BUYERS AND SELLERS

Our Inspection Services Include:
Buyers Inspection
A full visual evaluation of the home's structure and mechanical systems to provide a comprehensive view of your potential new home's condition allowing you to negotiate what’s important to you.

Sellers Inspection
A full visual evaluation of the home's structure and mechanical systems. Providing a comprehensive view of your home's current condition. Allowing you to understand, evaluate, address, and/or repair potential issues before they become a problem once your home is under contract.

Muilti-family

(five or more dwelling units) and Commercial
A visual inspection of the property based on the ASTM standard 2018-01 for commercial inspections. This includes evaluation and reporting on structure, roof, foundation, and mechanical systems. As well as accessibility to building and parking areas. We prefer to inspect all dwelling units to provide a better picture of the overall condition of the property. Although for a high number of building units it is required to inspect a representative number of both vacant and occupied units. We will provide a written report of our findings with pictures. Our reports are typically sent out within six business days from the inspection day.

SCHEDULE YOUR INSPECTION

TERMITE, RADON AND SEWER SCOPE INSPECTIONS

In addition to full inspections, we offer the following:

full inspections, we offer the following:

Termite Inspections

Our Termite Inspections are conducted with precision and expertise to detect any signs of termite infestation. Safeguard your property with our thorough inspection services.

Sewer scope Inspections

Sewer scope inspections are vital for maintaining your plumbing system. Advanced camera technology identifies blockages and leaks, preventing costly repairs. Regular assessments ensure long-term functionality and peace of mind for your drainage. Invest in sewer scope inspections for optimal plumbing performance.

Radon Testing

Ensure the safety of your family with our Radon Testing services. We use advanced techniques to detect any harmful levels of radon gas in your property, offering you peace of mind.

Mold
Inspections

Mold (fungi) is present everywhere, indoors and outdoors. There are more than 100,000 species of mold, at least 1,000 of which are common in America. Species of Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus are some of the most commonly found species. Mold most likely grows in bathrooms, basements, and anywhere else there is dampness or water. Many types of mold routinely encountered aren’t hazardous to healthy individuals. Too much exposure to mold may cause a worsening of such conditions as asthma, hay fever, or other allergies. Fevers and breathing problems in a vulnerable individual are possible but unusual. When moldy material becomes damaged or disturbed, spores, which are reproductive bodies similar to seeds, can be released into the air. Exposure can occur if people inhale the spores, directly handle moldy material, or accidentally ingest the spores. Since all molds need water to grow, mold can grow almost anywhere where there is high humidity, dampness, or water damage. Most often molds are confined to areas near the water source. Removing the source of moisture through repairs or dehumidification is crucial in preventing mold growth. Correcting underlying water damage and cleaning the affected area is the best way to treat mold. If mold contamination is extensive, a professional abatement company may be needed. Excerpts from The New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology, “Facts About Mold”.

Mold Frequently Asked Questions

Why is mold growing in my home?

Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.

Can mold cause health problems?

Molds are usually not a problem indoors unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances.

Allergic reactions to mold are common and include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic to mold.

How do I get rid of mold?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores indoors, but indoor mold growth can be controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you must clean up the mold and also fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold but don’t fix the water problem, the mold problem most likely will return.

Who should do the cleanup?
If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet, you can probably handle the job yourself. However: If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types.

If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service providers) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA’s Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, or the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.

If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold, consult the EPA’s Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold – it could spread mold throughout your home.

If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.

If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

For more information, read the EPA’s A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home.

The above information is provided as a public service by the Environmental Protection Agency for educational purposes.

203k Consultant Services

The FHA’s 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program is designed to finance the renovation or refinancing and repairing of homes, catering to those who want to remodel or make energy-saving improvements.

There are two program options:

Standard 203(k):

For major structural repairs exceeding $5,000. No cap on renovation costs, and an FHA-approved 203(k) consultant’s involvement is necessary.

Limited 203(k)

For minor, non-structural repairs up to $35,000. A consultant’s help is optional but can be beneficial.

The 203(k) Consultant plays a vital role, acting as a mediator between homeowners, contractors, and lenders. They inspect properties, prepare documents, ensure compliance, assess the property with FHA’s 35-Point Checklist, secure permits, and might conduct a feasibility study if needed. They also manage:

Work Write-Up and Cost Estimate: Creating detailed work write-ups and cost estimates, prioritizing health and safety.
Review and Inspection: Evaluating fund disbursement requests and ensuring quality and code compliance.
Monitoring and Communication: Reporting progress and any problems.
Change Management: Examining suggested changes and preparing necessary orders.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Allows purchase and renovation of fixer-uppers with minimal down payment and possibly favorable interest rates.
Cons: Restrictions on qualifying properties, funding limits, and potentially complex application processes.

Regular FHA 203k:

Minimum: $5,000.
Maximum: Based on FHA Mortgage Limits or specific LTV calculations.

Streamlined FHA 203k:

Includes: Purchase price plus up to $35,000 for repairs, with a 3.5% down payment.

Qualifying Properties:

One- to four-family homes completed for over a year, homes with existing foundation, and some condos (not co-ops).

The 203(k) Mortgage Process Consists Of The Following Steps:

A house requiring rehabilitation is identified by the borrower.

The borrower discusses with a lender the possibility of combining the rehabilitation cost with the mortgage.

The lender selects a Consultant from the roster.

The Consultant inspects the home, preparing a work write-up and cost estimate.

The borrower secures a 203(k) mortgage from the lender.

Work begins on the house, with the Consultant monitoring progress and acting as a liaison between the lender and borrower.

Once the work is completed, the borrower moves into the home.

Additional features may include a 20% contingency reserve and provision for temporary accommodation during renovations.

Overall, the FHA 203k loan offers a solution for those looking to purchase and renovate properties, ensuring necessary funds for both processes, but comes with specific requirements and limitations.

*HUD roster lookup 203k Consultants List (hud.gov)

HUD license number is D1266