We recently inspected a home and found a gas leak at the gas meter.

We called the gas company, and they repaired the emergency defect while we were on site at no cost to the owner.

This could have avoided if the seller had requested a FREE gas system check by their gas company prior to our home inspection.

This is typically a FREE service, and repair are often free or at a very low cost.

Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent-smelling chemical widely used in industries that manufacture building materials and numerous household products. It may be present in substantial concentrations in indoor environments.

Areas where formaldehyde may be found! 

• pressed-wood products (such as hardwood plywood wall paneling, particle board and fiberboard), and furniture made with these pressed-wood products. Mobile homes are especially at risk for indoor formaldehyde pollution because of their abundance of composite wood in construction, and relatively compact interior space;
• carpet backing and urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI).  In the 1970s, many homes were insulated with UFFI as an energy-conservation measure before it was discovered that UFFI contained dangerously high levels of formaldehyde.  Fortunately, formaldehyde emissions in this product decline over time, so older houses with UFFI are unlikely to have high levels of formaldehyde now. This insulation is not very common in modern housing;
• tobacco smoke;
• durable-press drapes and other textiles;
• un-vented, fuel-burning appliances, such gas stoves and kerosene space heaters; and
• glues.

• watery eyes;
• burning sensations in the eyes and throat;
• nausea;
• wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing;
• asthma attacks;
• fatigue;
• skin rash;
• severe allergic reactions; and
• cancer. Uncertainty remains as to how to compare measured air concentrations of formaldehyde to cancer incidence.  No definitive “high risk” level can be drawn because many other factors besides formaldehyde exposure play a role in the development of cancer. In general, however, the lower the level and shorter the duration of exposure, the less risk of cancer and other health effects there are.

There are Ways to Reduce Formaldehyde Exposure

• Use exterior-grade pressed-wood products (lower-emitting, because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins).
• Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain a moderate temperature and reduce humidity levels.
• Increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde indoors.
• Seal non-laminated surfaces of products containing formaldehyde with paints, varnish or polyurethane-like materials.

Buying a home is probably the biggest investment you will make. You wouldn’t buy a used car without taking it to a mechanic first to check it out for you. Likewise, you should not buy a home without having a professional home inspector check it out for you. Is the roof sound? Is the wiring up to code? Foundation sound? What about the heating and air conditioning? Are they in good working order? Appliances all working and properly installed? A professional home inspector will scrutinize all the major systems in the home and report on their functionality and quality. Even in brand-new construction, it is a good idea to get a home inspection. Unless you are a professional engineer or architect, how do you know the construction has been done properly?

The fact that sellers are asking buyers not to do a home inspection, and that buyers are agreeing to this demand, baffles me. If the seller is not willing to wait a couple of weeks after signing the sales contract for you to have a home inspection, my advice is to keep looking. Do not take a chance.

The Due Diligence process consists of the buyer’s review of the seller’s disclosures and any home inspections the buyer wants to make regarding the property:

1. The physical condition of the property;
2. The assessment of the roof, walls, and foundation; the condition of the plumbing, electrical, mechanical, heating and air conditioning systems and fixtures; the condition of all built in appliances;

In other words, the purpose of the home inspection is for the buyer to understand the condition of the property he or she is purchasing.

Healthy Homes

Here is what due diligence is not:

1. It is not an opportunity for the buyer to reopen negotiations about the purchase price of the property.
2. It is not an opportunity for the buyer to create a punch list of every tiny little defect, like a missing switch plate or screw, and ask the seller to repair each item.
3. It is not an opportunity to ask the seller to replace appliances, furnaces, boilers or water heaters because they are old. (I never sell a property without a home warranty so if these older appliances fail, they are essentially insured.)

What if the Home Inspection Process Reveals Major Defects?

If the inspection reveals a major defect that buyer and seller could not have factored into the original negotiation, then it may be reasonable for the seller to repair the defective item so that it is functional.

If you are planning on selling your home, it may be a good idea to order a home inspection so you can address any maintenance items up front instead of in the heat of Due Diligence.

If you are purchasing a home, factor the home’s condition into your offer. Even brand new homes are not perfect. The purpose of the Due Diligence process is for buyers to understand exactly what they are buying. It not to open up a second negotiation or for a seller to cure every minor defect within a home.

Purchasing a condo is a lot like owning a house; instead of relying on building management, it’s up to you to repair and maintain your property. If you aren’t a professional contractor, it can be difficult to know exactly what aspects of your home need attention.

Here are a few reasons that we recommend routine condo inspections:

• Check HVAC System: Professional inspectors know how to spot even subtle signs that there’s something wrong with your heating and cooling system. They will check air vents, heating fans, and all other HVAC equipment to make sure they are in good condition. If there are problems, they will recommend repairs to make your system more energy-efficient. 
• Examine Electrical Wiring: Handling electrical wiring can be dangerous in inexperienced hands, which is why it’s always best to get help from professionals. Your inspector will examine the cables to ensure they are up to code and damage-free.
• Evaluate Foundation: The foundation is your condo’s backbone. Any issues with it can affect the rest of your space. Your home inspector will make sure the foundation is sturdy and structurally sound.