Tag Archive for: radon

Radon

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What is it?

Radon is a cancer-causing, radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste. But, it still may be a problem in your home. Although it is a naturally occurring gas in our environment, it is also the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths in the U.S., according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Nearly one out of every 15 homes is estimated to have elevated levels. The Surgeon General and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommend testing all houses. Millions of Americans have already tested their homes for this gas, and you should, too.

Let your InterNACHI inspector test your home.

You cannot predict radon levels based on state, local or neighborhood radon measurements. Do not rely on radon test results from other homes in the neighborhood to estimate the radon level in your own home. Homes that are next to each other can have different radon levels. Carbon Monoxide Detectors and other common devices in homes do not pick up this gas. The only way to find out what your home’s radon level is have a Radon test performed.  Your InterNACHI inspector uses special interference-proof air-canister testing devices that will measure the radon levels in different areas of the home over a limited period of time, which will help determine whether installing a mitigation system is recommended.  A radon mitigation system can aid in continuously and automatically filtering outdoor ground air that enters the home, which will help reduce your home’s radon level.

Water Contamination

If the results of your Indoor Air Quality test show elevated levels of contaminants and your water comes from a private well, have your inspector test your water as well. The devices and procedures for testing  your home’s water supply are different from those used for measuring levels in indoor air. If your water tests positive, this can add to your risk of exposure because the radon can be released into the air during showering and while performing household tasks using water.

Home Run Inspections, LLC

Oklahoma:  405-905-9175

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Serving:  Oklahoma City, Norman, Yukon, Edmond, Piedmont, Bethany, El Reno, Tuttle, Mustang, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, Del City, Choctaw, McCloud, Shawnee, Harrah, Newalla, Jones, and more.

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Indoor Air Quality

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Indoor air quality is generally worse than most people believe, but there are things you can do about it.

Some Quick Facts:

  • Indoor air quality can be worse than that of outdoor air.
  • Problems can arise from moisture, insects, pets, appliances, radon, materials used in household products and furnishings, smoke, and other sources.
  • Effects range from minor annoyances to major health risks.
  • Remedies include ventilation, cleaning, moisture control, inspections, and following manufacturers’ directions when using appliances and products.
  • Many homes are built or remodeled more tightly, without regard to the factors that assure fresh and healthy indoor air circulation. Many homes today also contain furnishings, appliances and products that can affect indoor air quality.

Signs of indoor air quality problems include:

  • Unusual and noticeable odors
  • Stale or stuffy air and a noticeable lack of air movement
  • Dirty or faulty central heating or air-conditioning equipment
  • Damaged flue pipes and chimneys
  • Unvented combustion air sources for fossil-fuel appliances
  • Excessive humidity
  • Presence of molds and mildew
  • Adverse health reactions after remodeling, weatherizing, bringing in new furniture, using household and hobby products
  • Feeling noticeably healthier outside

Common Sources of Air Quality Problems:
Poor indoor air quality can arise from many sources. At least some of the following contaminants can be found in almost any home:

  • Moisture and biological pollutants, such as molds, mildew, dust mites, animal dander, and cockroaches
  • High humidity levels, inadequate ventilation, and poorly maintained humidifiers and air conditioners
  • Combustion products, including carbon monoxide from unvented fossil-fuel space heaters, unvented gas stoves and ovens, and back-drafting from furnaces and water heaters
  • Formaldehyde from durable-press draperies and other textiles, particleboard products, such as cabinets and furniture framing, and adhesives used in composite wood furniture and upholstery
  • Radon, which is a radioactive gas from the soil and rock beneath and around the home’s foundation, groundwater wells, and some building materials
  • Household products, such as paints, solvents, air fresheners, hobby supplies, dry-cleaned clothing, aerosol sprays, adhesives, and fabric additives used in carpeting and furniture, which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs);
    asbestos, which is found in most homes more than 20 years old. Sources include deteriorating, damaged and disturbed pipe insulation, fire retardant, acoustical ceiling tiles, and floor tiles
  • Lead from lead-based paint dust, which is created when removing paint by sanding, scraping or burning
  • Particulates from dust and pollen, fireplaces, wood stoves, kerosene heaters, and unvented gas space heaters
  • Tobacco smoke, which produces particulates, combustion products and formaldehyde

Tips for Homeowners:

  • Ask about formaldehyde content before buying furniture, cabinets and draperies.
  • Promptly clean and dry water-damaged carpet, or remove it altogether.
  • Vacuum regularly, especially if you have pets, and consider using area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting. Rugs are easier to remove and clean, and the floor underneath can also be easily cleaned.
  • Eliminate unwanted moisture intrusion by checking for sources (such as holes and cracks in the basement and other areas, and leaks from appliances), and by using a dehumidifier.
  • Open windows and use fans to maintain fresh air with natural and mechanical air circulation.
  • Always open the flue damper before using the fireplace. This will also prevent carbon-monoxide poisoning.
  • If your air conditioner has a water tray, empty and clean it often during the cooling season.
  • If you smoke, smoke outdoors and away from any windows and doors.
  • Use the range vent above your stove whenever you cook.
  • Use the bathroom vent whenever you use the bathroom.
  • Don’t leave vehicles or lawn care equipment running in your garage. Make sure the door leading from the home to the garage has a door sweep to help keep out vapors.

Your InterNACHI home inspector can recommend more ways to help you maintain healthy indoor air quality for you and your family

Home Run Inspections, LLC

Oklahoma:  405-905-9175

Info@HomeRunInspections.com

We Cover All the Bases!

Serving the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas including Edmond, Yukon, Piedmont, Bethany, El Reno, Tuttle, Mustang, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, Del City, Choctaw, McCloud, Shawnee, Harrah, Newalla, Jones, and more.

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What is a Home Inspection?

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For most of us, we buy a home maybe twice in a lifetime.  As with most experiences in life, if you only do it a couple of times, you are not well versed in the process; you are a novice.

I think this is one of the many factors that can make purchasing a home so stressful.  There are so many questions to ask and so many documents to read and sign.

This article is about a document most people sign but never really read (kinda like the apple update agreement – have you ever tried to read that one?):  the Home Inspection Agreement.  Fortunately, the Home Inspection Agreement is not anywhere near as scary or intimidating but there are a few points that are worth emphasizing.  These are points I prefer to share with my clients and their REALTOR (if they have one) at the beginning of each inspection.  It really helps to make clear what it is exactly that we are doing, and conversely, what we are not doing.

So here are the main points:

  • We are there to perform a single visit, visual inspection of the home on a specific date/time that is merely a snapshot in time of the condition of the structure.  We will inspect only the parts of the home that are visually accessible.  We cannot move furniture/storage, and we cannot see through walls (unless you pay extra for a Thermal Imaging inspection) or under slabs of concrete.
  • We choose to perform our inspections in accordance with the current Standards of Practice of the State of Oklahoma and the lnternational Association of Certified Home lnspectors (InterNACHi).
  • We will not test for the presence of environmental hazards such as mold nor radon (a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that may be harmful to humans).
  • We assume no warranty, guarantee, nor liability for the cost of repair or replacement of unreported defects or deficiencies either current or arising in the future.
  • We do not perform engineering, architectural, plumbing, or any other job function requiring an occupational license in the jurisdiction where the property is located.

One of the perks I offer as a home inspector (most inspectors in my area do not) is a 90 Day Buy Back Guarantee.  This offers the perspective home buyer a little extra piece of mind.  In regards to this perk, the buyer needs to understand:

  • Under the “We’ll Buy Your Home Back” program, lnterNACHl purchases the home, not the home inspector; the Home Inspector has no obligation to purchase the home under this program.

One additional feature in my contract is for any REALTOR associated with the transaction.  It states:

  • the signee agrees to “hold harmless” any and all real estate agents involved in the purchase of the property to be inspected and keep them exonerated from all loss, damage, liability or expense.

The bottom line is, as an ethical & licensed professional business person, home inspectors try to catch as many defects and safety concerns in a home as possible in the limited amount of time that we have to do so.  We want you to know what you are buying and, to the best of our ability, assure you and your family that you can live there as safely as possible.  Will we catch everything that is wrong with your home?  Probably not.  But, you will have a report that provides you with a very focused picture, or snap shot in time, of your perspective home.

When you compare the price of the home inspection to the cost of the home, it’s a bargain.

Click on the following link for a list of the aspects of a home that are inspected by InterNACHI certified home inspectors.

https://www.nachi.org/SOP.htm?loadbetadesign=

Home Run Inspections, LLC

Oklahoma:  405-905-9175

Florida:  850-203-3239

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We Cover All the Bases!

Serving the Oklahoma City metro and surrounding areas including Edmond, Yukon, Piedmont, Bethany, El Reno, Tuttle, Mustang, Moore, Norman, Midwest City, Del City, Choctaw, McCloud, Shawnee, Harrah, Newalla, Jones, and more.

Also Now Serving the Florida Panhandle metro areas including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Niceville, Shalimar, Freeport, Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Panama City Beach, and more.

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