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Preparing for an Inspection
Home Inspection
Successful completion of your inspection, depends on our ability to access all components of the home. WE DO NOT MOVE HEAVY FURNITURE OR TURN ON UTILITIES.
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Ask the seller, are all utilities on?
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Is there an access panel or stair to the attic?
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Is the access to the main shut off devices (water, electric, gas) clear?
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Are all doors unlocked
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Are there pets in the house?
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Who is responsible if the home is not fully accessible?
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Is the security system turned off?
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Are the smoke alarms monitored by the fire department?
Radon Testing
The Radalink Radon Monitor being used to perform the radon survey of the dwelling has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for conducting radon measurments. The operator will conduct a radon survey for a minimum of 48 hours according to protocals designed for use in residences, as described in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency in 32 Illinois Administrative Code 422." These IEMA guidelines were developed specifically to deal with the time sensitive nature of home purchases and sales.
The following conditions must be maintained in order to achieve a valid test:
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All exterior windows must be kept closed. All exterior doors must be kept closed except for momentary entry and exit.
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The "closed house conditions" above must have been maintained for 12 hours prior to the beginning of the test as well as during the test.
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The radon monitor cannot be moved, covered, or tampered with in any way.
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High volume, whole-house, and window fans shall not be operated. Fireplaces or wood stoves shall not be operated unless they are a primary heat source.
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Heating and air conditioning (including permanently installed heat recovery ventilators) should operate normally.
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The operation of dryers, range hoods, bathroom fans, and other mechanical systems that draw air out of the building may adversely affect your measurment results.
Mold Testing
It is required that at least an hour prior to testing that windows and doors are not to be opened.
What to expect during the mold testing
Your mold testing professional will determine the number of air samples that will be taken inside the home, along with an outdoor sample to compare the inside samples to as a baseline or control sample.
Air samples can tell you if you have hidden moisture or leaks that are producing spores that may represent a health risk to you and your family.
Your mold inspector will be looking for evidence or "microbial" growth. We will use a swab or tape lift to sample that growth. Both swabs and tape lifts are used to see if there is evidence of "current or former growth" as a result of water intrusion or excessive humidity causing growth. Sometimes the dark or discolored "growth" is not microbial growth and thus, not evidence of water intrusion causing damage to your home. It is important to sample visible growth along with air samples to measure whether or not unwarranted exposure exists for you and your family.
After testing is complete, all samples will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. Results and full report should be received at the end of the week or sooner.
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