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| EIFS STUCCO INSPECTIONS (Exterior Insulated Finish Systems) |
EIFS: This inspection is performed to review the application and condition of artificial stucco on an existing property. It may be a nondestructive visual inspection, or a destructive analysis. The inspection is performed in order to reveal conditions conducive to, or the presence of, moisture inside the siding of the surface. For more information visit:
Exterior Design Institute is a non-profit organization founded for the purpose of training and certifying Third Party Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) Inspectors and Moisture Analysts to promote quality control within the EIFS industry. http://www.exterior-design-inst.com/
EIFS and Building Defects Home Page which has good general information on EIFS.
http://www.buildingdefects.com/
EIFS Industry Members Association who are the makers of these systems. http://www.eifsfacts.com/
http://www.eifs.com/ has probably more information than anyone would ever need.
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| AmeriSpec Services: |
• General Home Inspection
• Radon Gas Testing
• Sellers Pre-Listing Inspection (ASAP Program)
• EIFS Stucco Moisture Inspection
• Three Phase Construction Site Monitoring
• Water Bacteria Testing
• Well Flow Testing
• Commerercial Building Inspections |
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| NEW CONSTRUCTION PHASE INSPECTIONS |
Phase 1: Foundation, Footing and Slab Inspection Prior to Placement of Concrete
The intent of Phase 1 is to ensure that model construction practices are being followed. Items visually inspected will include forms placement, steel, re-bar, woven wire mesh (if applicable), plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, applicable code authority permit signatures, and vapor barrier placement if applicable.
Phase 2: Framing/Masonry Wall and Mechanical Systems Inspection Prior to Dry-in of Roof System and Installation of Drywall.
The intent of Phase 2 is to ensure that all work conducted prior to the inspection has followed model construction practices. Items visually inspected will be structural wall components, framed interior wall sections, roofing system, plumbing top-out, mechanical and electrical rough, applicable code authority permit signatures. The inspector will use the building plans and drawings available on-site.
Phase 3: Final Walk Through Inspection
The intent of Phase 3 is to conduct a final walk through inspection to identify any fit and finish deficiencies prior to closing on the property. Where applicable, the inspector will use the Residential Construction Performance Guidelines published by the National Association of Home Builders. The final inspection is an analysis of over 400 checkpoints in the home. It’s easy to read and understand AND comes housed in our distinctive AmeriSpec three-ring binder, which includes a full color home maintenance manual.
Please Note: The client must notify AmeriSpec when property is ready to inspect at each phase of construction. All inspections are conducted in a visual manner. The inspector will use builder plans that should be available at the site. This IS NOT a code inspection or a building specification inspection. Additionally, this phased inspection IS NOT intended to be a verification of building and room dimensions, elevation design, material and/or, components.
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| WATER TESTING |
Water: This inspection is a limited sampling of certain water systems and components using normal operating controls. The purpose of the Inspection is to provide you with information about the condition of quality of the water of the home at the time of the Inspection. The test will be performed in accordance with the Laboratory and/or manufacturers guidelines for the collection of water samples. For more information visit:
Water Bacteria Testing (potobility) Drinking Water Standards Program
Contains information on standards EPA has implemented on a number of topics related to Drinking Water.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/standards.html
Lead in Drinking Water
Answers questions about dangers of lead in drinking water, gives techniques for reducing lead exposure.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/seahome/leaddw.html
Ground Water & Drinking Water Homepage
EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water protects public health and the environment by setting standards for drinking water contaminants and protecting sources of drinking water.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/
Local Drinking Water Information
Provides local drinking water information for each state.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo.htm
Water on Tap: A Consumer`s Guide to the Nation`s Drinking Water Report provides information about the quality of U.S. drinking water safety.
URL:http://www.epa.gov/safewater/wot/index.html
Drinking Water contaminants
These fact sheets are about chemicals that may be found in some public or private drinking water supplies.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/hfacts.html
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| GENERAL HOME INSPECTION |
General Home Inspection: A home inspection helps provide buyers peace of mind by giving valuable information on the investment they are about to make. An AmeriSpec® inspection provides a visual examination of more than 400 items in a home from the foundation to the roof. Our inspectors are trained to perform a professional inspection that meets the highest standards in the industry-the Standards of Practice established by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). (http://www.homeinspector.org/standards/default.aspx )
See What we do!!! Take the Virtual Home Inspection Tour (http://www.ashi.org/customers/vhi_tour.asp )
Our 400+ item inspection findings are packaged in an attractive, easy-to-reference, three-ring binder. The AmeriSpec ReportTM-acknowledged by Realtors® as the gold standard for home inspection reports-features a comprehensive evaluation of the home, a 193 page Home Maintenance Manual, a seasonal maintenance checklist, and a variety of home-related services from our ServiceMaster® partner companies.
AmeriSpec® inspector's go through extensive training and continuing education, always striving to enhance the quality of each inspection conducted. AmeriSpec® offers the best training in the industry by combining classroom instruction and hands-on technical training in our state of the art training facility. To enhance training in the classroom, AmeriSpec uses a complete educational training system developed specifically for AmeriSpec by Carson Dunlop and Associates, one of the most respected names in professional home inspection training.
The importance of Inspecting the Home from American Homeowners Association (http://www.steve-hatfield.com/homeinspection.htm) that has useful information identifying that every house has defects. Know what to fix and what to avoid weather owning, buying or selling a home.
The Inspector's Top 10 (http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107712) is a website that has useful information identifying the top 10 defects common in most homes. Know what to fix and what to avoid whether owning, buying or selling a home.
In addition to general home inspections, AmeriSpec inspectors are trained to perform a large variety of ancillary services. Ancillary services vary by area but can include:
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| RADON GAS TESTING |
Radon Gas Testing: This inspection includes the placement of testing devices to measure the ongoing level of radon in the habitable areas of the home. These measurements evaluate the level of radon to determine if any form of improvement is required. The EPA document A Citizen's Guide To Radon ( http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/citguide.html) provides the basic information everyone should know about Radon. For more information on how to reduce your radon health risk, call your state radon office for copies of these guides:
Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/hmbyguid.html
Radon in Schools http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/schoolrn.html
Radon: A Physician's Guide http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/physic.html
Consumer's Guide to Radon Reduction http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/consguid.html
Technical Support Document to the 2006 Citizens Guide to Radon http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/index.html
Other Radon-specific publications are located at: www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/pubs/
Other Indoor Air Quality-specific publications are located at: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/index.html
If you plan to make repairs yourself, be sure to contact your state radon office http://www.epa.gov/iaq/contacts.html or visit our publications site for a current copy of EPA's technical guidance on radon mitigation, "Application of Radon Reduction Techniques for Detached Houses. "
Another great site for additional information is www.howstuffworks.com/radon.htm.
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| SELLERS PRE-LISTING INSPECTION |
About AmeriSpec Sellers Assistance Program (ASAP)
ASAP is designed to give you, the seller, a powerful marketing and loss prevention tool that will aid in a quick and smooth sale. ASAP is a multi-faceted program that will give you greater knowledge, confidence and peace of mind throughout the sales process
What’s Involved
The first step to ASAP is an AmeriSpec Prelisting Home Inspection. After the inspection is completed, we’ll issue the AmeriSpec Report. The AmeriSpec Report is a comprehensive report on the condition of the home and considered nationwide to be the gold standard in the home inspection business. The report will allow you to view your home through the eyes of a licensed home inspector before a prospective buyer brings a home inspector in on their behalf. The report may be utilized in several different ways. It may be used for your own personal information, allowing you, in conjunction with your real estate professional, to develop a sales and pricing strategy based on the conditions revealed in the report. Should concerns be raised during our inspection, it can allow you to address certain items or issues whose correction would be advantageous in the marketing and pricing of your home. Alternatively, you can prepare to answer or negotiate issues that will likely be raised by a buyer. The program allows you the opportunity to investigate and price various issues ahead of time, so that you can be prepared, not surprised.
Fewer Surprises
How else will having this report prior to the buyer's inspection help you? An inspection helps ensure that there are fewer surprises in your real estate transaction, because everyone involved becomes more familiar with the property’s current condition. A professional home inspection provided by the seller can create an atmosphere of good faith. By making repairs and/or disclosing to the prospective buyer the property's condition up front, before negotiations begin, you can create a more relaxed atmosphere by instilling confidence regarding the home's condition and pricing. This allows issues, if any, to be discussed up front, and proves very helpful in reducing or eliminating the cost, conflict, and delays that often occur from re¬negotiations that follow a buyer's home inspection. If a buyer begins renegotiation of a selling price, you can be sure that they are looking for a lot more money off than the cost of a home inspection.
Easing the Stress
Selling your home does not have to be a stressful experience. ASAP is the selling tool designed to help retain all the equity you have built into your home, while making the whole transaction easier and less stressful by helping to sell your home faster and with less complications.
Some program benefits include:
• The AmeriSpec Pre-Listing Inspection and Report - A comprehensive, custom report detailing your home's condition, with sections explaining buyer's perspectives and selling strategies for major issues.
• Re-Inspection Report - If you choose to make any recommended improvements, your AmeriSpec professional will re-inspect and update the AmeriSpec report (additional fee associated with return visits).
• AmeriSpec sign - If desired, this sign can be displayed and lets agents and prospective buyers know that the listing has already been inspected.
• AmeriSpec Listing Kit - Following your ASAP inspection, you will receive the ASAP marketing kit. This can be coupled with a yard sign advertising the property was pre-inspected, if desired. This kit contains three tools that can be helpful during the sale process:
1. An AmeriSpec Lock Box Protector helps ensure that the key box won't scratch or nick the door.
2. An AmeriSpec Tent Card can be displayed prominently in the home to let agents, buyers, and inspectors know that the property has already been inspected.
3. AmeriSpec Window Decals can be placed in the front window to signal to people driving that the home has had a professional inspection.
• AmeriSpec on Call - Continued technical consulting services.
ASAP is only a phone call away: Call 800-444-9879 to speak with your AmeriSpec professional today!
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| WELL FLOW TESTING |
The following is an outline given in response to questions about the acceptable amount of well water. There is no single, clear response, because there are many variables that must be considered. Notice the basic breakdown below:
Location
A. Plains
1. Horse Acreage 15 GPM
2. Small Farm 15 GPM
a. Raising Animals 15 GPM
b. Raising Crops 15 GPM
3. Large Farm 15- 100 GPM
a. Dry Land 15 GPM
b. Irrigated 100 GPM
4. House and Lot 10 GPM
B. Mountain 1/2 - 15 GPM
1. Ranch 5+ GPM
2. Horse Acreage 3 – 10 GPM
3. House and Lot and Lot 1/2 - 10 GPM
2. Lifestyle
A. Executive – House Guests and Parties 15 GPM
B. Family 1 – 5 GPM
1. 1 – 5 Members 1 GPM
2. 6 – 12 Members 3 GPM
C. Rental 2 – 5 GPM
1. Family 1 – 5 GPM
2. Student 2 – 5 GPM
D. Cabin – Vacations 1 – 3 GPM
3. Variations in gallon per minute to satisfy peak demand = Storage + Minimum GPM
Daily Replacement.
Example #1 1440 minutes = 1 day
1440 gallons = 1 GPM
Well depth of 300 Feet with 200 feet of water = 300 gallons storage
Under normal circumstances, a house of 6 people would use a maximum of 300 gallons in the a.m. hours and 300 gallons in the p.m. hours. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. (5 hours) the well would produce 300 gallons, giving adequate water for a 3--bedroom house. The regeneration rate is 1 GPM.
Example #2 Same well depth = 300 feet
Same storage = 300 gallons
Same number of people = 6
The only change is a regeneration rate of 1/2 GPM
Obviously, in the first example, the amount of water available was precisely enough to satisfy the daily needs of the household. In the second example, however, the amount of water available is less than required.
You might say that this is an inadequate water well situation. However, it is not. If you provide additional storage by deepening the well or installing a cistern or storage tank, the problem is solved with adequate water available daily. (1/2GPM X 1440 minutes = 720 gallons/day. ) 720 gallons regeneration, placed in a 1500-gallon cistern or tank will provide an even better situation than the higher producing well in the first example. Peak demands like parties and houseguests would be satisfied. This also supplies the additional benefit of having water available for the rural fire department when they can draw 100 GPM from the cistern to douse a house fire.
Needless to say, our opinion is not alone on this matter, and the VA Appraisers and FHA have been in agreement with these statistics. Other authorities have also contributed to our resources material. Fairbank Morse Water Systems Division of Colt Industries states that the average of 50 gallons per day, per person, is needed. We feel that this is conservative, and that 100 gallons per day, per person, is a maximum requirement. Other mortgage lenders advised that proper computation of 2 persons per bedroom should be a consideration when the house is sold or listed to evaluate the quantity of water needed.
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| COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INSPECTIONS |
Commercial inspections include properties such as apartment complexes, motels, office buildings, retail stores and warehouses. The inspection evaluates the major systems of the property and the visible structural components; it also catalogs the type and condition of HVAC equipment. The commercial inspection results in a concise, computer generated, narrative report of the building's overall condition adhearing to current ASTM standards.
Guide E2018-99 Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process (http://www.astm.org/Standards/E2018.htm )The purpose of this guide is to define good commercial and customary practice in the United States of America for conducting a baseline property condition assessment (PCA) of the improvements located on a parcel of commercial real estate by performing a walk-through survey and conducting research as outlined within this guide.
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