Other Property Inspection Services We Offer
Mold Inspections
A full mold inspection consists of a visual inspection of the structure and interior (especially the area of concern) and use of a moisture meter and infrared scanning (interior only) to try to locate the moisture and hopefully the source of the moisture. The air conditioner’s thermostat should be turned down to at least 73 degrees one hour before the time of the inspection for best infrared conditions. A report of the findings and recommendations will be provided.
The inspection also includes 3 air samples (1 control and 2 tests) for professional lab analysis. Additional samples can be collected if needed. The samples are sent to a professional lab the day of the inspection via Fed Ex and the lab report is usually emailed back to us within 1-2 business days.
A request for just mold samples can also be accommodated if the only concern is indoor air quality.
Leak Inspections/Water Intrusion Inspections
Water leaks not related to the home’s plumbing are usually from a roof issue or problems with flashing at a window or a door, or possibly from cracks in the exterior walls. Water intrusion of a home can also occur as a result of improper grading of the yard or the sod or planter beds being above the finished floor foundation of the home.
This inspection includes visual and infrared scanning and use of moisture meter. It may also require water testing to identify the source of the leak.
Chinese Drywall Inspections
Homes built between 2001-2009 are at risk. The active 2005 hurricane season and housing boom caused a shortage in supply of American made drywall. An estimated 550 million pounds of drywall from China was shipped to U.S. ports to help keep up with demand.
These homes can show damage to the air conditioning’s evaporator coils, all ferrous metal components, including copper ground wires, copper & brass plumbing components, and personal property such as electronics, precious metals and mirrors may be affected. Many homeowners complain of respiratory problems including sore throats, coughs, nose bleeds, and sinus headaches.
Things We Look For:
- The house has a strong sulfur smell reminiscent of rotten eggs.
- Exposed copper wiring appears dark and corroded.
- A manufacturer’s label on the back of the drywall can be used to link it with manufacturers that are known to have used contaminated materials. One way to look for this is to enter the attic and remove some of the insulation.
Because drywall used in home construction can be from mixed sources, submission of multiple samples from one suspect home is required to reduce the risk of false negative results. Roughly 5g (approximately 2”x2” squares) of bulk drywall material taken from multiple locations.
FHA Mobile Home Inspections
In Florida, FHA and VA require all mobile/manufactured homes financed or re-financed have foundation systems equal to current Florida standards, regardless of when they were installed. This inspection reports if the home is properly supported and anchored for protection from strong winds or hurricanes. In addition, any added structures such as carports or screen rooms have to be certified as not structurally attached to the home so as not to compromise it during high wind events.
Items checked are:
- Type and installation of anchors and straps (galvanized are required)
- Presence of stabilization plates in front of diagonal pull anchors
- Properly installed beam clamps
- Longitudinal and Lateral stabilization with anchors of LSD’s
- Proper number and installation of LSD’s and transverse straps
- Proper installation and spacing of anchors
- Mid-line anchors
- Proper skirting
- Stability of support piers
- Removal of wheels and tongues
- Proper anchoring and support of any porches or additions
The inspector must verify that the seal, or seals for a double-wide, are affixed to the outside of the unit. The completed report will be stamped by our Professional Engineer as required.
Infrared Roof Scans
These are for commercial buildings with flat roofs (i.e. shopping centers, condos, manufacturing buildings, etc.)
The inspection consists of 2 steps:
- During the day the inspector walks the roof and documents the roofing material, its features, and rooftop AC units, vent pipes, etc., and potential problem areas. He then marks a grid that will be used to correlate the infrared scanning. There cannot be any standing water on the roof top for this inspection.
- At night the inspector returns and scans the roof by segments and records wet areas (water is hidden beneath the surface if the roof material is failing).
These inspections may be requested by the building owner, maintenance director, property manager or a commercial roofer.
The inspection and report can show the roof only needs repairs in certain areas or will prove that the whole roof is failing and should be replaced.
Infrared Electrical or Mechanical Inspections
These are specialty inspections of commercial buildings or apartment communities and are usually required by the insurance carrier to verify no unsafe conditions. All electrical panels and related equipment are visually inspected and reported on and scanned to identify any problems.
Mechanical inspections are more likely ordered by the equipment company (if machinery is being leased or if it is under warranty) or by the company owner or management. While the machinery is being operated, it is visually inspected and reported on as well as scanned with the infrared camera to identify any problems (metal rubbing or out of alignment will overheat and cause premature wear or failure). This inspection can prevent a mechanical failure that could halt production or void a warranty.
FS718 Inspections
These are state mandated inspections periodically required for Condominium associations. The purpose is to ensure that the residents are protected from exorbitant and unexpected maintenance charges for common areas of the condo (roof, concrete, pool, etc.) and for safety.
The common areas are inspected and tracked for maintenance needs and identification of repairs needed or future or immediate replacements. This is needed for budgeting purposes that must be reported to the State and the residents.
Balcony Inspections
State mandated periodic inspection of commercial building (usually a hotel) to verify integrity of railings on balconies and stairwells and condition of concrete.
