What is an 11 month warranty inspection?

This is a home inspection done just before your home warranty expires (typically at 12 months, could be different) New construction homes usually include a warranty. Buyers often forgo the initial inspection because they think it is not necessary since it’s all new. This may not be the case. Everyone makes mistakes and contractors often overlook things. It is important to make sure your home is inspected by a qualified professional that will take a closer look.

Home Detective has inspected over 2,000 homes and we have never found a perfect house. New construction is no different.

What happens if you find defects?

After we inspect your home a detailed written report with pictures will be sent to you. You can then present it to your builder and they should make the required repairs.

Will the builder fix everything in the report?

You will need to read the paperwork for your specific warranty. Typically construction mistakes are all covered by a warranty but damages caused by the homeowner are not.

What are you inspecting?

The 11 month warranty inspection is the same as our regular home inspection; it will include over 150 items. Including but not limited to:

-Attic: Insulation, venting, structure, installation mistakes

-Basement/Crawlspace/or Slab: Foundation cracks, support columns and i beams, floor structure.

-Exterior: Siding, leaking, correct flashing, properly installed facade, installation mistakes

-Roof: Missing and damaged shingles, installation mistakes

-Bathrooms: Loose toilets, missing caulking, leaking fixtures, improper slopes on drains

-Kitchen:Appliances

-Interior: fit and finish

-HVAC: installation mistakes

-Electrical: Wiring and installation mistakes, overloaded breakers, properly installed AFCI’s/ GFCI’s

This is your last opportunity to have mistakes fixed by the builder before they are no longer liable. If you let the mistakes sit unresolved further damage may occur that you will be paying for down the road.

Home inspections are an integral part of what you need to operate a rental property successfully. You will need to perform a home inspection at various stages in your ownership and relationship with tenants. These inspections help you minimize friction with incoming or outgoing tenants, manage the home most cost-effectively, and ensure that the house is habitable.

The four types of inspection you need to do periodically to keep a rental property in the best condition are:

1. Move-in inspections

Move-in inspection documents the physical condition of the home before a tenant moves into it. It must cover every aspect of the house and note even the minutest problems found in the home. Move-in inspections are conducted in the tenant’s presence to ensure the tenant agrees with the records of what t

he landlord says the house looked like before handing over the property to the tenant.

2. Move-out inspections

Move-out inspections occur at the end of the tenancy. It examines the home to record the impact the tenant has had on it. It is as thorough as the move-in inspection. Property owners compare records created by the move-out assessment to the records from the move-in inspections. Based on the difference between the two, they decide whether to withhold or return the security deposit paid by the tenant.

3. Routine inspections

These inspections are done every 3-6 months (recommended) as part of the landlords’ program for keeping the property in good shape. The focus of the inspection is to identify safety, sanitation issues, and damage to the property. These may be problems resulting from the tenant’s use of the home, issues created by the landlord, or the result of natural wear and tear.

4. Drive-by inspections

Drive-by inspections are the least tasking of the inspections landlords can do. As the name suggests, you can do them from your car. Every time you drive past the home, observe the property to see if anything is out of place. You can do this without leaving the vehicle or entering the premises. Unlike the other three inspections, drive-by inspections can be done any time and as often as you please.

How to get the most from your home inspections

Except for the last one (drive-by inspections), hire experts to conduct all of your home inspections. Having an expert to handle your home inspections will ensure that:

• You are well-prepared if you ever find yourself in court with a tenant. You will have professional records - created by a neutral third party - to back any claims you make.

• Your property is always in the best state of repair because the home inspector will detect the slightest issues with the home long before they have a chance to become major problems.

• You can keep your property maintenance costs down because you will be doing preventive rather than corrective maintenance. As a result,

• You will be able to attract quality tenants to the property and also charge higher rents.

The inspector you choose for your home inspections is an ally for the success of your rental property business. Their level of competence plays a vital role in the effectiveness of your home inspection routine, plus the overall cost of running the business. This is why you should be intentional when choosing a home inspector. What are the things to look for in a home inspector?

Choosing the right home inspector for your rental property

A. General home inspections experience

Experience matters because home inspectors can only learn certain things from years of dealing with different tenants. It is also good if they have more experience with home inspections in your locality.

B. Experience in the building industry

Although you are not erecting a building, a home inspector with experience in the building industry is an advantage. That is because, without such a background, there are things about the structures and systems of a home that they will find hard to understand.

C. Memberships and affiliations

An inspector who is a respected member of the local chapter of a recognized professional body for home inspectors is best. Not only will they follow the standards and guidelines of their organization, but they are also more accountable.

D. Their method of operation

How long do their inspections typically last, and will you be allowed to accompany them during inspections? Will they be available at short notice, or do you need to give a few days notice? Can you see a sample of their inspection reports?

E. The contract

Request a sample of the agreement they give to their clients. Are the terms of the contact explicit, with roles and responsibilities spelled out? How will you be charged (flat rate or hourly), and will there be additional charges? What are your options in case there is a dispute with the inspector? Does the contract contain exit clauses for both parties?

1. Remove leaves and debris from around your foundation. Leaves can attract bugs into your home if there is sticks or other wood debris it is an invitation for termites to enter your home.

2. Check your window and door screens for holes. Spring is a great time to have the windows open but if there are holes bugs will be entering your home. Patch up all holes or replace the screens.

3. Power wash the exterior or your home. Remove dirt and mildew from the exterior. If your home is painted check for any peeling paint or exposed wood. Sand and touch up any peeling paint. Exposed wood will start to rot if not covered up quickly.

4. Check sprinkler systems broken or damaged heads or any leaks.

5. Air-conditioning Check. Change your filter and replace the battery in your thermostat. Spray your air conditioner off to clean any dirt and debris. It’s a good idea to schedule a professional HVAC technician to do a full system service.

6. Wooden Decks, fencing or other exterior wood. Power wash, seal or restrain all decking or other wood to avoid rotting.

7. Check trees for dead branches. Spring and summer are going to bring storms, if there are dead branches get those removed before they fall and cause damage.

8. Clean your gutters and downspouts- This is one of the most important items to complete on your home every year. Depending on the amount of trees in your yard it may need to be done 3 or 4 times a year. Add downspout extenders to any that do not have them.

Home Detective Property Inspections provides complete home inspections for all of the Kansas City area. Contact us for whole house inspections, termite inspections, radon testing, sewer scope, or mold inspections. 913-707-3042

While inspecting homes in Kansas City we are always on the lookout for safety issues. Fire prevention being at the top of the list. There are so many ways a house fire can start and most are preventable. Here are the top items we look for and what you need to do about them.

1. Smoke detectors. This is so obvious yet so many houses in Kansas City do not have them. They are very inexpensive and so important. Please make sure you have 1 working smoke detector in every bedroom, plus one on every floor and one heat detector in the garage.

2. Electrical problems. There are far too many items to list here but having old wiring, outdated panel box or using extension cords are just a few causes of fires. A complete home inspection is the best way to ensure your electrical system is safe.

3. Fireplaces. Both gas and wood burning fireplaces can be a major cause of house fires. Fireplaces are a great addition to the home but they need to be maintained. Make sure yours is safe by having a qualified fireplace inspection completed regularly and follow the advice given.

4. Cooking. Kitchen fires are the number one cause of house fires. Make sure your oven and stove are in proper working condition.

5. Dryer vents. Build up in your dryer vent can easily cause a fire. Make sure to clean it completely at least once a year.

Having a sewer scope camera inspection done on your house before you buy is a good idea. A sewer inspection can tell the buyer what material the line is made of and if there are breaks, blockages or intrusions in the line. The average exterior sewer line repair costs around $2500 and replacement can be over $25,000.

A typical sewer inspection will insert a small camera from a drain clean out usually located in the basement of the house. The camera will run out of the house until it reaches the city main line, usually located at the street in front of the house.

A sewer line can be made of a variety of materials. Clay, cars iron, and PVC are all commonly found. What the material is will give clues as to how old it is, how long it may last and what type of problems may occur. But be aware even a newer PVC pipe can have problems occur that can be very costly to repair.

Who needs a sewer inspection?

When purchasing a new home it is always a good idea to have every aspect of your house checked but some situations create more opportunities for problems. Here are some red flags:

-Large trees in the front yard

-A home built over 30 years ago

-Any signs of sewer back up

-An extra long exterior sewer line

To schedule a sewer scope in Kansas City call 913-707-3042

While getting a home inspection during a real estate sale you may want to consider a mold home inspection. Or you may suspect your home has mold, maybe you smell something off. What exactly will an inspector do during a mold inspection? Here is an overview of 3 ways the best home inspectors in Kansas City inspect for mold during a mold home inspection.

The first way we inspect the property for mold is a visual inspection and moisture evaluation. We will go around to each room in the house including attic and basement searching for signs of mold or water intrusion which may cause mold in the future. The inspector may use a moisture meter, thermal camera or other tools to search.

The second mold test is a swab or surface test. This is only done if we actually find mold we can reach. If so we may take a cotton swab of the sample and mail it into our lab. They will then analyze the sample to determine the species of mold.

The third mold test is an air sample. This involves us setting up an air pump and collecting an air sample. The air pumped through the cartridge will filter out and collect any mold spores floating in the air. We will then mail the cartridge to the lab and they will send us a report. This will not only tell us the species of mold in the home but also the quantity of mold in the air. Indoor air quality testing is important to know if there is hidden mold in the home that cannot be seen.

After we get all the results from testing we will discuss with the client the results and what further action needs to be taken to make the home as safe as possible.

Call to schedule your whole home mold inspection in the Kansas City Metro 913-707-3042

What you need to know about water control:

As a top home inspector in Kansas City one of the first questions I usually get about a house is how does the foundation look. This is understandable since foundation repair can be very costly. The thing people sometimes forget to ask is how can i prevent foundation problems from starting. While sometimes it’s inevitable usually the number one thing you need to do is water control. What I mean by that is get the rain water away from your foundation. 

This starts with your gutters. Gutters need to be tightly secured to the house and not smashed or bent so as to prevent water from getting through. They also need to be cleaned regularly, usually twice a year but check every month or so that they are clear from debris. The angle that they are attached is also important so you need to have a professional install gutters. The final important part of gutters is the extenders. Every house should have gutter extensions out about 5 feet from the foundation. 

The other important piece of water control is the grading of a yard. The best way to check this is during or after a hard rain. Walk around your house and check for any pooling of water near your foundation or water flowing towards your house.  If you notice any problem areas dirt or rock may need to be added to change the flow of water. In some yards a drain may need to be added to get water away. If there is a patio or other hard service up against the house make sure to check that water is not flowing towards house. Patios can settle over time causing the slope to change and foundation problems to occur. 

I test many homes in the Kansas City area every year for radon. People sometimes come to us with preconceived notions about radon and myths that they have heard from a friend or family member.  Radon is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Here are some myths that we have heard from people. 

Myth : My house is on a slab it doesn’t have a problem 

Fact: High radon levels can occur in any home. The only way to know for sure is test. 

Myth: My house is new, we don’t radon.

Fact: High radon levels can occur in any home. However there is a bit of truth to this one because most new homes are built with a passive radon mitigation system installed. This may help with radon levels. Even with a passive system levels can still be high and a test needs to be completed after a new home is completely done with construction to be sure. 

Myth: You are a smoker already, radon shouldn’t be your top concern. 

Fact: Smokers and people living in a home with a smoker have 10x greater chance of getting lung cancer from radon than non smokers. 

Myth: I don’t go in the basement, radon is not a problem for me. 

Fact: Radon levels are usually (not always) higher in the lowest floor of a home. This does not mean this is the only area radon exists. A test can be completed on a main or second floor of a home if the homeowner wishes. 

Myth: I don’t believe in radon.

Fact: There has been decades of research done on radon and it’s effects on our health. 

Myth: Our area doesn’t have radon, it’s a waste of money to test.

Fact: Everywhere in the continental US has radon gas. Our home Inspection company is located in Kansas City and there relatively high levels here. There are places like KC, Illinois and Ohio where it is more common to be higher than areas like Louisiana. This does not mean you should not test. It is still possible to high a high enough level to be a negative impact on your health. 

Myth: My house was tested 10 years ago, I don’t need a test. 

Fact: Homes should be tested every 3-5 years. Levels can change over time. You also need to retest after any home improvement or construction projects. Something like a new patio, heating and cooling system, or kitchen remodel could effect your radon level in a positive or negative way. 

Need to schedule a radon test in the Kansas City area? <<Click Here>>

Having a sewer scope camera inspection done on your house before you buy is a good idea. A sewer inspection can tell the buyer what material the line is made of and if there are breaks, blockages or intrusions in the line. The average exterior sewer line repair costs around $2500 and replacement can be over $25,000. 

A typical sewer inspection will insert a small camera from a drain clean out usually located in the basement of the house. The camera will run out of the house until it reaches the city main line, usually located at the street in front of the house. 

A sewer line can be made of a variety of materials. Clay, cast iron, and PVC are all commonly found. What material is going to give clues as to how old it is, how long it may last and what type of problems may occur. 

Who needs a sewer inspection? 

When purchasing a new home it is always a good idea to have every aspect of your house checked but some situations create more opportunities for problems. Here are some red flags:

     -Large trees in the front yard

     -Any signs of sewer back up 

     -An extra long exterior sewer line

Need to Schedule a Sewer Scope in the Kansas City area <<Click Here>>

If I have learned one thing from being a home inspector in Kansas City it is that KC has terrible soil for foundation longevity. I have seen what years of terrible drainage, Improper grading, and over all neglect can do to our once stable foundations.

Foundation problems are one of the most costly repairs a homeowner may encounter. There are 3 common types of foundations I have encountered in this area. Stone and Mortar, Concrete Block, and Poured Concrete. There are other types that I have encountered but these are the most common.

So what is going on with the soil that is making these problems so common? In Kansas, and Missouri we have clay layers in our soil that can easily trap moisture, once this happens if the moisture is not effectively managed the soil will start to expand. Over time this puts pressure on our foundation walls. This can cause leaking, cracking, sinking, or movement in the foundation. On the opposite side of the spectrum too little moisture can cause our soil and clay to shrink. Again this can cause damage or movement to the foundation.

As a home inspector when I first arrive on site I’m already thinking about the foundation. Paying special attention to the roof line and how the home sits on the lot can tell you quite a bit about how water is moving around the foundation. During the inspection I typically take measurements as I go around the foundation. Looking for signs of movement. I also pay special attention to any cracks or gaps in the foundation exterior and interior. Once the foundation has been reviewed I will inspect all the windows, doors, floors, walls, and ceilings to see if there is more evidence of movement such as cracks, or doors and windows that bind or do not function properly. Finally once I reach the attic I inspect again for signs of movements, such as dipping or sagging, or cracking in the structural components. If movement is suspected during the home inspection we will make a referral to structural engineer, and or foundation repair contractors for further review.

What can a homeowner do to prevent damage? The number one problem I find that affects foundations is improper drainage. The roof and gutter system is your first line of defense against moisture. The majority of my inspections I am calling for cleaning of gutters and extension of downspouts away from the foundation. These are simple and fairly inexpensive maintenance points on all homes. The other problem is the grading around foundations. Many times I see negative grading. Meaning the soil around the foundation dips or is sloped in a way that will hold moisture near the foundation wall. These repairs can be more difficult depending on your lot but ideally you would like to see a 1” drop ever 6’ away from the foundation wall.

Need to Schedule a Home Inspection in the Kansas City area? <<Click Here>>

daydreaming about the perfect house, the backyard, or the paint colors but there are some important details that aren't considered. Hopefully this will help prepare first time home buyers.

1. Not hiring a home inspector

Now of course as the best home inspector in Kansas City we have to list this first and most importantly. But in all seriousness it is a very important step in the home buying process. Even if you are purchasing a new home or well maintained there are items you could be overlooking.

2. Not negotiating repairs

After the inspection is complete, the next step can save you some serious money. After reviewing the inspection report you can work with your realtor to negotiate repairs to be paid for by the seller. This can save you thousands of dollars in future repairs.

3. Only looking at a few houses

Some buyers may only look at a couple houses and rush to pick a house only to regret it a few months later. Take your time to find the right house. In Kansas City especially Johnson County houses have been selling very quickly. Buyers may be tempted to make an offer on the first house they come across, take your time so you don’t regret the purchase.

4. Not considering future expenses

This may go hand in hand with your home inspection. Most buyers plan for mortgage, insurance, and taxes but don't consider other high expenses that may come in the next couple years. Expenses may include, replacement of roof, hvac system, plumbing repairs, and appliances.

5. Neglecting to plan for the future

Considering the future is important when purchasing a house although often times unpredictable. A growing family, a job in a different part of town, or even a new hobby can make the perfect house not so perfect.

6. Picking the wrong realtor

Many times people choose a realtor that is a friend or friend of a friend. It is important to pick someone who is experienced and knowledgeable. Get several references and read reviews online.

7. Not researching property taxes

Property taxes can vary greatly by city and school district. There can also be special tax assessments that add a lot to your monthly expenses. Make sure to get exact amounts before you make an offer.

8. Being too picky

Paint and flooring can be easily changed. Sometimes you have to use some imagination to visualize your home after you make some changes. Go into the houses with an open mind.

9. Not getting pre approved for loan

Pre-approval from a mortgage broker is an easy process that can save a lot of time and trouble. Here in Kansas City there are many local mortgage professionals that can make the process as easy as possible.

10. Not understanding your mortgage

Interest rates and terms can vary greatly and impact your financial outcome. Do your research and find a good mortgage broker before you find your home. In the Kansas City metro and Overland Park area there are many excellent mortgage professionals that can assist you. Try speaking with your local credit union, bank or try an independent mortgage broker.

According to a Trulia survey 51% of homeowners have regrets about their home purchase or buying process. When buying your first find quality, experienced professionals to help you along the way. A great home inspector, mortgage broker and realtor will help you along the way. Ask a lot of questions and take your time on the decision.

Here is a list of things homeowners should do within the first few weeks of buying a new home. As the best home inspector in Kansas City we would list all of these items and more on your report.

1.Clean/check gutters.

Make sure your rain gutters are completely clear and establish a schedule for future cleaning. This can be huge for preventing future issues with your foundation.

2. Change batteries of smoke detectors and test

Unless you are positive on last time they were changed assume they don’t work. Change batteries right away.

3. Change furnace air filter.

A dirty filter will cause problems for your unit get it changed right away.

4. Read your home inspection report, again if you have already.

The buying process is stressful, so many times clients gloss over the report or don’t read it at all. There are probably some minor maintenance issues you didn’t worry about during purchase but need to get fixed now.

5. Write down a maintenance plan and schedule.

Annual, bi-annual and monthly maintenance items can be easily overlooked. Take the time to put them on a calendar so you don’t forget. Here are a few items you may include but depending on your home you may have many others.

-Change smoke detector batteries (every 6months)

-Change furnace filter (every 3 months, can vary)

-Clean rain gutters (1-4 times a year based amount of trees nearby)

-Have HVAC system professionally serviced (2 times a year)

-Have home checked for Radon (every 3-4 years)

-Clean out dryer vents (Annually)

-Change batteries in thermostat (Annually)

Many of my clients hire me to inspect a home they are hoping to purchase before they even see it in person. They put a lot of trust in me to give them an accurate depiction of the home they are hoping to invest in. I take that responsibility very seriously and do my best to provide the most honest review of the home as I can.

So why do they need me? A lot of the homes are almost completely rehabbed, it should be in great condition right? Here's how I try and help investors:

- Provide detailed photos of all defects. Try to provide a complete picture of the home without them being on site.

-Have a phone conference discussing all important issues of the property and leaving no questions unanswered.

-Provide information on maintenance issues that may arise in the near future.

-Give straightforward information without sugarcoating or exaggerating.

I understand how purchasing a new investment can be stressful. I have several rental properties myself. Make sure to hire a qualified and thorough inspector before your next investment purchase.

I have a confession to make, the first house I ever purchased my wife and I did so without hiring a home inspector. This was a few years before I had begun training for the business and wasn't knowledgeable in most aspects that a home inspector is. Our realtor at the time advised us it would be a waste of money to hire someone as we were purchasing a brand new home and "they wouldn't find anything wrong". This was a big mistake. We lived in the home 7 years and had numerous issues that could have been addressed with an inspection.

With that being said please learn from my mistake and hire a professional here are 10 Reasons You Need to hire a professional home inspector before purchasing your home.

1. A home inspection can help lower the purchase price of your home.

After a price has been accepted by the seller you can still negotiate a lower price. If the home inspection finds a lot of major repairs need to be made your realtor can help you negotiate for a lower price based on the report.

2. You can be prepared for future expenses.

There are several big ticket items that will eventually need replaced (roof, heating system, air conditioner, water tank, etc) your inspector should be able to give you a estimate of there age and how much life is left in them. It's a good idea to know before you buy if you need to start saving for new systems in the near future.

3. The bank may require it.

Depending on your loan the bank may require a home inspection or termite inspection. Most standard loans do not require whole house inspections but termite is common. Check with your lender to verify.

4. It could literally save your life.

Safety is always our number one concern when inspecting homes. There are numerous dangers that can be found and prevent serious injury and death. Fire hazards, carbon monoxide, lead, asbestos, and radon are common issues especially in older homes. It is very important whether buying for you and your family to live in or as a rental property it is vital to take these issues seriously.

5. The seller might make improvements for you.

After the report is complete and you evaluate your biggest concerns it is very common for you realtor to help you negotiate the seller make improvements or upgrades to the home before the sale goes through. Even small changes can help your move in be easier and less costly.

6. Know when to walk away.

When you fall in love with a house it is hard to hear the bad. While a home inspector absolutely cannot tell you to buy or not to buy a home they will provide a clear picture of the problems. Sometimes you need to know the scope of work or the price tag is just not feasible.

7. Create a checklist of home improvements.

Moving into a new home can be overwhelming. If you have a lot of improvements to make it can be daunting. To have a clear list of all vital changes can really ease the workload. If you are hiring a contractor to do the work simply hand the report off and have them make the changes needed.

8. To protect your family's safety.

Again, safety is so important to us. I try and think about what I would want to know if my family were living in the home. Many safety issues can be problems such as trip hazards, insecure locks on windows and doors, potential hot water burns, and more. Especially if you have children you want to make sure all safety issues are addressed before moving your family into a home.

9. Prevent an expensive repair down the road.

Many big problems homes have could have been prevented. Whether with cleaning the gutters, changing the HVAC system, or fixing a small leak knowing the little issues can save you big money in years to come. It often doesn't take long for a small repair to become very costly.

10. Provide peace of mind.

Nothing is 100% guaranteed. Something major can change in your home tomorrow causing major damage, however a quality home inspection can give you tons of valuable information providing you with the necessary information to make the best decision you can for your investment. Even if the house is brand new and it looks perfect there is always that chance something is not quite right that isn't apparent without a quality knowledgeable home inspector. A few hundred dollars could save you thousands down the line.

#homebuyers #homeinspection

As a parent of 2 young children safety is a huge concern in my own home. I keep an eye out for dangers in my home on a regular basis. When inspecting other homes I always keep in mind what I would want to know if my family would be living there.

Here are a few items I also check for on inspections and should be corrected as soon as possible.

1. Smoke detectors.

This is by far the easiest, cheapest and quite possibly most important step to keeping your home safe. Make sure you have enough detectors and that they are working properly with fresh batteries. Your inspector probably will not check for functionality but only that they are provided. Every home should have: one in each bedroom, one on each floor and one in the garage. It is surprising how many homes do not have this.

2. Stairs.

Handrails and banisters can be dangerous for children and others. Make sure all are secure and spacing is not too wide.

3. Fire hazards.

There are many fire hazards in homes. Here a few of the most common to be aware of:

-Heating. Make sure your heater is serviced regularly by an HVAC tech as well as avoiding portable heaters.

-Wiring. Faulty wiring and problems with the electrical panel are common fire hazards have your electrical system inspected by a professional to make sure you are safe.

-Dryers. Vent pipes and lint traps need to clean and clear to prevent fires.

4. Trip Risks.

Outside walk ways, interior and exterior steps and stairs, and door ways are common trip hazards. Make sure surfaces are smooth and steps are not too high.

5. Carbon Monoxide.

Gas powered heaters, water heaters, cook stoves, and fireplaces all have potential to leak carbon monoxide. These items need to be in good working condition. A carbon monoxide detector is always a good idea to have in the home.

6. Scorching Water.

Hot water can cause serious burns. It is important to have your water temperature tested and set to safe temperature to avoid accidents.

#homesafety #Homebuying

Radon is a colorless and odorless gas. There is no way of knowing if you are being exposed without a test. Radon causes lung cancer. It is the second highest cause of lung cancer in America. An estimated 21,000 people die annually as a result of radon exposure. If you are going to be living in your home long term it is very important for you and your family's health to make sure radon levels are not too high.

When purchasing your new home you may be asked if you would like a radon test. First find out if the home already has a mitigation system in place. If so, a test probably isn't necessary as long as it is functioning properly. If there is no mitigation system in place you need to find a highly qualified certified radon testing compan. Your home inspector may be certified. Also, keep in mind some states do not require any certification, training, or test to conduct radon tests. You may want to do some research to find the best radon tester.

What to expect:

A small machine is set up in your home, in the basement or lowest level of the home. The machine is left on for 48 hours then someone from our team comes to pick it up. By the end of the day you will have results via email. The machines we use give results as picocuries (pCi/l) the number given can range from 0 to over 100. The EPA recommends fixes to your home if radon is over 4 pCi/l. If it is between 2-4 you should consider mitigation.

Is it likely your home has high radon?

Radon levels vary based on region. I work primarily in the Kansas City area which has a overall high level of radon. Approximately half of all of the homes we test have radon results above 4 pCi/l.

Your results came back high... now what?

If your results came back high and you have decided action needs taken, a qualified radon mitigation company should be contacted. Mitigation systems are easily installed in most homes.

Find more information at www.epa.gov/radon

To schedule a Radon Test in the Kansas City Metro call 913-707-3042 or email: homedetectivekc@gmail.com or <<Click Here>>

Welcome to Home Detective property inspections blog. Our goal is to provide a better sense of who we are and what we can provide.  Purchasing a new home is a big decision that requires a lot of thought. We try and make that process a little easier by providing an in depth look into the home while creating a clear and easy to read report for our clients.

This blog should provide more information on a variety of common issues homes may face as well as routine maintenance tips that will help keep your home in great condition for years to come.

#homebuying #homeinspections