Formaldehyde Testing of Building Liquidators Flooring.

Yes we provide this type of testing.

The NIOSH approve testing cost is $195.

The test should be conducted for at least 24 hours.

Real Estate Agent Home Inspector Referrals?

What's Wrong With A Real Estate Agent Recommending A Particular Home Inspector To A Prospective Home Buyer?  Most real estate agencies work on an average commission of 5% paid by the seller of the property. On a house selling for $350,000 there is a potential commission of $17,500. (FYI, real estate commissions are negotiable.) Sometimes a selling agent will recommend particular home inspectors to a prospective buyer, sometimes a list of three is given out. Who are these recommended inspectors? How did they "qualify" to get on the "approved" list of the agent? Is the agent recommending a thorough non-bias inspector or is the agent recommending someone who will help protect the potential commission? Unfortunately, for the prospective home buyer, some real estate agents view a thorough and non-bias home inspection as a threat to their sales commission. Do prospective home buyers have the right to use an inspector of their own choosing?  If a real estate agent tells you that you cannot use an inspector of your choosing, or insists that you use one of their "recommended" or "approved" inspectors, you should contact your attorney. A real estate broker or sales agent who tries to get you to use an inspector of the agent's choice is trying to control the home inspector selection process. Prospective home buyers must keep in mind that real estate agents who receive a commission from the property seller, are working in the best interest of their client, (the seller.) As the prospective home buyer, you are a customer of the agent, not a client. As the prospective home buyer, shouldn't the home inspector you're paying for, be working in your best interest? What Is A "Deal Killer"?  The derogatory phrase "deal killer" is often used by real estate agents to describe independent home inspectors who give buyers objective information in an inspection report, which may lead the buyer to renegotiate or to look at other properties. Many real estate agents view independent home inspectors as a challenge to their ability to generate income. They view these "deal killers" as foes and will use a number of tactics to control the inspector selection process to make sure that the prospective buyers do not retain independent home inspectors. How Does A Real Estate Agent Control The Inspector Selection Process?  There are many tactics used, some subtle and some not so subtle. The agent may discourage the potential buyer from using a certain inspector by making comments like: "That inspector is a deal killer", or "that inspector takes too long" or "we've had trouble with that inspector" or "we don't allow that inspector to inspect any of our listed properties" or "that inspector is too expensive." A twist on the fee tactic is to advise the prospective buyer that they should expect a home inspector to charge around $150 or $200. By advising home buyers to expect these low (unrealistic) fees, agents are trying to steer home buyers to certain inspectors, because the prospective home buyers might limit their search to the "arbitrary" price range set by the real estate agent. The tactics used to encourage a prospective buyer to use a particular inspector include: "We've had good luck with this inspector" or "this inspector has the lowest fee" or "we use this inspector all the time" or "this inspector only takes an hour and he gives you a report right on the spot." For instance, in the first stage of discussion about having the home inspected, the real estate agent may recommend to the buyer a "good" home inspector with whom they have worked with for several years. Some agents may have a list of three inspectors who have been carefully screened not to be deal killers. The list, however, will be long enough to protect the agent from any referral liability should the buyer want to blame the agent for any inspection mistakes. This gives the agent the perfect combination of: A) No liability for the referral; B) The buyer "chooses" an inspector the agent prefers; and C) The buyer's choice is limited to home inspectors who will not hurt the sale. Why Don't I Read About This Conflict Of Interest Situation In The Newspaper?  Simple answer, money! Look at the real estate section of any local newspaper, lots of houses being advertised by real estate agents. Those newspapers don't run those ads for free. How many home inspector advertisements do you see in the newspapers? None. Do you think a newspaper is going to bite the hand that helps feed it? Choose your own inspector! Too find a properly independent certified inspector visit the American Society of Home Inspectors website at: ASHI.org

Keep the cold at bay with these ASHI home winterizing tips

Winter's frigid temperatures are on their way, and if you wait until the cold hits to finally start winterizing your home, it may already be too late to prevent home damage.

Getting started on your seasonal winterizing checklist early will help you prevent costly repairs in the spring. To help you properly winterize your home and prepare for the colder months, the American Society of Home Inspectors ASHI advises you to CHILL by following these tips:

* C: Caulk cracks to stop chilly drafts. Worn-out weather stripping around doors and windows allows cold air to seep into the home, which increases heating costs.

* H: Hustle on important repairs. Get going on those tricky repairs, such as putting insulation around your pipes. Not sure where to start? ASHI recommends a home inspection approximately every four years; this can point you in the right direction.

* I: Inspect your fireplace and flue. Test your fireplace flues for tight seals. If you're feeling a breeze even when the damper is closed, the flue could be warped, worn or even rusted.

* L: Look for deck decay and damage. Fixing any splintering, decay or insect damage on your deck this fall can prevent further deterioration during the winter.

* L: Light your fireplace and chill out. Stay warm this winter and build a fire in your family's fireplace. First check your smoke alarms. You probably will find all of your smoke alarms have ionization detectors. Throw all of them in the trash, even if they are brand new. Replace them with photoelectric alarms. Ionization alarms will let you know when you have burned the toast, but they may not alarm you if you have a deadly, smoldering fire in the middle of the night.

Home Winter Energy Saving Investments

Stay Warm this Winter with these Energy-Saving Investments

Do you need any new appliances, or are you planning to do some remodeling? Consider these energy efficiency suggestions before you purchase.

Choose ENERGY STAR appliances and electronics.When buying new appliances, choose ENERGY STAR-certified models. For example, a new ENERGY STAR refrigerator uses about 20 percent less energy than a standard new refrigerator, and 46 percent less than one made in 1980. A new Energy Star® clothes washer uses nearly 50 percent less energy than a standard washer.

Install a programmable thermostat. If you have a heat pump, select a model designed for heat pumps. Setback thermostats can save up to 15 percent on energy costs.

Increase ceiling insulation. If your ceiling is uninsulated or scantily insulated, consider increasing your insulation to up to R-38 to reduce heating costs by 5 to 25 percent.

Seal ducts. Leaking ductwork accounts for more than 25 to 30 percent of heating costs in an average California home. Consider hiring a contractor to test the tightness of your ducts and repair leaks and restrictions in your duct. Many utility companies have programs to assist you.

High-efficiency windows. If you are planning to replace your windows, choosing ENERGY STAR windows can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 15 percent.

What mold contamination looks like in a home

Photographs to Help Identify Mold in Buildings - What mold contamination looks like in a home

Directories of 6 atlases or indices of building mold

1. MOLD ATLAS & PARTICLES INDEX - A-to-Z Mold Atlas of Indoor Clinical Mold, Pathogens, Allergens & Other Indoor Particles
2. MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE - What Does Black or Dark Indoor Mold Look Like? Black Mold spores in the Home - a Photo ID Library. What toxic black mold or other indoor mold looks like in buildings.
3. MOLD GROWTH on SURFACES, PHOTOS - What Does Mold Look Like on Various Materials & Surfaces? An extensive photographic guide to mold as it is found growing on various building materials & surfaces.
   
   Also see MOLD GROWTH on SURFACES, TABLE OF - a Table of Kinds of Mold Growth Found on Building Surfaces, lists mold genera/species most often found on specific building surfaces, materials, or contents
4. MOLD in the PETRI DISH, PHOTOS. - Photographs of Mold Growing on Petri Dishes or Mold Culture Plates or Settlement Plates
5. MOLD by MICROSCOPE - Mold spores under the Microscope - a Photo ID Library for detection and identification of toxic or other mold
6. MOLD RELATED ILLNESS SYMPTOMS - Mold Related Illness: Index of Symptoms. Readers should not rely on this document for medical diagnosis and instead should consult with their physician or with a specialist such as a medical toxicologist

Identification Photographs of Black Mold in Buildings - what does black mold look like?

Black mold in the laundry room may look like this extensive case. In cases of large areas of visible mold, unless the mold proves to be only cosmetic mold, professional cleaning is probably needed.

Look closely when inspecting or collecting test samples of "toxic black mold" because often there are other molds, sometimes more harmful and more easily airborne mold species on the same surface, on the hidden side of the same surface of drywall, or nearby.

These include lighter colored genera/species of Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. etc. which are too often missed when investigators or building owners focus only on "black mold" testing.

Tiny Stachybotrys toxic black mold colony on drywall behind a laundry room baseboard. If this is all that's present this is a trivial cleanup and does not need testing and remediation.

But if this is a "tip of iceberg" clue of a larger hidden problem in the wall, or if it might be, further investigation, at least exploring the wall cavity, would be appropriate.

Black mold on rotting subfloor below a leaky sliding glass door - this "black mold" was Taeoniella rudus for which no medical issues have been reported - a wood rotting organism though.

An investigation of the source of outside leaks and extent of damage to the structure were needed at this building.

Black Stachybotrys chartarum black mold on wallpaper below a leaky window. The window had been left open more than once during rainy weather. We found that water was leaking into the wall cavity, not just behind the wallpaper.

Replacement of a small section of drywall, wall cavity insulation, and wallpaper were appropriate at this location where the first symptom was loose peeling wallpaper which exposed black mold.

Toxic black mold, Memnoniella echinata visible at a small test cut into the wall cavity and contaminating fiberglass insulation in a NY City high rise apartment after water leaked from an A/C condensate line into the metal track of the metal-stud wall.

Larger wall cuts to look for hidden mold and final demolition exposed a very extensive toxic mold colony in this building. Lab processing of a tape sample of this mold was necessary to identify it.

Notice the funny black mold growth pattern on the cavity side of the opposing drywall. This pattern maps the points of contact of the wall insulation kraft paper with the drywall surface, and the movement of moisture and spreading mold growth on the wall surface. It is characteristic of wall cavity mold and is different from the growth pattern of mold growing on a freely exposed-to-air drywall surface.

Black and hidden mold in fiberglass wall insulation in a basement exposed to prolonged wet conditions from a wall leak at a water pipe entry point. This mold was almost hidden except for a small mold-suspect patch and larger water stains on the exposed side of the drywall.

The wall cut exposed a surprise point of water entry. Black mold was visible on the insulation kraft paper.

The problematic mold in this case was not visible but was found by a special sampling technique we used to examine the building insulation for Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. (problem molds) in the fiberglass. 

It was found to be highly contaminated and was determined to be an active reservoir releasing high levels of airborne mold into the basement.

More Photos & Close ups of Black Mold on Building Surfaces 

 

Our mold photo at above left shows black mold colonies growing among green mold colonies on a laundry room ceiling, covering both plastic ceiling tile material (around the plumbing pipes) and drywall. It is often the case that multiple mold genera/species may be growing in the same area, often on the same surface, and at times, on top of one another.

As we advised earlier, look closely when inspecting or collecting test samples of "toxic black mold" because often there are other molds, sometimes more harmful and more easily airborne mold species on the same surface, on the hidden side of the same surface of drywall, or nearby. In this building that was still wet at the time we took this photograph, the airborne level of Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. (the green, gray, and light colored molds in the photo) was very high while the level of airborne Stachybotrys chartarum, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and Nigrospora sp. (black molds found on these surfaces) was very low.

Our photo at above right shows black mold colonies as smaller "spots" growing on the painted surface of cloth covering asbestos pipe insulation.

 

Our black mold photos above show dense black fungal growth on drywall (black mold on Sheetrock™ type wall surfaces) in areas that have been very wet. The distinct top edge of mold growth may mark a flood water level or a discontinuity in the wall material, such as a tape joint in drywall that affected the moisture gradient in the wall and thus the mold growth pattern.

Close up Photographs of Black Mold on Building Surfaces

 

Here we begin to "zoom in for a closer look at dense black mold growth on indoor building surfaces in a wet basement. Notice that the mold growth on drywall and often on other surfaces includes a family of circular growth patterns (upper area of photo at above right) until the mold growth has expanded to form a solid black covering (left wall of photo at left and lower wall of black mold in photo at right).

 

Our photo at above left shows black mold colonies as individual rounded "rings" on the cavity side of drywall on a building crawl area wall. The black mold photo at right shows how dense black mold may be hidden from view behind wall baseboard trim (removed for this picture) in a building that has suffered wet floors.

 

Black mold growth on furniture is obvious in these two photographs, of a mold on a leatherette surface (left) and on an upholstered chair (right).

 

In our photo at above left we see black mold and other mold growths on the kraft paper facing of fiberglass building insulation. Our black mold photo at above right shows that mold colonies do not always grow in the neat round ring-like colonies shown in some our earlier photographs.

 

Here we start to zoom in our photographs of black mold on building surfaces to show what mold colonies look like on close inspection in-situ. At left is mold on water stained drywall in a basement utility area. At right are small mold colonies that have appeared on a kitchen ceiling in just a few days after a heating system leak led to high indoor moisture and humidity levels.

 

Much more closely we can examine an individual black mold colony on a painted drywall ceiling (above left). In the microscope at 1000x we can see individual spores of Stachybotrys chartarum - a well known black mold that is often found on indoor building surfaces.

Other Examples of What Mold Looks Like in Buildings

Question: Is this stuff on my ceiling mold?

I just moved into a rental trailer and it had a strong musty smell. I thought, maybe it hasn't been aired out. well, after two days of doors and windows open, it still smells. I found the brown discoloration on the ceiling in the kitchen cabinets. Is it mold? Thank you, - L.B. 

Reply: maybe not, but those water stains mean there may be a significant risk of hidden mold indoors

Your photo shows some heavy staining on what looks like suspended ceiling tiles. The brown stains themselves may not be mold but rather brown materials carried by roof leaks into the ceiling structure. Older trailers and mobile homes often have leaky roofs.

It looks as if water has also run down the wall surface and quite likely the wall cavity of the home below those same stains.

In this case the stains you see might not be mold but they do indicate that there is a high risk of mold in this home. Here are spots where I'd suspect a more hidden but possibly larger problem reservoir of mold when we see leak stains like yours:

• The ceiling tiles may themselves be moldy on their upper or hidden surface, depending on what they are made-of. Even plastic-faced fiberglass suspended ceiling tiles that might not look moldy may in fact be contaminated if they have been wet.
  See INSULATION MOLD TEST.
• The back side of wallpaper that has been soaked is often moldy.
  At HIDDEN MOLD in OTHER PLACES we include a photo of mold found behind wallpaper that looked just fine from the room side.
• If the walls are covered with drywall behind that wallpaper, its cavity side may be moldy, though more likely your walls are paneled. Un-painted cavity side of wood paneling often supports mold growth and of course insulation within the wall cavity may be wet and moldy too.
• Finally, where we see significant stains at a wall/ceiling juncture indicating a history of roof leaks that sent water into and down the wall, we take a close look at carpeting, carpet padding, and insulation that may be under the floor below.

I suggest having someone take a look at the insulation and floor condition in the area of leakage from below the mobile home. If that area is wet and damaged you can pretty much expect that there is hidden damage and mold in the ceiling and wall above.

If the damage is not so extensive that immediate major repairs to the structure are needed, but if there appears to be anything greater than 30 sq.ft. of moldy material, professional cleaning and repairs are needed. And the cleaning and repair work cannot be concluded before the leaks are fixed. 

Watch out: in some mobile homes where there has been chronic leakage we have seen floors that were badly deteriorated and even collapse.

Answers to Home Inspection Cost and Services

What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation.

What does a home inspection include? 
The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) publishes a Standards of Practiceand Code of Ethics that outlines what you should expect to be covered in your home inspection report.

Why do I need a home inspection?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.

If you already are a homeowner, a home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future repairs.

If you are planning to sell your home, a home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.

What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services such as septic, well or radon testing.

Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the inspector’s qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s regulations, if any, and professional affiliations as a guide.

Why can't I do it myself? 
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.

Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by a professional in the field of home inspection.

Can a house fail a home inspection? 
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement.

What is ASHI?
Since 1976, ASHI has worked to build consumer awareness of home inspection and to enhance the professionalism of its membership. The ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics serves as a performance guideline for home inspectors, and is universally recognized and accepted by many professional and governmental bodies.
Back to top

Who belongs to ASHI? 
ASHI is an organization of independent, professional home inspectors who are required to make a commitment, from the day they join as ASHI Associates, to conduct inspections in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, which prohibits engaging in conflict-of-interest activities that might compromise their objectivity. ASHI Associates work their way to ASHI Certified Inspector status as they meet rigorous requirements, including passing a comprehensive, written technical exam and performing a minimum of 250 professional, fee-paid home inspections conducted in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Mandatory continuing education helps the membership stay current with the latest in technology, materials and professional skills.
Back to top

When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed. Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer and seller are obligated.
Back to top

Do I have to be there?
While it’s not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.
Back to top

What if the report reveals problems? 
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree to make repairs.
Back to top

If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection? 
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for future reference.
Back to top

Home Holiday Safety Tips

 With more cooking, decorating and rituals that include candles and open flames, the risk of house fires and pediatric burn injuries increase drastically during the month of December.

These holiday traditions can all lead to a devastating house fire when there are young children in the home. The U.S. Fire Administration reports there are approximately 128,700 fires during this festive month that account for 415 deaths and 1,650 injuries.

Burn Awareness 
According to Dr. David Herndon, M.D., with Shriners Hospitals for Children® in Galveston, there are three types of pediatric burns that are common during the holidays. They include scalds from steam or hot liquids, contact with heat or flames and electrical burns. Understanding these common injuries and how to avoid them can help your family to stay safe this season.

Holiday Fire Safety Tips
Look out for loved ones and prepare for the holiday ahead with these simple fire safety tips from Shriners Hospitals for Children:

Holiday Decorations

• Make sure your tree is at least three (3) feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. 
• If you have a live tree in your home, keep it well watered and remove it after the holiday or when it becomes dry.
• 
  

Holiday Lighting

• Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots and excessive kinking or wear before use. 
• Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.

Candle Care

• Consider using battery-operated, flameless candles. 
• Never leave lit candles unattended. When using lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and placed where they cannot be knocked down easily. 

Holiday Cooking

• Cooking is the primary cause of home fires and fire injuries, so keep an eye on what you fry. 
• Stand by your pan and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so children cannot reach them. 
• Wear short sleeves or roll up long sleeves when cooking. 
• Keep a pan lid or cookie sheet nearby to cover the pan if it catches on fire.

Be Prepared
To protect your loved ones, make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. The holiday season is a great time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and to check fire extinguishers. 

Have an escape plan for your family and always cook with care. Most importantly, if you or your child experiences a burn, consult a physician immediately. 

The Gift of Prevention

The holiday season is a great time to spread safety awareness to all of your family and friends. Here are some gift ideas to present to loved ones, stuff stockings or to tuck under the tree:

Escape Ladder
The National Fire Protection Association recommends homeowners keep one escape ladder in each room located above the ground floor. Many models are built to stow easily under the bed or in the closet.

Smoke Detector
Some new smoke detectors offer advanced technologies, including a text message alert when a risk is detected or batteries are running low.

Flameless Candles
While a candle is always a classic gift, a flameless candle is a safer way to add ambiance to a room.

Fire ExtinguisherThis safety equipment makes a great addition for the kitchen, garage or wood shop.

Batteries
Fill those stockings with plenty of batteries to ensure smoke detectors are in working order for many months to come.