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Mold Facts:
Mold is in every home. Take action when any or all the following exist: |
- Mold colonies are visible
- Musty odor
- Moisture infiltration
- Mold related health symptoms persist
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Reasons to Inspect:
Find sources of water infiltration
Obtain a clearance letter to sell the property
Proof for sale or lease, insurance, litigation, or other disputes
Check whether mold is a source of health issues
Determine extent of mold contamination for mold remediation
Inspection Focus:
Locate sources of water incursion
Identify types and levels of mold spores in living areas
Determine the extent of mold spore contamination
Report Content:
Cover Letter: Mold Clearance or Mold Present
Inspection report w/ pictures
Lab results
Pricing Variables:
Inspection Scope
Types of under-floor spaces
Travel Time
Number of samples
Sample results turn around time
Inspector Availability:
Anytime, 24x7 if the water source is known
Otherwise, at least an hour of daylight needed to locate possible outdoor water sources
Inspection Time:
Normally about 1-2 hours
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| Mold FAQs back to top Mold Resources |
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Stucco Siding Facts:
Almost all building with stucco siding have moisture problems |
- 19/20 (94%) of synthetic stucco (EIFS) exteriors
- 16/20 (80%) of hardcoat (traditional) stucco exteriors
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| Homes clad in other materials have similar problems for the same reasons |
- Roof flashing terminating behind walls
- Deck flashing terminating behind walls
- Unsealed miter joints at sills of windows and doors
- Unsealed service entrances through walls
- Siding terminated below grade
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Reasons to Inspect:
Determine the extent of moisture damage behind the siding
Obtain a stucco moisture warranty from Moisture Warranty
Inspection Focus:
Identify areas prone to moisture infiltration
Measure moisture levels in the wall behind those areas
Report Content:
Moisture report by wall sections w/ pictures
Summary of issues and recommendations
Referral to Moisture Warranty
Pricing Variables:
Number of walls
Number of stories above grade
Travel Time
Need for inspection assistants
Post-repair inspection (not included in inital inspection price)
Inspector Availability:
Daylight hours to take pictures of wall sections and sample as needed
Need at least 24 hours from the last time it rained
Inspection Time:
Normally about 2-8 hours, depending on the number and height of walls
More Information:
MoistureFree Warranty info from Moisture Warranty
Home Inspection Headquarters
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| Stucco FAQs back to top Stucco Resources |
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Resale Inspection Facts:
Real estate contract, specifies time for completing home inspections.
Many seller disclosure statements are unhelpful, misleading, and sometimes wrong
Sellers can preserve equity by acting on an inspection before selling the property
Purpose is to determine the overall condition of the home
Reasons to Inspect:
Buyers: Make an informed purchasing decision and peace of mind
Sellers: Preserve equity by fixing issues before the sale
Owners: Understand the current condition of the building
Inspection Focus:
Visible health and safety concerns
Operation and installation of equipment
Structural integrity, utility installation, and storm water drainage
Report Content:
Inspection report w/ pictures
Two summary reports |
Key Considerations: a small subset of findings to support further negotiations
All Comments: all findings w/o property and report content descriptions
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| Note: Most findings are routine maintenance to perform when taking possession |
Pricing Variables:
Heated square feet or number of bathrooms
Types of under-floor spaces
Travel Time
Age of building
Building condition (premium for investment property, foreclosures, & poor maintenance)
Building use
Additional inspections: accessory buildings, environmental sampling
Number of visits required to complete the inspection
Availability:
Need at least 1 hour of daylight to investigate the exterior
Inspection Time:
Better part of a half-day, usually 2.5 - 3.5 hours on site
More Information:
Virtual Home Inspection Tour at American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
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| Resale FAQs back to top Inspection Resources |
NEW CONSTRUCTION INSPECTIONS
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New Construction Facts:
Certificates of Occupancy granted before utilities are turned on & appliances operated
Less critical building codes are overlooked by overloaded municipal inspectors
Many structural defects are covered by floor, wall, and ceiling coverings
Until January 2008, Georgia does not require builders to be structurally code certified
Reasons to Inspect:
Ensure house meets applicable building codes during each phase of construction, typically, foundation, pre-drywall (mechanical), and final
Check operation of plumbing fixtures and electrical appliances
Inspection Focus:
Building component installation according to applicable building codes
Visible health and safety concerns
Operation and installation of equipment
Structural integrity, utility installation, and storm water drainage
Note: Cosmetic issues are not reported
Report Content:
Inspection report w/ pictures (on-line sample)
Three summary reports |
Punch List: list of things to address w/ code citations
Key Considerations: a small subset of findings to insist on correction by the builder
All Comments: all findings w/o property and report content descriptions
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| Note: Full text of code citations are accessible through the on-line version of the report |
Pricing Variables:
Heated square feet or number of bathrooms
Types of under-floor spaces
Travel Time
Building Use
Additional inspections: accessory buildings, environmental sampling
Number of visits required to complete the inspections
Availability:
Need at least 1 hour of daylight to investigate the exterior
Inspection Time:
Better part of a half-day, usually 2.5 - 3.5 hours on site
More Information:
Virtual Home Inspection Tour at American Society of Home Inspectors
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| New Construction FAQs back to top New Construction Resources |
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Warranty Inspection Facts:
Certificates of Occupancy granted before utilities are turned on & appliances operated
Less critical building codes are overlooked by overloaded municipal inspectors
Many structural defects are covered by floor, wall, and ceiling coverings
Homes settle in various ways each season of the year
Until January 2008, Georgia does not require builders to be structurally code certified
Georgia law grants a builders warranty on every new house |
- 1 year warranty on everything provided with the house
- 4-year warranty on the foundation
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Reasons to Inspect:
Ensure house meets applicable building codes
Check operation of plumbing fixtures and heating & cooling systems
Document issues with your builder before 1st year closing anniversary
Inspection Focus:
Building component installation according to applicable building codes
Visible health and safety concerns
Operation and installation of equipment
Structural integrity, utility installation, and storm water drainage
Note: Cosmetic issues are not reported
Report Content:
Inspection report w/ pictures
Three summary reports |
Punch List: list of things to address w/ code citations
Key Considerations: a small subset of findings to insist on correction by the builder
All Comments: all findings w/o property and report content descriptions
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| Note: Full text of code citations are accessible through the on-line version of the report |
Pricing Variables:
Heated square feet or number of bathrooms
Types of under-floor spaces
Travel Time
Building Use
Additional inspections: accessory buildings, environmental sampling
Number of visits required to complete the inspections
Availability:
Need at least 1 hour of daylight to investigate the exterior
Inspection Time:
Better part of a half-day, usually 2.5 - 3.5 hours on site
More Information:
Virtual Home Inspection Tour at American Society of Home Inspectors
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| Warranty FAQs back to top Warranty Resources |
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