Home Inspection Services, Mold Assessment Inspections & Termite Inspections
Why is a home inspection a good decision? The purchase of your new home is a large investment and a very important decision. At ABET Inspections, we encourage a thorough home assessment before an investment decision is made. All major systems and components of your prospective home will be inspected. A determination will be made as to which items are in need of repair or not performing their intended functions.
Professional Residential Home Inspections
Mechanical and Structural Inspections- Termite Inspections
- Mold Assessment Inspections
- Mold Sampling and Analysis
- Pool and Spa Inspections
- Sprinkler System Inspections
Please call or email for price quotes and appointment times.
Structural Systems
Foundation- Several types of foundations are constructed in Houston and surrounding area homes. These include conventional concrete slabs, post tension cable slabs, pier and beam foundations and piling foundations.Foundations are checked for structural performance and levelness. In the event a foundation is determined to be in need of repair, elevations will be taken to measure the seriousness of the problem. Zip Level measurements are accurate to within 0.1 of an inch.
Grading and Drainage- Lots are checked for proper grading and drainage. Drain systems are inspected and gutter systems are inspected.
Roof- Roof inspections include a determination of age, expected remaining life expectancy and type of shingle or surface installed. All visible areas of the roof are checked including decking, flashing, attic bracing and supports, roof jacks and penetrations.
Attic- The attic area is inspected for proper ventilation and insulation. The type and depth of insulation is identified along with the type and adequacy of the attic ventilation. Attic access, walkways, roof structure and bracing are also inspected.
Walls- Interior and Exterior walls are inspected for structural damage, wood deterioration, water penetration and ventilation.
Ceiling and Floors- Ceilings and floors are inspected for water penetration, levelness, loose decking and damage.
Stairways, Railing and Balcony- Stairway steps, handrails, ballisters are inspected for soundness and child safety, interior and exterior balconies are checked for structural integraty.
Doors- All interior doors are inspected for proper operation, fitting in door frames, latching, weather stripping and operation. Exterior doors are inspected for water penetration and wood deterioration.
Windows- Windows are checked for proper operation and breakage. Latches, locks and screens are also inspected. Water penetration, flashing and caulking problems will also be identified.
Fireplaces and Chimneys- All visible fireplace components are inspected including the firebox, hearth, damper flue or ventpipe and cap. Gas starter valves are checked. Remote control gas fireplaces are inspected for proper operation.
Porches, Decks and Carports- Porches and decks are checked for proper drainage and wood deterioration. Porch covering and supports are inspected.
Mechanical Systems
Electrical Service and Panels- Breaker boxes are checked for proper grounding, breaker identification, location, access and function. Overhead services are inspected for safety and code violations. The type of wiring installed is identified.
Branch Circuits- All accessible outlets and switches throughout the home are inspected. GFCI circuits and arch fault circuits are checked for proper location and function. Light fixtures and ceiling fans are operated. Attic and exterior wiring is inspected for proper installation and safety.
Air Conditioning and Heating Systems- A/C and Heating units are operated and inspected. Condensers, furnaces, evaporator coils are checked for proper operation and function. Temperature drop measurements are recorded on A/C systems. Ductwork, filters, drains and drain pans, vent pipes, gas connections and clearances are inspected.
Plumbing Systems- All visible components of the plumbing system will be inspected including faucets, fixtures, tubs, showers, toilets, exterior hose bibs and shut off valves. Washer connections, vanity, laundry sinks and wet bar sinks will be inspected. Water heaters are thoroughly inspected for leakage and proper installation. Drain pans and drain lines are also checked. Jacuzzi tubs are filled with water and functionally tested. Jets, air intake and ports and GFCI circuits are checked for function and safety.
Appliances- All built in appliances are functionally operated and inspected including dishwasher, disposal, vent hood, cook top or range, ovens, microwave, compactors, icemakers and wine coolers.
Miscellaneous- All other mechanical items in the home are also inspected and reported on. These include bathroom exhaust fans and heating units, whole house vacuum systems, garage door openers, door bells and dryer vents.
Optional Systems- Lawn sprinkler systems, swimming pools and outdoor spas, storage building and outdoor gas grills can also be inspected for a small additional fee.
Mold Assessment Inspections
A through Mold Assessment Inspection can be performed at the discretion of the buyer. Your inspector is licensed by the state Texas State Department of Health services as a Mold Assessment Technician license #152 to perform such services. Samples can be taken on any home to determine unhealthy concentrations of mold spores within the home, moisture testing of walls, windows and doorways can be done to identify conducive conditions for mold growth.
About Mold:
Molds are microscopic organisms classified under their own kingdom (Fungi) and survive by digesting organic matter. Molds can be found on the surface of just about every organic matter on earth. Molds reproduce by spreading their spores, just as plants reproduce by spreading their seeds. Mold "seeds" are called spores. Spores are lightweight and can float in air currents and survive very harsh conditions.- Molds need moisture and a source of organic material in order to thrive. Mold growth is usually observed as discolorations on growth media (such as carpet, fabric, wood, etc.). These discolorations may appear as green, black, orange, pink, blue or brown (or sometimes a patchwork of various colors).
- Some molds have properties which are useful, such as in the production of certain antibiotics (ie. penicillin) and food items (ie. bread, cheese, etc.). Other molds have toxic properties which have been associated with asthma, allergic reactions, illnesses and death.
- The most common allergic reaction to mold exposure include respiratory distress such as wheezing or coughing, difficulty breathing, sinus congestion, respiratory system irritation and skin irritation.
Less common effects also include malaise, nervous system irritation, headaches, memory loss, aches and pains, and fever (similar to and often confused with symptoms of the common cold/flu). A tell-tale indication of mold contamination from symptoms of the common cold/flu are location. For example, if symptoms go away when you are away from a certain location but return when close to a certain location, mold contamination is a possibility.
"Red Flags" which suggest mold contamination:
- Indoor Air Quality experts look for "red flags" that indicate mold contamination when conducting inspections. When these conditions are suspected, testing for mold is recommended. Testing is suggested in areas that are damp or where excessive moisture is encountered. The key to mold control is moisture control.
- Moisture: Molds grow in moist environments. Mold testing is recommended with discovery of any water or water-related structural or design problem, such as:
Evidence of water penetrating to the home (stains, moist areas, "musty" smells,- Conditions that allow water into the home (poor grading, worn or missing roof flashing, worn or missing gutters, improper window seals, etc.
- Defects or deteriorations that might allow water into the home (leaky roofs, decks, windows, concrete slabs, vapor barriers).
- Plumbing problems (leaking drains, pipes, toilet seals, missing caulk on fixtures).
- Heating and air conditioning (dirty and/or moist filters, condensation leaks).
- Dryer vented indoors, inadequate ventilation for a bath or spa.
Sensitivity: Human senses may help in detecting mold:
- If you or others think there is a "musty" odor.
- If you feel a room has a damp atmosphere, walls or floor.
- If one of the occupants complains of allergy-like symptoms, which seem to increase while in the home.
Visible mold! (various colors possible):
- Tiny spots
- "Fuzzy or Hairy" coverings on the surface of contaminated material (resembling spoiled fruit or bread).
- Slimy appearance to surfaces
TERMITE INSPECTIONS
A through termite inspection should be included as a part of the inspection process. Your home will be checked for the presence of an active termite infestation, state inspection report forms will be filled out by the technician to document all findings. In the event that a termite treatment is needed, an accurate treatment proposal can be provided.
