by cfbi1 | May 15, 2017 | Home Inspection
Any homeowner, or anyone looking at buying property needs to be sure that they learn a thing or two about Radon Gas—it’s as simple as that. Radon is the second common cause of lung cancer in the United States of America, Radon gas is created by the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil found all over the U.S.
The scary thing about Radon is that it is completely colorless and odorless, meaning a home’s occupants can easily breathe it into his or her lungs without noticing it. Radon can also enter into a house through cracks in the foundation, through the expansion joints, and other cracks and holes around the base of your home’s structure.
If you have never heard of Radon, you need to know that is dangerous!
As mentioned, Radon gas is odorless and colorless, you cannot taste it or even see it, and it is capable of filling your home, and becoming a silent killer if it continues to go unnoticed. The Surgeon General of the US has already said that Radon is the second biggest cause of lung cancer in the states, just behind smoking. If you are a smoker, and your home has high levels of Radon gas, then you are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Each year the EPA says that thousands of people die of cancer related deaths due to Radon inhalation. In average of 1-in-15 homes has serious Radon levels that need addressed.
How can I get a Radon Test?
To get your home tested for Radon, simply contact a local home inspection company. A home inspection is the safest way, and most professional method in which you can get your home tested for Radon. There are a few ways to test the home and surrounding area, and if any concern are found, suitable treatment plans can be discussed. This ensures that the air in your home is safe for you to breathe in.
Don’t delay any longer; contact your local home inspection company today! Ask if they offer Radon testing services that can help you.
by cfbi1 | Dec 6, 2013 | Home Inspection
A professional home inspection service is a thorough examination of the property that you are wanting to buy. The beauty about a professional home inspector is that he or she are incredibly picky in their assessment and give an accurate account of that potential home. Being experienced and skilled in their field of expertise has many benefits to the buyer and even the seller of the intended property property. A certified and experienced inspector is trained to pick up on structural problems that would, in other cases, be disregarded if an inspection was never requested.
When you are wanting to buying a home it is crucial that you pay attention to every detail and each decision made. Contractual wording that might lead to future issues need your attention, the location of your home needs attention (is it in a flood zone), and one of the most important decisions is the home inspection service. This is possibly the most important decision to make regarding the purchasing of a home.
Although, a home inspection service is not a requirement included in the home buying process it not recommended to omit it. Here is why, the results that a thorough inspection brings, peace of mind that you are making the right purchase decision. This is an overview of what is inspected at the time of pre-purchase, view a report example here or click on the image.
The advantage of having a fully completed report can give you just what is needed to request a different asking price, after showing the seller the findings. Seller can fix all the repairs, or allow you enough money to fix the repairs yourself.
The best thing is to not rush into everything when buying a home. Explore every possible avenue available, this is a huge investment be smart, and make the best decisions and factual evidence regarding the property. A home inspection may cost a good few hundred dollars, but it is money well spent that could prevent thousands of dollars in extra costs in the long run and that is good news in any language.
by cfbi1 | Jul 19, 2013 | Home Inspection
Whether you are purchasing a home with a well system or currently living in a home with a well, a water test is highly recommended to determine the drinkability and quality of your water. CFBI has performed hundreds of well water tests many times for FHA or VA financing requirements. FHA water tests have their own set of parameters for testing the well water. The 3 main areas covered in this water analysis are:
- Chemicals - Nitrates & Nitrites
- Bacteria - E. Coli & Total Coliform
- Lead
We also have the option of testing for any number of well water contaminants such as; pesticides, arsenic, radon gas, and many other metals and compounds you have be concerned about. Florida well water many times has a strong sulfur smell that can make drinking unpleasant. Central Florida Building Inspectors can perform a certified well water test for your Orlando Florida well system to determine its safety. Many times the results will be available within 5 days but can depend on the type of well water sampling requested.
The EPA suggests an annual test of your well water to, at the minimum, evaluate the bacteria & nitrate levels in your drinking water. We can provide routine testing for your home on an annual basis. Don’t let your family’s health be in jeopardy.
by cfbi1 | Jul 8, 2013 | Home Inspection
Polybutylene is a potable water supply piping that was used in many houses built throughout the 1980’s and into the early 90’s. This particular plumbing system has had a checkered history and has a much higher propensity to leak and cause water damage to your house than other plumbing systems available. It is usually a grey plastic with blue/red markings and can be seen throughout the house at the various ‘wet areas’ e.g. bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms.
Over time, chemicals used to treat the potable water react with the plumbing material and fittings, eventually leading to leaks and sometimes complete failure of the plumbing system. This can spell disaster for some homeowners who get caught off-guard. In extreme cases, repairs may cost tens of thousands of dollars and may render the structure unsafe to inhabit. Mold growth and moisture damage will occur if this issue goes unnoticed or is hidden inside the walls.
Leaking Polybutylene
Throughout the 80’s and early 90’s, many houses were being build throughout the Central Florida area. Polybutylene is not as uncommon as you may think it is. Hiring experienced Orlando Home Inspectors to determine whether or not this type of plumbing is present in a house you or a client of yours is interested in buying is of the utmost importance. We at Central Florida Building Inspectors, Inc. have seen hundreds of houses with Polybutylene plumbing systems and can let you know if you have this type of piping. CFBI can also perform a full home and mold inspection to determine if any problems may be present as a result of this plumbing.
by cfbi1 | Jun 11, 2013 | Home Inspection
At Central Florida Building Inspectors, we know that a home purchase is one of the largest investments we will ever make. Before purchasing a property you should learn as much as you can about it, including what may need to be repaired. Your home inspection will be completed by a qualified home inspector, with attention to detail, who will provide an easy to read report, with digital photos of major concerns.
Who should have a Home Inspection? We’ll take a look at why it would be a great idea for buyers, sellers and even current home owners.
Buyers are always encouraged to be present for the inspection to learn and to familiarize themselves with the home. A home inspection will inspect all of the items that apply from the list below. The inspector will not only inspect easily accessible items such as the plumbing fixtures, electrical wall switches, and mechanical components, but will also inspect the difficult to access areas, including the attic, if possible. The buyer will receive a thorough report documenting any safety concerns, which will allow the buyer to make a more informed decision about purchasing the property.
A pre-listing home inspection can give the sellers an overview of the current condition of the house, especially if the owners are aware that routine maintenance has not been performed. The seller will receive a detailed report noting any safety concerns, items that do not function as normal, and serious issues. This information gives the sellers the opportunity to repair current and/or potential problems before listing the property.
Current home owners that are aware that minimal maintenance has been carried out on their home, may wish to have a home inspection performed to point out what repairs are necessary and to locate minor repairs before they become major problems. The owner will receive a detailed report documenting any concerns and defects that can be used as a check list for repairs.
At CFBI, we would welcome the opportunity to help give you more peace of mind in this area.
