SERVICES

At Home provides clients with a variety of home inspection services.  We conduct the whole house inspections and radon tests ourselves.  Other services such as termite inspections and mold testing (when required) are conducted by our trusted subcontractors who are licensed or certified specialists.  

Whole House Inspection

At Home whole house inspections are conducted according to the standards of practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).  The scope includes the following:

·     Landscaping and how it effects the foundation
·     The exterior siding, trim, windows and storm windows
·     Roof, including the roof covering, flashings, valleys, chimneys, gutters and
      downspouts
·     Sidewalks, driveways, patios, porches and decks
·     Interior walls, floors, ceilings & windows
·     Plumbing systems, including testing of toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, faucets and water
      heaters
·     Electrical system, including service entrance, main panel, sub-panels, wiring and
      fixtures
·     Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems
·     Attic, including structure, ventilation and insulation
·     Basement or crawl space areas for foundation soundness, structure and moisture
      penetration

Throughout the inspection process, clients are encouraged to accompany the inspector, asking any questions that you might have.  We are there to inspect your house, but we always strive for it to be a learning experience as well.  We often hear realtors say that they learn something new at every inspection!

Termite Inspection

A termite inspection is a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of a home for evidence of wood-destroying insects (WDI).  The inspector will visually inspect the interior of the home (including accessing and entering any sub-space such as basements and crawlspaces) and exterior of the property.  After the inspection has been performed, the findings are reported on the applicable/appropriate form.  At Home makes the arrangements for termite inspections by sub-contractors who are licensed specialists.  The termite inspections are typically conducted at the same time as the whole house inspection.  If evidence of termites is found, the inspector will provide a cost estimate for treatment.  At Home can also provide you with the names of other termite treatment companies, so you can obtain competitive bids. 

Radon Testing

Radon measurement devices fall broadly into 2 categories; Passive or Active radon monitors.  After being placed in the home for the required test period, passive monitors must be sent to a laboratory for analysis, therefore the results are not available immediately.  At Home uses continuous radon monitors (CRM's).   These devices are active radon monitors, therefore the test results are available immediately following the conclusion of the test period (48 hours minimum).  The CRM's used by At Home record the radon level each hour, so the report will show the variations in radon level during the test period.  If the schedule allows, we try to set the radon monitors two days before the whole house inspection, so the results will be available on the day of the whole house inspection.  Otherwise, we set the radon monitors at the time of the whole house inspection, and the results will be available two days later.  If high radon levels are found, At Home can provide you with names of companies who install radon mitigation systems. 

Mold Testing

Is sampling for mold needed?  In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary.  In specific instances, such as; the source(s) of the mold contamination is unclear, or health concerns are a problem, you may consider sampling.  Surface sampling may also be useful in order to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated.  The professionals that are referred by At Home can help you decide if sampling for mold is useful and/or needed, and will be able to carry out any necessary sampling.