HOUSEMASTER

SERVING FLEMINGTON, HACKETTSTOWN AND CLINTON, NJ

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: 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.

A private on-site water supply (well) system inspection involves an inspection of visible interior pumps, piping, pressure and/or storage tanks and an assessment of the water flow (volume/pressure) from representative fixtures based on a representative water draw from plumbing fixtures. A well inspection does not include inspection of any buried or concealed components, determination of the water supply/source adequacy (yield or well capacity) or water quality.

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.

This inspection involves: a review of the condition of the exterior and interior components of a home and the systems. Includes review of the roof, flashings, insulation issues, heating and air conditioning units, grading, the proper function of appliances and plumbing, electric components, smoke alarms for deferred maintenance and recommended action. 

Tank scans identify the possible presence of a buried fuel tank or other components that may or may have contained fuel oil. Consists of a limited sweep of the surface (soil) area immediately surrounding a home or building using a type metal detector. Does not include probing, excavation, document or records search, sampling or testing of any tank, soil, water or other element or material.

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.

What we inspect: readily accessible areas of the chimney, structure, and flue; when no obstruction or combustible deposits in flue; for basic appliance installation and connection. Proper construction and condition of accessible portions of the chimney structure and all enclosed flues; proper clearances from combustibles in accessible locations; size and suitability of flues for connected appliances.

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. 

Sewer inspection services can help give both homebuyers and homeowners piece of mind regarding this critical but otherwise unobservable component of a home. With the aging of the housing market, there is an increasing number of homes with sewer lines that are subject to blockage or collapse from tree roots, soil settlement/erosion and other factors. The only way to adequately assess these potential concerns short of excavation is by inspecting a sewer using video camera equipment.

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.