home or building such as heat loss or gain and waste leakage.

Sampling of suspected asbestos containing material can be done and analyzed by an approved laboratory. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment is made up of long, thin fibers that look similar to fiberglass. Found in many manufactured products prior to the mid-1980 such as pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, paints, caulking, fire resistant clothing and brake pads. Exposure to asbestos in the form of fibers is always considered dangerous. Working with, or exposure to, material that is friable (damaged), or materials that could cause a release of loose asbestos fibers, is considered high risk. 

An increasing number of home inspectors are using, or considering the use of a drone (technically a small Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)) in conjunction with their home inspections, and possibly other type services. Having the option to use a drone for inspection of an otherwise inaccessible roofs might be the most obvious benefit, but there are other elements such as high chimneys, siding, windows, and eave areas where the use of a drone might prove helpful.

The inspection of irrigation systems is typically not included in home inspection industry standards of practice; however, many standards do provide optional inspection guidelines. In areas where lawn and garden irrigation is very common, most home inspectors routinely offer it as an optional inspection service.