"Not only an Inspector, but a Construction Professional"
we are only a phone call away
1-708-203-0577
​for a price estimation
What is Radon?
The Illinois Emergency Management Agency states:
Radon is a radioactive element that is part of the radioactive decay chain of naturally occurring uranium in soil. You can’t see radon. You can’t smell radon and you can’t taste radon. Unlike carbon monoxide and many other home pollutants, radon's adverse health effect, lung cancer, is usually not produced immediately. Thus you may be exposed to radon for many years without ever suspecting its presence in your home.
The USEPA action level for radon is 4.0 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The risk of developing lung cancer at 4.0 pCi/L is estimated at about 7 lung cancer deaths per 1000 persons. That is why USEPA and IEMA recommends reducing your radon level if the concentration is 4.0 pCi/L or more. Lung cancer in humans arising from radon exposure is recognized by the following health and environmental organizations:
-
American Medical Association
-
U.S. Surgeon General
-
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
-
U.S. Public Health Service
-
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
-
Center for Disease Control
-
National Academy of Science
-
National Cancer Institute
-
World Health Organization
Disclosure of Radon Information:
The Illinois Radon Awareness Act and the Illinois Real Property Disclosure Act requires that a seller of a home disclose
information if aware of unsafe concentrations of radon in the home. The acts do not require that testing or remediation work
be conducted. However, many relocation companies and lending institutions, as well as home buyers, request a radon test
when purchasing a house. Sellers and brokers are cautioned to err on the side of full disclosure of material facts prior to
entering into a purchase agreement.
​
​
For an interactive map:
http://tornado.iema.state.il.us/RADON31a/index.html
​
If you are building a new home or remodeling, I can assist you in all aspects including:
​
-
Oversee construction, ensure the General Contractor is providing a quality product and is completed per the design and per the budget.
-
Assist with building permit procurement.
-
Ensure all inspections are arranged with the governing agency.
-
Review products, are you getting the appropriate materials?
-
Review the project schedule, ensure the project is completed on time.
-
Assist in bank loan "Pay Applications", usually required if you are the "G.C." Avoid over-drawing funds and over payment to contractors.
-
Avoid liens, ensure all subcontractors and suppliers are receiving payment.
​
Thermal Imaging Reports
Infrared (thermal imaging) is an advanced, non-invasive technology that allows the inspector to show clients things about their homes or buildings that can’t be revealed using conventional inspection methods. Ancillary inspection reports are just as important as the reports generated for standard inspections. For something as specialized as a thermal imaging inspection, it’s critical that the information presented meets the clients’ needs for information they can use and act on.
The art of an IR inspection is to interpret the results as accurately and reasonably as possible such that the client is given actionable information in order to proceed with necessary repairs.
​
An infrared inspection can identify and document moisture intrusion, energy loss, and even unexpected hot spots.
In terms of energy loss, an IR camera can detect:
-
heat loss and air infiltration in walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors;
-
damaged and/or malfunctioning radiant heating systems;
-
air-conditioner compressor leaks;
-
under-fastening and/or missing framing members, and other structural defects that can lead to energy loss; and
-
broken seals in double-paned windows.
In terms of detecting moisture intrusion, an IR camera can locate:
-
plumbing leaks;
-
hidden roof leaks before they cause serious damage;
-
missing, damaged and/or wet insulation; and
-
water and moisture intrusion around penetrations and at the foundation and building envelope that could lead to structural damage and mold.
IR cameras are equally effective at locating hot spots in the home, including:
-
circuit breakers in need of immediate replacement;
-
overloaded and undersized circuits;
-
overheated electrical equipment and components; and
-
electrical faults before they cause a fire.
Additionally, based on the color gradients that thermal images provide, an inspector can locate:
-
possible pest infestation, as revealed by energy loss through shelter tubes left by boring wood-destroying insects;
-
the presence of intruders, such as rats, mice and other larger pests hiding within the structure and detected because of their heat signature that the IR camera captures; and
-
dangerous flue leaks, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning of the home’s residents.
Standard Images with Infrared Images
The report is user-friendly. The Inspector provides standard digital images side by side with your IR images. This gives clients an accurate point of reference for the IR data, which is essential for mapping out improvements and repairs.
​
​
Please review the boxes below to learn more about the services I offer as well as other information related to Home Ownership and the Real Estate Industry.
Services and Information
INSPECTIONS
RADON TESTING
Coming Soon!
THERMAL IMAGING
Coming Soon!
CONSULTING/
CONSTRUCTION MANAGMENT
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a non-invasive examination of the condition of a home.
What does a home inspection include?
The inspections performed are in compliance with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The Home Inspector License Act (225ILCS 441) states:
​
"Home inspection" means the examination and evaluation of the exterior and interior components of residential real property, which includes the inspection of any 2 or more of the following components of residential real property in connection with or to facilitate the sale, lease, or other conveyance of, or the proposed sale, lease or other conveyance of, residential real property:
(1) heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system;
(2) plumbing system;
(3) electrical system;
(4) structural composition;
(5) foundation;
(6) roof;
(7) masonry structure; or
(8) any other residential real property component as established by rule.
​
What can I expect from the report?
My reports are all electronic and include pictures and written descriptions- custom for each inspection. My reports are thorough, detailed and fact-based. I do not "sensationalize" any items I may discover. I will thoroughly explain these items to my Client in a very factual manner. The reports are distributed electronically through email (as a .pdf file) to all parties at the Client's request. Also available upon request, "Hard Copies" can be provided as well as a "Cloud -Based" storage for downloading the report.
​
What is a Pre-listing Inspection?
A Pre-listing Inspection serves as a way of identifying any issues an inspector may find with the home and what repairs should be made to get your house ready to put your home on the market.
​
What is a Warranty Review?
When purchasing and new home, industry standards for home builders is typically a one-year warranty for new construction. It is usually at the end of this warranty period that the homeowner has an opportunity to identify any problems for the contractor to repair. This "punchlist" is usually the homeowner's last opportunity to have these items repaired without incurring additional costs.
​
How long will my home inspection take?
This will depend on the size of the house, its condition, and age. Generally, a home inspection will take approximately two to three hours on average.
Should the buyer be present at their home inspection?
I encourage all my clients to be involved with the inspection. I am there to answer questions and provide an education as to the home and any issues we may find.
​
​
​
