In the 1970s, a home inspector only had to mention the word “termites” to send home buyers and lenders running for the hills. Today, depending on the infestation damage, home inspection companies can offer effective, affordable solutions.
“If you want to buy a house with termite damage…have paperwork from the termite company stating that the house now has a termite warranty,” says Forbes. Your mortgage lender should then relax.
We Didn’t Understand Radon; Didn’t Want It, Either
Circa 1990s, the presence of radon gas was something that caused real estate agents and homebuyers to hit the panic button. Everyone was cynical about radon gas, mainly because we didn’t quite understand it. But it sounded bad, so radon testing was often requested.
If present, radon is usually found in basements or crawl spaces. Here in Florida, we don’t have many homes with basements. Still, it’s a carcinogenic gas that can filter up into a home and cause health risks.
If you’re selling or listing a home that flunks a radon inspection (Levels above 4.0 picocuries require a fast fix.), either install a remediation system or lower the selling price. Radon gas isn’t a deal-killer today. Like the termite issue, once a solution was presented, radon became a non-issue.
4-Letter Word Causing Concern: M-O-L-D
The latest fad in home inspection testing is mold. Finding mold is a source of frustration to real estate professionals (and that’s putting it mildly) and panic in homebuyers.
Some inspectors offer it as a type of 4-point inspection service: If it’s visual, it will be reported. (More than 80% of mold-related lawsuits occur because the home inspection didn’t report visual signs.)
Other home inspection professionals refuse to test for it because mold’s health risks are unconfirmed and the opportunity for liability issues are high. Home inspectors offering mold testing often hit a wall when it comes to sampling and solutions. Results may be a long time coming and easy fixes aren’t yet available.
Is it a “fad?” Most think not. It appears to be a trend that is here to stay. Addressing the source of the mold – moisture – is more important than removing the mold itself.
Home Inspection Hot Buttons
Technological developments continue to improve our way of living. Thanks to technology, here’s what to look for in home improvement trends:
- Drone data – Commercial drone regulations are relaxing, so look for them to appear in home inspection services. High-resolution aerial images can capture previously hard-to-see places.
- Home inspection software – Your local home inspection professional probably brings a laptop or software device to the inspection. Software programs evolve rapidly and reflect trends in home inspection services. Turnaround time for inspection reports is now hours, not days.
- Infrared thermography – This new technology reveals previously hidden hazards. The color-coded, cutting-edge, non-invasive process finds previously hidden issues in residential and commercial buildings. Infrared inspection (IR) is a trend that’s here to stay.
- Lead, asbestos testing – A Hong Kong university research department has invented a device that can pinpoint lead in drinking water in under 10 minutes. Hand-held devices for lead/asbestos testing are rapidly improving and as they become more affordable, are more common in home inspections.
SIP Can Help
Call 386-279-0802 or contact Super Inspection Pros if you have questions about property inspections in Volusia County, Florida. We can answer your questions because we know what you need to know. If we can help you, we’d appreciate that opportunity.
