FAQs
What do you charge for a comprehensive inspection?
Prices are contingent upon the age and size of a home. Assuming that the home is less than 3000 square feet, and less than 50 years old, the fee would be less than $325.00. Anything older or larger is subject to additional charges.
What is included in your basic inspection?
We inspect the following:
- Framing
- Foundation
- Roof
- Plumbing
- Heating
- Electricals
- Termite
I have a septic system, can you check that?
Yes, what we typically run is called a septic push test. All wastewater should be directed toward a septic system if you have one. A septic push test basically means that water is run through the plumbing system for an extensive period of time. The inspector then probes for the tank and walks the suspected drainage field to check for other signs of failure, in addition to observing if waste appears to be directed toward the septic. If the home is vacant, it is unlikely that any test, dye or push will be conclusive. Even if the fingers were failing, the under utilized system may not indicate failure. However, Lenders often require a septic report, so useful or not, the test may be required just to provide the required closing document. It is always a good idea to check with your lender before making your inspection appointment to see exactly what they will be requiring.
Can you run a dye test on a septic system?
Yes. Typically dye tests are only run when the property sits on or near a body of water, for example a lake, river, creek, or pond. In a dye test, the inspector puts dye into the toilet. If the dye starts to come up in the ground around the fingers or in the body of water, you the system is failing. Again, if the property is vacant this test could be inconclusive.
I have a well. Can you test the well water?
Yes, we can take a well water sample and send it into a lab to test for the coliform bacteria. If a colony is present, then the water is considered undrinkable. Other tests are sometimes required by the lender.
What is Radon, and why is it important to test for it?
According to the EPA, Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water. Your home can trap radon inside. Any home, new or old, well sealed or drafty, with a basement or without a basement, can have a radon problem. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home. That is where you spend the most time. Nearly one out of 15 homes in the U.S has an elevated radon level. Visit http://www.epa.gov/ for more information.
Do you test for radon?
Yes, we can. There are two levels of service to choose from, there is a Level A-Certified test and a Level B-Non-certified test. The main difference between the two is that in the certified test there is a compliance agreement that goes to the seller or to their representative that says they know the test is in place, they will not disturb it and if they do they will pay to replace the test. The certified test also involves putting certification seals on the windows, this indicates to us if the windows have not been opened or tampered with during the testing period. Any additional air fluctuation can disturb the reading on the test. The non-certified test has no compliance agreement; or no certification seals on the windows. We use the short-term radon testing method. Radon testing is taking two air samples in the lowest livable area of the home for a minimum of 48 hours to a maximum of 7 days. The air sample is tested at a lab and reports are usually issued the business day following the end of the testing period.
What are the qualifications and experience of your company?
- Sherlock Homes Inspection Service has been inspecting homes since 1979.
- Over 20,000 inspections completed.
- All of our inspectors are certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors. (ASHI)
Please see our Inspector Qualifications section for complete details.
What is the problem with lead and is it necessary to test for?
Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978. Some states stopped its use even earlier. You have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard. You can get lead in your body by swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead. Lead can be found anywhere. It can be found in the soil around a home, household dust, and even drinking water. If not conducted properly, certain types of renovations can release lead from paint and dust into the air. Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly.
Sherlock Homes tests actual paint chips. This makes it necessary to acquire a compliance agreement from the seller. To get the actual chips we must take a square centimeter off of each paint surface, usually either the windowsill or wall. This can be a bit destructive to the home. There are less destructive methods for testing available from other companies. References can be provided.
May we attend the inspection?
Yes! We encourage you to be there. However, do not bring a lot of people and do not schedule other contractors at the time of inspection. It is important that the inspector be able to get around in the house without additional interruptions or distractions from other workers to ensure the highest quality inspection possible.