Category: Uncategorized

Radon Testing – Do I need it?

Post author By slhi2000
Post date April 27, 2023
No Comments on Radon Testing – Do I need it?

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is present in the soil and rock beneath homes. It is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without proper radon testing.

Radon is estimated to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and responsible for about 21,000 deaths each year according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This risk is even higher for smokers, as the combination of smoking and radon exposure increases the risk of lung cancer even more.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, approximately 40% of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above the recommended action level of 4.0 pCi/L (picocuries per liter) making it a significant risk. This makes the risk in PA 6 times higher than the national average of 1 in 15 homes.

Radon levels can vary significantly from one home to another, even in the same neighborhood – just because the neighbor’s home has low levels of radon, it doesn’t mean that your home will have the same levels.

Getting a radon test provides several benefits:

Identifying the presence of radon: The first benefit of getting a radon test is that it can identify the presence of radon in your home. This will allow you to take appropriate action to reduce the levels of radon if necessary.
Protecting your health: High levels of radon exposure over time can lead to lung cancer. By getting a radon test, you can protect your health and the health of your family.
Peace of mind: Knowing that your home is free from harmful levels of radon can give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your home without worrying about the potential health risks.
Increasing home value: If you’re planning to sell your home, having a radon test and mitigating any high levels can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Easy and affordable: Radon testing is a simple and affordable process that can be completed quickly. A professional radon testing service can perform the test and provide you with results within a few days.

Getting a radon test in PA is a simple and affordable way to protect your health and the health of your family. Contact us today to schedule a radon test and ensure that your home is safe from the harmful effects of radon.

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New Construction House Inspection – Is it worth it?

Post author By slhi2000
Post date April 27, 2023
No Comments on New Construction House Inspection – Is it worth it?

A new construction home is a significant investment, and a house inspection can help ensure that your investment is protected.

Buying a new construction home is an exciting milestone in anyone’s life. It’s a chance to have a home that’s designed and built specifically for you and your family’s needs. While new construction homes come with many benefits, they’re not immune to issues that can arise during the building process. That’s why it’s important to have a professional New Construction House Inspection.

Here are some of the benefits of getting a house inspection on new construction homes:

Catching issues early on: A home inspector can identify any issues that may have arisen during the construction process before you move in. This can save you time, money, and headaches down the line.
Protecting your investment: A new construction home is a significant investment, and a home inspection can help ensure that your investment is protected. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home is structurally sound and safe for you and your family.
Negotiating power: If any issues are found during the inspection, you may have some negotiating power with the builder to have them fixed before closing. This can save you money on repairs and give you more confidence in your purchase.
Detailed report: A professional home inspection will provide you with a detailed report of the home’s condition, including any areas that need attention or repairs. This information can be used to make informed decisions about the purchase of the home.
3rd-Party Expert opinion: A home inspector has the knowledge and experience to identify issues that an untrained eye may not catch. They can provide you with an expert opinion on the condition of the home and any potential issues that may arise in the future.

At Spotlight Home Inspection, we offer New Construction House Inspections to ensure that your investment is protected. Our team of certified professionals has the knowledge and expertise to identify any issues that may have arisen during the construction process. We use state-of-the-art equipment to thoroughly inspect the home’s structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC systems, and more.

Don’t leave the safety and integrity of your new construction home to chance. Contact us today to schedule a professional inspection and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your home is in good hands.

Pre-Listing Inspections: Myths & Facts

Post author By Bill Dare
Post date January 18, 2021

Inspector shines flashlight in dark attic

Reluctant to get your home inspected before you list it for sale? Don’t believe the myths. Proper use of a pre-listing inspection can reduce your stress and avoid potential delays in the closing process.

Myth: I will need to fix the problems with the house in the pre-listing inspection report before I can sell it.

Fact: There may be items in the report that you wish to address. Typically, the best course of action is to disclose the report to any prospective buyers. Once this information is in the hands of the buyer, no further disclosure should be necessary. We always encourage prospective buyers to contact us regarding the pre-listing report.

Myth: Buyers will be put off by the information in the report.

Truth: The buyers will get the information one way or the other. It’s much better addressing it upfront. Waiting until the buyers bring it up on a reply to inspection with a list of demands, puts you at a disadvantage. Buyers often demand compensation or repairs that may be unreasonable.

Myth: The buyers will hire their own inspector who will find a new list.

Fact: We feel every buyer should have an inspector represent them. We offer buyers the opportunity to have one of our inspectors walk through the property with them for half the original inspection fee. This is not a reinspection; we are simply showing them the house, walking them through the report, and answering their questions. If they do hire a different company and there are significant discrepancies, we will review and comment on them.

Myth: The information in the report will increase my exposure.

Truth: The report will limit your exposure. You have gone above-and-beyond by having your own inspection. You will still need to accurately complete the seller’s disclosure.

Myth: Pre-listing inspections are expensive.

Truth: They cost no more than a typical inspection. The value in having a buyer under contract that already knows the home’s flaws is invaluable.

If there are substantial problems uncovered by the pre-listing inspection process, you can deal with it on you own terms. If substantial issues become apparent in a typical inspection, the buyer could terminate the deal, or ask for compensation/repairs that may be unreasonable.

Tags Pre-Listing Inspections, prelisting home inspection, prelisting inspections, prepare for home sale, proactive home inspection, proactive prelisting home inspection, selling your home

Home Improvements Maintenance Spotlight Home Inspections Uncategorized

The High Cost of Low Maintenance

Post author By Bill Dare
Post date January 5, 2021

If inspecting thousands of homes and owning nearly one-hundred apartments over the past thirty years have taught me anything, it’s that failure to maintain is costly. I’ve seen the gamut … from impeccably maintained homes to run-down shells of a home with ten inches of pigeon poop in the attic (yeah that was one of mine when we got it). Often, the owners feel they are saving money or feel it is not worth the cost to maintain their home.

Sooner or later you pay the price. Homes that have been well maintained and updated sell for far more than a home that needs a lot of work. It’s not rocket science . . . pay gradually by taking care of things in a timely manner, or take the hit all at once when you sell. Failure to maintain will almost always cost you more in the end. I have no empirical data on this, but I’m fairly certain you’re far better off taking care of what you own.

The rotten truth:

Failure to caulk and paint wood every few years often results in rotted wood that will need to be replaced. This is particularly true of newer wood which does not tolerate moisture like older wood. This is why new products such as cellular PVC, a wood analog, composite cement siding, and aluminum capping have become so popular. Still these repairs are far costlier than simply maintaining the wood you have.

The most destructive thing on earth:

Water can do a ton of damage. Clean your gutters at least twice a year . . . after the leaves are off the trees and in the spring. Extend your down spouts away from the house at least 3-4 feet. Have the soil around your home slope away from the foundation.

The price of comfort:

Heating and cooling systems are more costly to operate, and often need to be replaced sooner, if not maintained annually.

The hot flush:

There may be more to flush than your toilet. If you are on a well, have a plumber flush the water heater. Deposits often build up at the bottom of the tank. Water heaters typically last about 10 years.

The home inspector solution:

All this seem overwhelming? Call a home inspector! A great inspector is a valuable ally in your home ownership tool kit. You don’t need to be buying or selling a house to have it inspected! It’s a smart way to have a professional evaluate where you are. Helpful inspectors will give you tips on what to do. They are there for you down the road. You can check with them before committing to a major repair. Home inspectors in most states are prohibited from repairing a home they inspected. This keeps them impartial. Having a home inspection every year or two keeps you informed about your home and alerts you if any repairs or maintenance are needed.

Get it inspected and get it done!

Tags home inspection, home maintenance, maintaining your home, maintenance saves money

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