Atlanta home inspector shares Million Dollar First Time Home Buyer Challenge
August 28, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under News & Events
As an Atlanta home inspector we are proud to be a part of the next seminar for First Time Home Buyers over in the Gwinnett County area. If you are a Gwinnett County First Time Home Buyer listen up, or if you’re even close to the area be sure and check this out. 
Cash for Renters – $8,000 Government Money to leave the apartment and buy a home…In the best buyers market in 39 years!
The 1818 Club 6500 Sugarloaf Pky, Duluth, GA 30097 – in the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Building
Don’t forget to go to the website
http://www.atlantamilliondollarchallenge.com/
and reserve your spot today, don’t procrastinate, time is running out!
Retweet this post
Atlanta Home Inspector shares information about Chinese Drywall
August 28, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under News & Events
As An Atlanta Home Inspector I have been asked more and more about the Chinese Drywall. I am happy to be able to tell those that have asked me about it, that I have not ran across any of it during my Atlanta home inspections. However I did run across the following article on my InterNachi membership website and thought it was full of valuable information. I hope it helps with the questions you may have.
Chinese Drywall
by Nick Gromicko, Rob London and Kenton Shepard
Amidst a wave of Chinese import scares, ranging from toxic toys to tainted pet food, reports of contaminated drywall from that country have been popping up across the American Southeast. Chinese companies use unrefined “fly ash,” a coal residue found in smokestacks in coal-fired power plants in their manufacturing process. Fly ash contains strontium sulfide, a toxic substance commonly found in fireworks. In hot and wet environments, this substance can offgas into hydrogen sulfide, carbon disulfide, and carbonyl sulfide and contaminate a home’s air supply. 
The bulk of these incidents have been reported in Florida and other southern states, likely due to the high levels of heat and humidity in that region. Most of the affected homes were built during the housing boom between 2004 and 2007, especially in the wake of Hurricane Katrina when domestic building materials were in short supply. An estimated 250,000 tons of drywall were imported from China during that time period because it was cheap and plentiful. This material was used in the construction of approximately 100,000 homes in the United States, and many believe this has lead to serious health and property damage.
Although not believed to be life- threatening, exposure to high levels of airborne hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur compounds from contaminated drywall can result in the following physical ailments:
- sore throat;
- sinus irritation;
- coughing;
- wheezing;
- headache;
- dry or burning eyes; and/or
- respiratory infections.
Due to this problem’s recent nature, there are currently no government or industry standards for inspecting contaminated drywall in homes. Professionals who have handled contaminated drywall in the past may know how to inspect for sulfur compounds but there are no agencies that offer certification in this form of inspection. Homeowners should beware of con artists attempting to make quick money off of this widespread scare by claiming to be licensed or certified drywall inspectors. An inspector can use the following tips to identify if a home’s drywall is contaminated:
- The house has a strong sulfur smell reminiscent of rotten eggs.
- Exposed copper wiring appears dark and corroded. Silver jewelry and silverware can become similarly corroded and discolored after several months of exposure.
- 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.
- Drywall samples can be sent to a lab to be tested for dangerous levels of sulfur. This is the best testing method but also the most expensive.
Contaminated Chinese drywall cannot be repaired. Affected homeowners are being forced to either suffer bad health and failing appliances due to wire corrosion or replace the drywall entirely, a procedure which can cost tens of thousands of dollars. This contamination further reduces home values in a real estate environment already plagued by crisis. Some insurance companies are refusing to pay for drywall replacement and many of their clients are facing financial ruin. Class-action lawsuits have been filed against homebuilders, suppliers, and importers of contaminated Chinese drywall. Some large manufacturers named in these lawsuits are Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin, Knauf Gips, and Taishan Gypsum.
The Florida Department of Health recently tested drywall from three Chinese manufacturers and a domestic sample and published their findings. They found “a distinct difference in drywall that was manufactured in the United States and those that were manufactured in China.” The Chinese samples contained traces of strontium sulfide and emitted a sulfur odor when exposed to moisture and intense heat, while the American sample did not. The U.S. Consumer Safety Commission is currently performing similar tests. Other tests performed by Lennar, a builder that used Chinese drywall in 80 Florida homes, and Knauf Plasterboard, a manufacturer of the drywall, came to different conclusions than the Florida Department of Health. Both found safe levels of sulfur compounds in the samples that they tested. There is currently no scientific proof that Chinese drywall is responsible for the allegations against it.
Regardless of its source, contamination of some sort is damaging property and health in the southern U.S. The media, who have publicized the issue, almost unanimously report that the blame lies with imported Chinese drywall that contains corrosive sulfur compounds originating from ash produced by Chinese coal-fired power plants. Homes affected by this contamination can suffer serious damage to the metal parts of appliances and piping and lead, potentially leading to considerable health issues. While no governing body has issued regulations regarding contaminated drywall, it is advisable that home inspectors be aware of the danger it poses and learn how to identify it.
Now with all that said and done, when you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection. We won’t let you buy the money pit.
We are proud to offer our new FREE Home Utility/Communication Connection Services where one call does it all, Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone. Call 1-866-594-4871 and provide them with access code 1008126. Call our Free Home Concierge Services to save time, save money and simplify life!
You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.
We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!
Visit us here:
Our Website: http://www.ihihomeinspections.com
Facebook http://companies.to/atlantahomeinspector/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bonnielelak
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gahomeinspector
We love new friends and followers!
Services Provided:
North Georgia Home Inspections
Pool & Spa Inspections
Retweet this postCobb County is one of the highest on Radon map by EPA.
August 27, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Radon
What zone are you in, red zone, orange zone, or yellow zone, the through of the matter is, no matter what zone you are in, the EPA recommends that you get your home tested and so does the Atlanta home inspector. This is not just recommended for new home buyers and sellers, but it is recommended to have your home tested for radon gas even if you plan to stay there for many years. Call 404-788-2581 today to get your home tested for radon gas, you will be glad once you have that peace of mind.
Here is the map for Georgia regarding radon gas! Notice Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett and Dekalb is the highest areas. Cherokee, Forsyth and most of North Georgia is in the orange area.
| Zone 1 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) (red zones) | Highest Potential | |
| Zone 2 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level between 2 and 4 pCi/L (orange zones) | Moderate Potential | |
| Zone 3 counties have a predicted average indoor radon screening level less than 2 pCi/L (yellow zones) | Low Potential |
North Georgia home inspection customer feedback
August 26, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Customer Feedback
I had the opportunity to provide a North Georgia home inspection a while back for Dave Mosby up in Big Canoe and I really enjoyed working with this gentleman. Talk about a super nice guy, I really enjoyed the fact that he was there for the home inspection process. We also had the privelege of working with Tana Brewster a Realtor and now a friend.
So here is Mr Mosby’s review.
Now with all that said and done, when you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection. We won’t let you buy the money pit.
We are proud to offer our new FREE Home Utility/Communication Connection Services where one call does it all, Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone. Call 1-866-594-4871 and provide them with access code 1008126. Call our Free Home Concierge Services to save time, save money and simplify life!
You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.
We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!
Visit us here:
Our Website: http://www.ihihomeinspections.com
Facebook http://companies.to/atlantahomeinspector/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bonnielelak
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gahomeinspector
We love new friends and followers!
Services Provided:
North Georgia Home Inspections
Pool & Spa Inspections
Retweet this postAtlanta home inspector shares article about Home Warranties
August 25, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Buying or Selling
Atlanta home inspector wanted to share an article with you that was found on Jodi Smith, North Metro Atlanta Realtors website
HOME WARRANTIES Can Help You, Too!
May 18, 2009 by Jodi Smith, Marietta Realtor, Roswell Realtor, East Cobb Realtor
As it gets harder to sell homes in today’s market, many sellers and Real Estate Agents are turning to Home Warranties-using them as an added value for potential buyers. These plans give buyers some peace of mind, knowing they’ll be covered for any unexpected repairs to their new home. Plus, they help protect Realtors against claims from buyers wanting reimbursement for property defects that arise after closing.
A home is the single largest investment that most people will ever make, and the last thing a new homeowner wants to learn is that they are facing an expensive repair. And while an inspection may find many problems that could be covered b y a home warranty, it cannot account for latent issues that are beyond an inspector’s scope or occur down the road after the sale is complete. To help prevent post-closing glitches, more sellers are offering to include a home warranty in the sale of their homes to allow buyers to purchase with more confidence. In fact, real estate professionals are now purchasing warranties as a gift for buyers and sellers, while also helping protect themselves from future litigation.
To help reduce your risk, you should recommend that your clients purchase a home warranty for their property and provide them a list of reputable companies to choose from. Encourage them to resarch the copanies thoroughly and ask the right questions, including:
- Which components of thehome will be covered by the warranty, which component are not coverd, and what are the specific exclusions and limitations? Is additional coverage available for items like swimming pools or refrigerators?
- How mch is the annual cost of the home warranty plan?
- How much is the charge for a trade service call?
- What are the total dollar limits on the warranty, and what are the limits for individual items?
- How long has the company been in business, and is it licensed?
- Is the company’s consumer service department available for requests 24 hours a day, 365 days a year?
- Can the warranty be renewed?
- Will a licensed contractor be used to make the repair, and what is the turnaround time?
- What percentage of claims is paid?
- What is the company’s customer retention ratio?
Most importantly you should stress the importance of reviewing a policy carfully before accepting it, paying particular attention to what is and isn’t covered. Often, thee contrac come with loopholes that require proper maintenance or upgrades to current building codes before repairs will be covered. If your clients decline this valuable coverage, you should document this fact in writing and retain the waiver in your transaction file.
When homeowners require more than a handshake after making the most significant investment of their lives, give them a home warranty and arm them with the security they need to help fight problems and various covered systems and appliances.
(Source: Realtor Magazine)
If you’re thinking about buying a home or selling your current one, Call Me Today: 678-763-6025 or Email Me: jodismith@kw.com! Let’s Get Started!!!
Now with all that said and done, when you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection. We won’t let you buy the money pit.
We are proud to offer our new FREE Home Utility/Communication Connection Services where one call does it all, Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone. Call 1-866-594-4871 and provide them with access code 1008126. Call our Free Home Concierge Services to save time, save money and simplify life!
You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.
We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!
Visit us here:
Our Website: http://www.ihihomeinspections.com
Facebook http://companies.to/atlantahomeinspector/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bonnielelak
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gahomeinspector
We love new friends and followers!
Services Provided:
Pool & Spa Inspections
Retweet this postHome Buying Seminar – Why is now a great time to buy?
August 25, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Buying or Selling, News & Events
The Atlanta home inspector is proud to be able to pass this information along to those of you who may want to take advantage of becoming educated about the $8,000 tax credit and it’s fast approaching deadline of December 1, 2009. This means if you know of anyone who wishes to take advantage of it. A home needs to be under contract near Oct 15.
|
|
||||||
| Attend the FREE Home Buying Seminar and learn why now would be a great time to buy. I will help educate attendees to market conditions assisting in helping to make good business decisions on acquiring a home…usually your largest asset. Home buying guide books are distributed to help guide you through the process. We will discuss the functionality of a Buyer Gateway tool to help you find your new home. We help you every step of the way and answer all questions. | |||||||
Hosted by Robin Perry, Managing Broker
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Cherokee Towne Lake
1085 Buckhead Crossing, Suite 100
Woodstock, GA 30189
678-486-2046 Cell 770-256-5780
Always please remember, referrals are the lifeline of my business. All are greatly appreciated.
Now with all that said and done, when you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection. We won’t let you buy the money pit.
We are proud to offer our new FREE Home Utility/Communication Connection Services where one call does it all, Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone. Call 1-866-594-4871 and provide them with access code 1008126. Call our Free Home Concierge Services to save time, save money and simplify life!
You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.
We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!
Visit us here:
Our Website: http://www.ihihomeinspections.com
Facebook http://companies.to/atlantahomeinspector/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bonnielelak
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gahomeinspector
We love new friends and followers!
Retweet this postInfant Deaths prompt Re-announcement of Bassinets
August 25, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Maintenance & Safety Tip
| Atlanta home inspector wanted to take the time and share the following child safety information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 |
Two Additional Infant Deaths Prompt Re-announcement of Simplicity “Close-Sleeper/Bedside Sleeper” Bassinets
Consumers urged to immediately stop using the 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 bassinets, including those with Graco logo and “Winnie the Pooh” motifs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is once again urging all parents and caregivers to immediately stop using convertible “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper” bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa. CPSC has learned of two additional infant deaths since the August 2008 safety alert and recall announcements that notified consumers of two infants who had strangled in their Simplicity bassinets. To date, CPSC is aware of four infants who have died in the close-sleeper bassinets.
CPSC learned that in September 2008, a two-month old female in Demorest, Georgia suffocated when she rolled into the adjustable fabric siding of the bassinet, pressing her face into a “pocket” which formed near the Velcro© fasteners. In another incident in January 2009, a six-month old female in Fort Worth, Texas appears to have been fatally entrapped in the bassinet’s bar opening created when the Velcro© fasteners were not secured. An investigation into this infant’s death is ongoing.
In addition, CPSC has received two separate reports involving a 10-week old and a 3-month old whose heads became entrapped between the lower bassinet bar and the mattress support. The infants were freed by their caregivers without injury.
The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets, including bassinets with the Graco logo and “Winnie the Pooh” motif licensed by Disney Consumer Products, contain metal bars that are covered by an adjustable fabric flap. This fabric flap is secured by Velcro© fasteners, which are intended to be partially removed when the bassinet is converted into the bedside/close-sleeper mode. If the Velcro© fasteners are not properly re-secured when the fabric flap is adjusted, or if the consumer entirely removes the fabric flap exposing the metal bars, an infant can slip through the opening between the lower metal bar and the mattress support and become entrapped and suffocate or strangle. Consumers are urged to check their bassinets to ensure they are not using one of the recalled Simplicity bassinets.
Parents and caregivers are advised to return these bassinets to the retail store where they were purchased. All of the recalled bassinets can pose a danger to infants.
To determine whether your bassinet has been recalled, please check for the model number and the manufacture date code pictured below. Bassinets manufactured prior to 21st week of 2008, “2108” (before May 18) are recalled. The model numbers for recalled bassinets manufactured prior to “2108” are:
| 3000 | 3010 | 3011 | 3012 | 3013 | 3014 |
| 3015 | 3016 | 3017 | 3020 | 3025 | 3026 |
| 3027 | 3030 | 3040 | 3045 | 3046 | 3047 |
| 3050 | 3060 | 3070 | 3111 | 3112 | |
| 343-8363 | 343-8399 | ||||
| 5730 | 5750 | 8383 | 9250 | TD2500 |
The following retailers have voluntarily agreed to recall the product and provide a refund or store credit to consumers who return the product to the store where purchased.
|
|
Due to the life-threatening hazard these bassinets pose to infants, CPSC urges all consumers to share this safety warning with friends, family, day care centers, and consignment stores to ensure that no child is placed to sleep in a Simplicity convertible bassinet covered by this warning.
SFCA Inc., the Reading, Pa.-based company that purchased the assets of juvenile product manufacturer Simplicity Inc. after foreclosure, no longer appears to be conducting day to day operations. SFCA Inc. is no longer answering phone calls or responding to e-mails from consumers.
CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx
—
Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
Retweet this postAlpharetta Home buyers happy with the Atlanta home inspector
August 24, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Customer Feedback
Louis and Heather, new home buyers in Alpharetta Georgia, are extremely happy with their Alpharetta home inspection. Every home inspection I do I take great pleasure in making sure that I take the time and go over any and all questions so that the home buyers are confident and have a great peace of mind when they are finished.
Now with all that said and done, when you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection. We won’t let you buy the money pit.
We are proud to offer our new FREE Home Utility/Communication Connection Services where one call does it all, Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone. Call 1-866-594-4871 and provide them with access code 1008126. Call our Free Home Concierge Services to save time, save money and simplify life!
You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.
We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!
Visit us here:
Our Website: http://www.ihihomeinspections.com
Facebook http://companies.to/atlantahomeinspector/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bonnielelak
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gahomeinspector
We love new friends and followers!
Services Provided:
North Georgia Home Inspections
Pool & Spa Inspections
Retweet this post
Atlanta home inspector shares 5 ways to get your loan quicker
August 20, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Buying or Selling
As An Atlanta Home Inspector I love being able to not only provide valuable information on home inspections in Georgia, but I love sharing other tips and tricks to help you during your home buying process. So when I found this information from Lisa Saunders and Kathy Delbridge over at Home Savings of America I knew that it would be information that you would find helpful.
Five ways to make the loan process go faster
We should say that “working with us” is the first way! When you let us help you find the loan that’s right for you, you truly are taking advantage of some of the area’s best technology and expertise to get you a loan decision and funding on your loan quickly.
But here are five “other” ways you can speed up the process of getting a mortgage loan:
1. Have everything ready and in one place. Elsewhere on our website, you’ll find a list of things you might need in support of your mortgage application. If you get them all together and keep them in a safe, portable place like a special pouch or folder, you can cut down on time spent rooting around for things we may need. Also, you’ll help cut down on your own anxiety and confusion.
2. Be honest and complete when you fill out your application. “Fudging” your employment or residence history or omitting open credit accounts you’d rather not have considered doesn’t increase your chances of getting a favorable loan. In 100 percent of cases, it makes it harder, and take longer.
3. Respond promptly to requests for additional information. During processing, we or the lender considering your loan may need additional information. Provide it as soon as you get the request, or return the call as soon as you get the message.
4. Be prepared to explain derogatory items in your credit report. This is really part of number 2 above. If you had an illness or a divorce where you missed or made late payments, or you have other instances of late payments or delinquencies on your credit report, be prepared to explain them. Be honest, and don’t be nervous! The loan processor isn’t judging you, they’re trying to fill in all the blanks in their paperwork.
5. Let the appraiser in! The appraisal is one of the lengthiest parts of the mortgage loan process. Studies have shown that the single biggest factor in appraisal “lag time” is the appraiser’s inability to reach the homeowner to make an appointment. If you’re refinancing and the appraiser calls to make an appointment, make it as soon as convenient for both of you.
And remember that the appraiser doesn’t want to buy your house. He or she will say what the house is worth clean and tidy and in reasonable repair, even if you have some dirty laundry on the laundry room floor or dirty dishes in the sink. Cleaning doesn’t get you a higher appraisal! Letting the appraiser in as soon as possible gets you a loan faster, though.
Now with all that said and done, when you find your dream home, make sure that you get a thorough home inspection from the Atlanta home inspector, David Lelak of IHI Home Inspections, he serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Call us today at 404-788-2581 for a thorough home inspection. We won’t let you buy the money pit.
We are proud to offer our new FREE Home Utility/Communication Connection Services where one call does it all, Satellite, Internet, Cable TV, Home Security, and Phone. Call 1-866-594-4871 and provide them with access code 1008126. Call our Free Home Concierge Services to save time, save money and simplify life!
You can also schedule your own Georgia home inspection today online.
We create Peace of Mind ONE Home Inspection at a time!
Visit us here:
Our Website: http://www.ihihomeinspections.com
Facebook http://companies.to/atlantahomeinspector/
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/bonnielelak
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gahomeinspector
We love new friends and followers!
Services Provided:
North Georgia Home Inspections
Pool & Spa Inspections
Retweet this postRadon Testing Check List for your Peace of Mind
August 18, 2009 by Bonnie Lelak
Filed under Radon
EPA’s Radon Testing Check List:
Notify the occupants of the importance of proper testing conditions. Give the occupants written instructions or a copy of this Guide and explain the directions carefully.
Conduct the radon test for a minimum of 48 hours; some test devices have a minimum exposure time greater than 48 hours.
When doing a short-term test ranging from 2-4 days, it is important to maintain closed-house conditions for at least 12 hours before the beginning of the test and during the entire test period.
When doing a short-term test ranging from 4-7 days, EPA recommends that closed-house conditions be maintained.
If you hire someone to do the test, hire only a qualified individual. Some states issue photo identification (ID) cards; ask to see it. The tester’s ID number, if available, should be included or noted in the test report.
The test should include method(s) to prevent or detect interference with testing conditions or with the testing device itself.
If the house has an active radon-reduction system, make sure the vent fan is operating properly. If the fan is not operating properly, have it (or ask to have it) repaired and then test.
If your home has not yet been tested for Radon have a test taken as soon as possible. If you can, test your home before putting it on the market. You should test in the lowest level of the home which is suitable for occupancy. This means testing in the lowest level that you currently live in or a lower level not currently used, but which a buyer could use for living space without renovations.
The radon test result is important information about your home’s radon level. Some states require radon measurement testers to follow a specific testing protocol. If you do the test yourself, you should carefully follow the testing protocol for your area or EPA’s Radon Testing Checklist. If you hire a contractor to test your residence, protect yourself by hiring a qualified individual or company.
Many states require radon professionals to be licensed, certified, or registered. Most states can provide you with a list of knowledgeable radon service providers doing business in the state. In states that don’t regulate radon services, ask the contractor if they hold a professional proficiency or certification credential. Such programs usually provide members with a photo-ID card, which indicates their qualification(s) and its expiration date. If in doubt, you should check with their credentialing organization. Alternatively, ask the contractor if they’ve successfully completed formal training appropriate for testing or mitigation, e.g., a course in radon measurement or radon mitigation.
If you are thinking of selling your home and you have already tested your home for radon, review the Radon Testing Checklist to make sure that the test was done correctly. If so, provide your test results to the buyer.
No matter what kind of test you took, a potential buyer may ask for a new test especially if:
The Radon Testing Checklist items were not met;
The last test is not recent, e.g., within two years;
You have renovated or altered your home since you tested; or
The buyer plans to live in a lower level of the house than was tested, such as a basement suitable for occupancy but not currently lived in.
A buyer may also ask for a new test if your state or local government requires disclosure of radon information to buyers.
Radon gas is every where and one of the best ways to find out if you have it is to have your home tested by a professional. IHI Home Inspections provides radon testing in the North Georgia area. As an Atlanta home inspector this is one of the additional services that I provide when providing a home inspection or I can provide stand alone 48 hour continuous monitoring test that will take a radon reading every hour for 48 hours. You owe it to your family to find out more about this deadly gas that may be residing with you! Call us today @404-788-2581 to find out more information.
Retweet this post
Facebook
Youtube
LinkedIn
RSS