Homestead Inspection Group

Mold - A Growing Concern

Mold Inspection and Assessment include the following services:

A diligent visual inspection of the exterior and interior including the attic. The inspection includes the search for mold growth, current water leaks or intrusion and evidence of prior incidents. In addition, moisture meter readings are taken on the walls, floors, cabinets and surfaces around all lavatories, showers, toilets, appliances, etc, in an attempt to ascertain if any plumbing is leaking. A hygrometer and fiber optics are utilized where applicable.
Air samples are collected and analyzed through an independent and certified laboratory, whose results are forwarded to the client. Surface sampling is completed and analyzed when necessary.
A written report and assessment of the inspector’s visual observations and an explanation of the laboratory results are forwarded to the client.
Practical communication with clients. Homestead Inspections Group knows it is necessary to take the time to fully explain to clients that when mold problems exist they should not be alarmed. Clients should understand that problems normally can be rectified with minimal effort and expense.

All mold inspections and assessments are performed by Neil Brady, State License # MAT0131. Neil has performed over a thousand inspections since 1999. Call our office for a Full Informational Conference with Neil if you are concerned about a mold situation or moving to a new residence.

All inspections and assessments are performed in compliance with the regulations mandated by the Texas Department of State Health Services and with current industry practices and guidelines.

The most common negative reaction to too much exposure to mold is an allergic response similar to the way grass pollens can bring about sneezing, eye irritation, runny nose, etc. However, some molds produce airborne toxins called mycotoxins that can cause serious breathing difficulties, dizziness, flu-like symptoms and/or bleeding in the lungs even to healthy people if too much exposure occurs. Toxic molds are a matter of contentious debate among the scientific and medical community and at this point there are no state or federal published standards relating to mold contamination. The elderly, infants, pregnant women, immune compromised people and people with respiratory problems are most susceptible to the infections and diseases that can be obtained from too much exposure to toxic and pathogenic molds.

All Inspections are performed following the Standards of Practice as mandated by The State Of Texas Texas Real Estate Commission

The following is listed to show what is inspected with some of the major items and sub items that are involved with that particular system. Systems and Items shown are part of but not necessarily all of the inspection process.

Lawn Sprinklers:

Comments: The inspector will operate all zones or stations on the system in the manual mode. He will not inspect the automatic function of the timer or control box, the rain sensor or the effectiveness and sizing of anti-siphon valves or backflow preventers. He will inspect and report deficiencies in the visible wiring and in the condition and mounting of the control box. He will report surface water leaks, deficiencies in water flow or pressure at the circuit heads, the absence or improper installation of anti-siphon valves or backflow preventers and the absence of a shut-off valve. He will report deficiencies in the operation of each zone and associated valves, spray head patterns and areas of non-coverage within the zone.

Stucco and E.I.F.S.

All Inspections are performed following the Standards of Practice as mandated by The State Of Texas Texas Real Estate Commission

The following structural systems are listed to show what is inspected with some of the major items and sub items that are involved with that particular system. Systems and Items shown are part of but not necessarily all of the inspection process.

Stucco:

Specializing in stucco inspections since 1995

Inspection of structure and moisture penetration, an opinion is given.
Detection equipment to do the job.
We are often referred to from other satisfied clients and Professional Inspectors and Engineers who have made moisture concerns known in their reports.
Many satisfied clients have been able to go forward with piece of mind after an opinion is rendered.
If you have moisture concerns related to a stucco application and have been referred for a second opinion, as is related to moisture penetration. We have the experience to do the job.

E.I.F.S:

Exterior Insulating Fastening Systems (synthetic stucco)

If you are buying or own an EIFS clad home you must have a moisture inspection performed to determine if moisture has penetrated the EIFS covering and is causing the underlying wood framing and/or sheathing to deteriorate.
Damage is not normally seen or known without testing, which is performed by several non-invasive and invasive procedures.
Permission is required from the owner of the property to perform the invasive procedure. Two small holes in several locations usually under windows are drilled into the substrate behind the EIFS to measure the moisture content.
This is the only true way to determine interior moisture levels although several non-invasive instruments are used to help locate areas of concern.
An opinion is given on site and a full computer generated report is made usually within 24 hours.
Fax or E-mail is available to speed the process.

Moisture Concerns or Special Inspections:

If you have a special moisture concern or other related item call and see if we can help.

No charge for information or if we can not address the problem on site.