What is Radon and Why is It Dangerous For Your Family?

by CFBIBlog | Oct 9, 2019 | Home Inspection

Radon gas is common in many homes, but most people aren’t even aware of its presence.

This dangerous gas can cause a myriad of health problems including lung cancer, so it’s important to perform a radon test to ensure your home is safe.

Read on to learn more about radon, why it’s dangerous for your family, and how a test can help you take steps toward a healthier home.

What is Radon?

Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas. Since you cannot see, taste, or smell it, the gas is usually undetected without a test.

Radon forms from the natural radioactive decay of uranium found in material like rock, soil, and even in water. Low levels of radon can be found in the earth’s crust but it’s also present in all 50 states on the ground level.

Once the radon gets created, it begins to move into the air or dissolves into the groundwater below. As it undergoes radioactive decay, radon starts to emit particles that are extremely dangerous when breathed in or otherwise consumed into the body.

How is Radon Harmful?

As radon gas gets into the home, it enters the air and is breathed in without you even noticing. Over time, you may be exposed to high levels of radon which can cause seriously dangerous health effects like lung cancer.

The EPA estimates that radon exposure kills tens of thousands of Americans per year as a result of lung cancer. Even young people can get lung cancer if they’re exposed to radon on a regular basis.

When the radon gas moves from the soil into your home, it can seep through things like your concrete foundation, into floors, and through walls. Any home can have high levels of radon and without a radon test, you might never be aware of its presence at all.

Why You Need a Radon Test

Whether you’re buying or selling a home or you just need peace of mind, a radon test can help you determine if there’s any presence of this dangerous gas. Testing methods involve either an active or passive device that can determine the levels of radon in the home.

If high levels are found, mitigation methods will be needed to remove it from the air, soil, and home. Some mitigation removes the radon from the soil and then redirects it away from the house using special venting pipes.

There are other ways you can mitigate radon, and it will depend on the source and severity of the gas. Speak to a professional who can perform a test and then make the necessary recommendations.

Understand the Dangers of Radon

Radon gas is one of the most dangerous silent killers that can be prevented with a simple radon test. If you’re concerned about the health of your family and your home, getting a test is highly recommended.

If you’re in the central Florida area and need a home inspection, contact us today to schedule an appointment.

How to Find a Home Inspector When You’re Buying a House

by CFBIBlog | Sep 12, 2019 | Home Inspection

In 2018, 5.3 million Americans bought homes. Whether you are a first-time buyer or not, there are some things that you need to do in order to make sure that you make the right decision about your purchase.

Finding a home inspector is one of the most critical steps you can take in the process of buying a home. However, if you have never hired the services of a home inspector before, you may not know how to find a home inspector that you can trust.

Here are some tips that will set you on the right path.

1. Learn Exactly What the Inspector Will Do

A home inspector typically will need around three hours to fully examine a property. However, don’t be surprised if they do not inspect certain areas of your home.

You can do a check of the home inspectors trade association website to find out what inspectors can an cannot inspect during a pre-purchase inspection. Here is a shortlist of some of the areas and items in your home that may not be covered during the inspection.

• Water treatment systems
• Lawn irrigation
• Certain special appliances
• Swimming pool

If you want these to be inspected, you will often need to pay additional charges.

2. Look Around

Don’t just blindly ask an inspector to look at a potential property. Go through the property with a critical eye on your own, and take a look at what may need to be inspected.

That way, you will have your own checklist ready. The inspector can work off of that and suggest additional things you may want to look into.

3. Credential Checks

Your inspector should be properly certified. This means that they must have all the state licensing that is required. Again, you can check the home inspectors trade association website for the appropriate qualifications.

Look at sample reports from the inspector as well because this will help with your decision.

4. Check Reviews When Trying to Find a Home Inspector

These days you don’t need to trust just your instincts when choosing a home inspector. That is because there are often reviews online that will tell you all about the services of the inspectors from a particular organization.

Reviews should help you make your decision, but they should be viewed in an objective manner. Make your decision based on the level of expertise offered and service pricing as well.

This way, you will be better able to make the right decision about which home inspection service is right for you.

Final Thoughts

Your search to find a home inspector doesn’t need to be overly stressful if you take the time to do your research and have a clear picture of what you should be looking for.

Remember that credentials and licensure are paramount. You should also have a clear idea about what you would like the inspector to look at based on your own findings. When you compare your checklist against your inspector’s, you are more likely to see what you may need to pay additional charges for.

If you would like more information about hiring a home inspector, please contact us.

Ready to Sell? Five Steps to Take Before Your Home Inspection

by CFBIBlog | May 5, 2019 | Home Inspection

So you have a buyer who agrees to buy your home. You’re almost to the finish line for a deal.

But first, you must pass a home inspection. That’s understandable since most buyers don’t want to sign the contract until they are sure there are no significant issues with your property.

Not to worry. With a little planning, you can pass the home inspection with flying colors and little investment.

Keep reading to discover our five essential ways to prepare your property for a home inspection.

1. Clean the House

Chances are you’ve already been keeping a clean home in preparation for last-minute home showings. Even though you now have an offer, it’s important to keep the house clean for your inspection.

A qualified home inspector won’t dock you if the house is messy, but it may raise concerns that other areas of the property might not be properly maintained.

2. Provide Clear Access to Inspection Points

You will need to ensure that the home inspector can easily access every part of your property. If they can’t get to an area and inspect it, it will send a warning signal to your buyers.

Make sure there are at least 6 inches of space around your home’s perimeter. Clear the path to your basement or attic and make sure your inspector can properly view furnace rooms and under sinks.

3. Inspect the Roof

Has it been a while since you got a good look at the roof on your house? If so, you’ll need to assess it now as it’s an important part of the home inspection.

Start with the gutters and clear out any debris. Make sure downspouts are properly connected and that water can flow efficiently.

Sweep dirt and debris off of your roof. Look for any missing tiles or ones that need replacing and make any necessary repairs before your inspection.

4. Maintain the Home’s Interior

Start with something simple like replacing light bulbs. Yes, it’s a minor detail but no sense having it end up in an inspection report.

Move on to the bathrooms and repair any water damage found there. Clear out clogged bathtub drains and apply new caulking around the bathtubs.

Clean the grout in the bathrooms and the kitchen and replace any torn window screens.

5. Maintain the Home’s Exterior

It’s a good idea to prune trees that are close to your roof line.  Also, trim back bushes from outdoor A/C units and eliminate debris from foundation vents and drains.

Make sure there’s no damage to your siding and that the caulking around windows and doors is airtight. Keep your perimeter clear of plants, storage items, and trash cans so the inspector can get work without obstruction.

Final Thoughts on Your Home Inspection

It’s a good idea to leave your home during the home inspection. Leave remotes for the garage door and indoor fixtures. Also leave any keys the inspector may need for gates, electrical boxes and so on

If you need an inspector to come to your home, we want to help. Check out our home inspection services or contact us now.

Don’t Neglect Your Attic: 5 Reasons to Have It Inspected Yearly

by CFBIBlog | Apr 28, 2019 | Home Inspection

It may sound strange, but an attic is essentially a health indicator for your home.

Issues in an attic could point to obvious problems around your home- such as roof leaks or a pest infestation. But an attic also holds the answers to more sinister issues that you may otherwise overlook.

Here’s why regular attic inspection is so important for the overall health of your home.

Attic Inspection for a Healthy Home

At most, an attic is inspected once every year, if that! Best practice, however, dictates that you should inspect an attic every 6-months- once during the spring, and once after winter.

If you’re inspecting your attic during spring, start by examining the underside of the roof for leaks in preparation for rain.

If your attic is unfinished, make sure to inspect visible areas near the rafters and sheathing. Look out for dark, crumbling, or peeling areas of plaster or wallboard.

If any of these areas are damp, this could point to an issue with roof leaks and replacement shingles.

Other than this, here’s why you should inspect your attic

1. Keep Your Home Warm

Attic insulation plays a major role in regulating the overall temperature of your home- whether it’s winter or summer.

An inspection of the state of your attic insulation could point to why your home is warmer than usual, or perhaps colder than you’d like! This is especially important at the change of major seasons i.e. spring and autumn.

2. Prevent a Nasty Build-Up of Fungus

Your attic is a hot-spot for the build-up of dampness, which, in turn, could become a breeding site for mold to grow and thrive.

Even if it’s just the smallest of leaks, mold growth can be toxic. It contributes to the flare-up of allergies and can even cause major illness.

Believe it or not, even standing water in your basement can contribute to high moisture levels in your attic. So be sure to check both areas during your inspection.

3. Keep Critters at Bay

An attic is another hot-spot for small critters looking to escape the cold of winter or even the heat of the day. If your attic is uninhabited, it’s almost guaranteed this area will attract some form of life.

These critters range from rats, mice, bats, raccoons, and even birds. If there’s a way in, they will find it! Bi-annual inspections are important for avoiding a pest or critter infestation.

4. Prevent Electrical Disasters

This is especially important if you’re the new owner of a home with an attic. You may inspect your attic only to find a number of electrical shortcuts, junction boxes, and uncovered wiring snaking through your attic.

This poses a major fire hazard and could also lead to numerous electrical issues throughout your home. Make sure all wiring is properly covered with insulation and if an electrician is needed for re-wiring- it’s worth splashing the cash!

5. Regulate Condensation Throughout Your Home

Got a leak coming from your attic? In some cases, this is not actually caused by loose roof shingles, but condensation build-up. So, the question is: where is this moisture coming from?

Very often, condensation build-up could point to a major issue in your home that you otherwise may not have noticed. This includes issues with incorrectly installed insulation, HVAC leaks, and major leaks in your basement. All of these issues could cause a very humid attic environment.

In Need of a Building Inspection Specialist?

At Central Florida Building Inspectors we are experts in attic inspection and all other major areas of the home.

If you’re looking to prepare your home for sale or think you’ve found your dream home, we’re here to offer you a trusted home inspection service.

Contact us today for a building inspection quote!