by CFBIBlog | Jun 28, 2019 | CFBI Blog
Radon can damage your lung cells and cause cancer. Due to the fact that radon can be the cause of a fatality, this would be the number one reason you should do radon testing at your new home.
Your new home is a place where you should feel safe. If you are worried about an odorless, colorless gas wreaking havoc on your body — that won’t be a possibility. Continue reading this article for further reasons why you should call and schedule a radon inspector.
Reasons to Do Radon Testing Before You Buy
While you can do radon testing after you buy the home, it is better to know what you’re dealing with before you make a purchase. The only way to tell if there is radon in your home is through inspection so don’t be misled otherwise.
1. Peace of Mind
If there is one thing that you can’t put a price tag on, this is your peace of mind. Fearing for your safety and the safety of your family will cause stress and could lead to stomach ulcers and other challenges.
Having a radon test done on your property will alleviate the fear of radon so you can go back to enjoying your new residence. This naturally occurring radioactive gas isn’t picky about where it decides to show up since it is found all over America — including Florida.
2. Quick Setup
You don’t have to worry about someone being in your house all day and derailing your plans. A radon test takes only a few minutes to set up, and the professional will be out of your home and will need to return a few days later to pick up the radon test.
3. Thorough Testing
Over the next 48 hours, the test will be in place checking for traces of radon in the residence.
4. Immediate Results
Once the professional comes back and picks up the test, you will know your results almost immediately. After the test, depending on the results, you will be able to take the appropriate action.
What to Do If Your Home Has Radon Gas?
If the testing is done and shows there are traces of radon — don’t panic. It can be scary to know your home has radon gas in it even if the levels aren’t high.
While you can do some things on your own like sealing the foundation and improving your home’s ventilation, the EPA recommends working with a qualified radon mitigation contractor to fix the problem with your home.
The process all starts — and ends with a test. Once you’ve worked with a professional to fix your home and get rid of the radon problem, that means it is time to get another test.
You can’t be sure that your home is safe without doing another test after the fix, so don’t skip this step.
Learn More About Radon Testing
Now that you understand the importance of radon testing, you can learn more about our services on our website. If you have further questions about what we do and how we can help you, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 407-658-8267
by CFBIBlog | May 4, 2019 | CFBI Blog
We’ve all heard facts about water. The human body is made of 70% water. You can’t live without water for more than three days.
The bottom line is that water is essential to the human body. However, obtaining clean, drinking water is in a whole other ballpark. Many people in third-world countries struggle with this dilemma and get sick with diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio.
That’s where wells come into play. Well water can be used for a wide variety of purposes, from livestock watering and chemical spraying to drinking water. Knowing the suitability of your well water for your needs is a critical component in making the correct decision as to how to test your well water.
During the process of buying a home with a well, some lenders will require the water to be tested for potability. The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) and VA (Veterens Affairs) are two lending institutions that will require this as part of the loan process.
After reading this article, you should know how to tell your well water is safe.
Well Water Quality
As mentioned earlier, knowing what you are going to use your well water for is the first component in your well water assessment. After this, it’s time to know what to test for. While different risks exist for varied living areas, making sure to test for the following risks is critical:
- Potability - one of the most comprehensive tests available. This test checks for nitrates, pH levels, iron, manganese, and more.
- Coliform bacteria - comes from animal digestive tracts and is often found in waste. Harmful variations such as the E. coli 0157: H7 can be dangerous to human health.
- Nitrate - commonly found in groundwater. Can pose threats to babies who are under 6 months since nitrates interfere with the ability of blood to carry oxygen.
- Ions - include sodium, iron, chloride, which can impact the taste and smell of water
- Sulfate - can act as a laxative which leads to dehydration
- Fluoride - can lead to long-term dental and thyroid issues
- TDS (total dissolved solids) - don’t pose any health risks related to drinking water but can corrode pipes faster than usual and impact other uses like washing clothes.
- Others - specific potability tests can test for dangerous compounds like arsenic and uranium.
While this extensive list can seem intimidating, it should motivate you to run tests on your well water. Hopefully, these tests have shown you how serious it is to have clean drinking water.
How to Test?
Testing well water in regular increments ensures that you know what you’re drinking. After all, you are what you drink.
The minimum time increment for well water tests is once per year. If you have a shallow well, a regular seasonal test is recommended as well since these are more inclined towards contamination.
Testing the right source is also equally important. The tap and the source are the two locations to test. Doing so will make sure your treatment system is working correctly.
Where to Test?
Here at Central Florida Building Inspectors, we proudly provide well water testing for homeowners and for homebuyers. Have one of our certified home inspectors visit your property and collect the water and deliver it to a qualified laboratory. The results will be available in a few days for most tests but can take up to 2 weeks depending on the type of well water analysis.
Getting in touch with a building inspector can get you connected to credible water testing providers.
Closing the Tap
There you have it! Checking your well water quality doesn’t have to be hard. As you follow these tips, you should be good to go.
For all your other inspection service needs, make sure to check our website out.
by CFBIBlog | Apr 25, 2019 | CFBI Blog
Are you due for a home inspection? Preparing for one can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure what to expect from a home inspection. The good thing, however, is that home inspections aren’t all that scary as long as you study up.
What to Expect from a Home Inspection?
Want the ins-and-outs of what to expect during your inspection? We can help you take the guesswork out of your home inspection with this handy checklist of what to expect on the big day.
Roof and Attic
Your roof and attic are some of the primary things an inspector will check during your inspection. He or she will evaluate the overall integrity of your roof, as well as any water damage or damage that may have been done to your shingles and flashing.
If you have an attic, they’ll make sure that the space is properly insulated and ventilated. The attic inspection will also help them catch any water damage that may prove you have roof issues. This can also help them catch if your home has any mold problems.
Foundation and Lot
Your inspector will check your property’s foundation for cracking and shifting, and confirm whether or not water is properly draining away from your foundation. Part of this process will also involve them inspecting your basement, floor structure, and any crawlspaces your home may have.
Knowing if your home has foundation issues is incredibly important given how expensive fixing them can be. By completing a comprehensive inspection, you can identify any potential problems that could result in big financial costs in the long run.
Additionally, the inspector will inspect your property lot for proper drainage and grading. They’ll also check out the walkway and driveway.
Electrical and Heating/Cooling
Home inspectors don’t just look at the outside of your home. They also look at everything going on inside your property, including electrical. They’ll make sure everything like your electrical outlets, lighting fixtures, and switches are working, and that everything electrical is up to code and safe.
They’ll also test your entire HVAC system. Which means they’ll examine your air ducts and air conditioning systems, as well as your furnace for any integrity issues. With their help, you’ll be able to determine the state of your systems, and if you need any replacements.
Structural Elements
Beyond the exterior structure of your home, the inspector will look at the structural elements within. They’ll check your doors, windows, and floors for any visible structural issues like a bowing structure or poor window alignment.
Appliances and Plumbing
Did you know home inspectors check appliances for fire safety and other issues? That means they may look at your refrigerator, dishwasher, and other built-in appliances to make sure they’re working correctly.
They’ll also inspect your plumbing systems like water pressure and the functionality of items like your sink, bathtub, and shower. They’ll look for any unusual noises or water pressure issues that may signify a bigger problem.
In Need of an Inspection?
Knowing what to expect from a home inspection is half the battle in preparing for one. By keeping this checklist in mind, you can determine how much your property is in need of an inspection.
Have you noticed any issues in these areas? Want some peace of mind, or expert feedback on the status of your home? Contact us to schedule an inspection today!
