Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing

LEAD PAINT TESTING AND ASBESTOS TESTING

Homes built prior to 1978, are assumed to have Lead Based Paint (LBP). The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the production and use of lead-containing paint in the attempt to reduce the risk of lead poisoning in children or adults who may be exposed to lead chips or particles.

Our team can test your home or business with Lead Testing and Lead Assessment. Since homes with lead paint are very common, this should not deter you from buying the home you want. However, understanding how Lead Based Paint (LBP) can effect you and taking the proper measures can go a long way. We will explain the process and to assess your homes LBP content through professional 3rd party testing.

ASBESTOS TESTING

Similar to LBP, asbestos containing materials (ACM) were used for decades in many building materials and should not prevent you alone from buying a home with ACM. Understanding how to handle and how ACM can affect you are very important.

COMMON USES

ACM were used in flooring, siding, insulations, plumbing insulation and ductwork and paint or patching materials.

ACM TESTING

Our team will be able to identify possible ACM and have it tested by a 3rd party lab and confirm for your peace of mind.

OTHER SERVICES

We perform home inspections, mold testing, Radon and sewerscope inspections in the Kankakee, Will, Iroquois, Grundy, Cook and Livingston counties in Illinois. We are licensed by the State of Illinois to follow all standards of practice of the Ilinois DFPR. We are also certified by the International Association of Certiffied Home Inspectors as certified Client Protection Experts.

What is a home inspection? In it’s legal term, it’s a non-invasive visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of a home and includes a written report on the condition of the inspected systems of a home. In simple words, we look at what we can see, and tell you what we see and how it is an issue and what type of repair it may need. Usually a home inspection takes about 2-3 hours depending on the size and age of the home. We strongly recommend that you be present at the inspection. It is much easier for us to explain an item in person instead of trying to do it over the phone hours or days later.

A prelisting inspection or seller’s inspection is the exact same inspection we would do for a home buyer. Why would Prelisting inspection be a good idea? The buyer’s inspection may reveal issues that are a big red flag for them and cause them to walk away from the purchase. You can help prevent that by getting those items repaired ahead of listing the home and any buyer inspections. Repaired on your schedule, with no rush to get the first contractor available, and if you have any specific skills, get it done yourself. This speeds up the entire process when you finally decide to put the home on the market and the buyer’s inspection is done.

Many homes have aging or damaged sewer lateral main lines underground from their house to the city sewer or septic tank. This can be an expensive repair. This inspection is not part of a standard visual home inspection. We recommend a sewerscope which will include a camera through the line to show any collapsed or damaged sections. You will receive a video showing the camera view. This repair cost can be requested as either a repair item or a credit from the sellers. The cost is small compared to the expense of a new sewer line.

While not required in order to buy a new home, we recommend that all homes get a radon test. Radon gas is a odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that is a by product of a decaying Uranium deposit under the ground. It’s very random in it’s location. It may be under your back yard but not under the house. it comes up through the ground and ground water. In an elevated level inside a home, radon gas can cause lung cancer. It’s the number 2 cause of lung cancer in the United States behind cigarette smoking. Our test results will show the levels of radon in the home, and if elevated, you can request a remediation system be paid for by the sellers. Safety of your family is the number one reason you should consider a radon test.

Elevated levels of mold in your home can be very dangerous to your health. There are specific mold spores that are known carcinogens and others can lead to respiratory disease, allergic reactions, and other health issues. Mold can also compromise the integrity of your home’s structure. Getting a Mold Inspection can help prevent serious problems and costly expenses.

Looking for an investment property to lease or purchase? It’s vital to be aware of the condition of the property before taking ownership and assuming the risk. A commercial inspection will tell you the condition of the building and property, reduce the risk and maybe eliminate some concerns or identify a few surprises. The inspection will also help you budget for future expenses and repairs in the future. Call us to discuss you inspection.