PineBreeze Inspections

What does a Well Inspection Entail?

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What’s Involved in Professional Water & Well Inspections?

When you’re in the process of buying a new home, having your water tested is essential. While public water systems are mandated to test and treat their water, these tests only cover the water that has yet to leave the treatment plant. Once it leaves the plant, your water must pass through miles of piping, some of which may be in disrepair or contain lead, before it enters your home’s plumbing system.

Pine Breeze Inspections is equipped to ensure the water in your home is high-quality and safe to consume. Whether you are just moving in or you’re already settled and just recognizing that your water has an abnormal odor, color, or taste, our professional team can confidently assist you.

Protect yourself and your family and contact us today if you have any questions about a water and well inspection for your property or home. We proudly offer service to clients in Colorado Springs.

The Dangers of Low-Quality Water

Not only does low-quality water have an unpleasant taste and smell, but it can also have a number of long-term effects on the body.

Poor water quality can result in several problems, such as:
● Neurological disorder
● Abdominal disease
● Respiratory disease
● Cancer
● Cardiovascular disease

According to the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act, there are two categories of contaminants. Primary contamination encompasses contaminants that have health-related effects. Secondary contamination includes contaminants with aesthetic effects.

Comprehensive Water Inspections For Your Home

Testing the water in your home is the only way to determine potential contaminants and/or biological compounds such as:
● Dangerous levels of bacteria, including E-Coli and Coliform
● Elevated levels of nitrates and nitrites from fertilizers that leach into groundwater
● Imbalances in PH levels
● High fluoride levels
● Mineral contaminants such as iron and arsenic
● Heavy metal contamination such as copper and lead

Professional Well Water Inspections

If you get your water from a private well, you are responsible for scheduling water & well inspection services. Most homeowners who use well water don’t request these services until they decide to sell their property. The EPA highly recommends that well owners schedule water testing
services every year and whenever they suspect an issue. Our certified master inspector will test your well for any traces of pH, total dissolved solids, nitrates, coliform bacteria, chemicals, and any other suspected contaminants. Because well water is not regulated, activity around your water source can change rapidly and impact the overall quality.

Some of the most common sources of contamination in well water include:
● Agricultural activity and the use of pesticides and fertilizers
● Waste from animals and livestock
● Mining and industrial activity
● Household chemicals that have been improperly stored
● Nearby septic tanks or leach fields
● Natural occurrences such as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and hurricanes

What is a Well Water Quality Test?

A well water quality test is used to check your water for any impurities or contamination. It provides a holistic picture into the content of everything from water bacteria and parasites to heavy metals and organic chemicals. To perform a well water quality test, a certified Pine Breeze inspector will come to your home and collect a sterile sample from your water source. They will typically collect water at the well and from your tap for comparison. This helps to better determine where any potential contamination is coming from and ensure thorough coverage.

Then, the samples of your water will be analyzed for contaminants. In many cases you can get your results within three to five days. After receiving the comprehensive report, your inspector will review it with you and help determine the best course of treatment for any issues identified. Often solutions can be as simple as a well water filtration system

Levels Testing We Offer:

Basic Water Testing

This test is designed as a fast laboratory- precision screen for lead, copper, and high PH levels.

Coliform & E.Coli Screening

This test is performed in a professionally certified laboratory and analyzes a drinking water sample for potentially harmful bacteria. This test checks for the presence of Coliform & E .Coli.

Radon Water Screening

Radon is a known carcinogen with a particular impact on internal organs and the stomach. Various US states suggest levels for radon in drinking water range from 300 to 10,000 pCi/L.

VOC Water Screening

This tests your water for 50+ volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Many of these are significant health risks and can migrate into your drinking water from a variety of sources such as chlorine disinfection, proximity to waste facilities, proximity to agricultural activity, and much more.

Schedule Your Water or Well Water Inspection in Colorado Springs

Whether well water quality testing is required to buy your dream home or you would like to know more about what you’re drinking, it’s easy to connect with a certified PineBreeze Inspector. Contact PineBreeze Inspections today to schedule your well inspection.

What Should You Look for During a Home Inspection?

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Whether you’re a property agent, a buyer, or a seller, settling on a price for the property calls for a celebration. But it’s not over yet! You need to get the home inspected by a trustworthy home inspector. A home inspector’s responsibility is to determine if a house is safe for dwelling and if any repair or maintenance work is carried out.

Home inspections also help determine whether all the construction standards have been observed. Homebuyers ultimately receive a home inspection report, but it doesn’t have a fail or pass rating.

However, a home inspection differs from a municipal or regulatory home inspection, which is meant to determine if the local building codes have been followed during the construction.  Here’s what you need to know.

Finding A Reliable Home Inspector Or Home Inspection Service

Finding a reliable home inspector is not always easy. Home inspectors and home inspection services in Colorado do not require a license, so it is important to verify whether the home inspector or the inspection service is qualified enough to perform a house inspection.

Choosing an InterNACHI or ASHI-certified home inspection service would be the perfect thing to do. Looking into a sample inspection report prepared by the home inspector is another good practice. A home inspector with work experience in the following fields can also be relied upon:

  • Plumbing
  • HVAC
  • Electrical
  • Framing
  • Roofing
  • Remodels

The Home Inspection Report

After completing the home inspection, the home inspector prepares a report. This report includes detailed descriptions of the house and the home inspector’s suggestions for repair and maintenance work.

The Standard Colorado Real Estate Purchase Contract

The standard Colorado real estate purchase contract requires sellers to compensate buyers if they deem certain conditions unsatisfactory.

The contract also permits buyers to adjust the price of the house they wish to buy or to terminate the contract altogether.

Things To Check While Carrying Out a House Inspection

Home inspectors need to examine every nook and cranny of a house with the utmost attention and care to ensure that it is safe and habitable.

A home inspector needs to:

  • Inspect the outer part of the house and the surroundings.
  • Ensure if the house is situated on solid ground.
  • Note if the house is situated close to things or factors that can affect the integrity of the structure in the long run.
  • Inspect the house foundation
  • Check the exterior walls, roof coverings, gutters, and also plumbing fixtures.
  • Check the conditions of doors, windows, floors, and ceilings.

While inspecting the interiors, home inspectors focus on those corners of a house that might exhibit signs of structural decay or require repairs. For instance, they inspect the basement, including the crawlspace. The other space not to miss out on – the attic!

Top Things You Should Look Out for During a Home Inspection

When buying a house in Colorado, pay attention to the quality of the insulation, the air conditioning system, and the existing electrical system. Your home inspection report will help you look for any issues.

Check the house’s roof condition very carefully. The roof plays a major role in keeping the interior in proper condition. If there are chimneys, vents, or skylights on the roof, the property inspector should also examine them.

You should also keep an eye on the GCFI outlets in the house. If these outlets are non-functional, it is indicative of major electrical issues in the house.

Watch out for improper venting of bathroom fans into the attic, as it might lead to mold growth. Also, check if there are attic air leaks because the presence of attic air leaks could mean that there might be some problems with the insulation system.

The Other Things to Look For In a Home Inspection

  • It is also important to check the water mains and the basement of a house. Watch out for plumbing issues and check if all the bathtubs and shower pans in the house have been tested for leaks.
  • You can also check the furnace filter as it would give you an idea regarding the furnace maintenance in the house.
  • Many home inspectors also offer a few additional services, including radon testing, water testing, and termite inspection.

As a homeowner, get your houses inspected and carry out repairs and other maintenance work before putting up your houses for sale.

Why Is Radon Testing a Must In Colorado?

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In Colorado Springs, you may often hear about radon testing and why homes should be tested. The number one reason to undergo radon testing in Colorado is to protect your health. One of the leading causes of cancer in the United States is radon. According to estimates, every year, about 21,000 people in the country die due to lung cancer. Five hundred of these cases are from Colorado. Radon is believed to be the reason behind these deaths.  According to various surveys, all Colorado counties have high levels of radon, particularly in Colorado Springs and El Paso counties.

What Is Radon?

Radon owes its origin to Uranium, a naturally occurring radioactive metal found in abundance in the West.

It is a colorless, odorless, radioactive, inert gas that moves through the soil and gets trapped inside a house, making its way inside a house through tiny cracks, slab joints, crawl spaces, dirt floors, sump pits, or block walls. Sometimes, it enters a house through well water. It is sucked into the house due to the difference in air pressure.

Radon decays swiftly, releasing tiny radioactive particles that can cause damage to the cells lining the lungs. According to several organizations, including the American Lung Association and the Environmental Protection Agency, radon is harmful to health.

Why Should Houses in Colorado Be Tested for Radon?

The average radon levels in all the counties of Colorado are over four picocuries per liter (pCi/L). 4 pCi/L is the level at which the Environmental Protection Agency recommends radon mitigation.

Factors Affecting The Presence Of Radon Inside A Household

The presence of radon inside a house depends on different factors:
●   Soil type
●   Presence of moisture in the soil
●   Air pressure
●   The heating and ventilation system in a house
●   Movement of air
●   Movement of groundwater
●   The lifestyle of the occupants of a house

Radon Testing Kits

Radon testing is the only way to determine if the levels of radon inside a house are above permissible limits. Colorado residents can also obtain free radon test kits.

Buy one from home improvement and hardware stores or order them online or through mail-order companies. The cost of a radon test kit ranges from $10 to $50. While buying a radon test kit, pick one that has the stamp of approval from the National Radon Proficiency Program.

How To Choose the Right Home Inspection Service

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Are you ready to buy a new home? There are a few important considerations to make before putting your hard-earned money into a new house, one of which is choosing the right home inspection service. It is important that you find an experienced and trustworthy home inspector – their job is to ensure you receive an unbiased assessment of what is, for many, the most expensive purchase of a lifetime.

So, how do you make the right choice? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is the Job of a Home Inspector?

Home inspectors are required to hold a valid license and credentials. It is the sole responsibility of a home inspector to determine whether or not a property is in a habitable state by thoroughly inspecting every nook and crevice of the house.

In the course of the inspection, they will look at the house’s mechanical, structural, and aesthetic features. In order to document each element of the examination, the house inspector must write a document known as the property inspection report based on the findings.

Home inspectors give you all of the information you require while you are considering purchasing a property. Their ability to identify potential concerns assists a buyer in completing the transaction.

The Top Tips For Choosing A Reliable Home Inspector

Here are a few tips that can help you find the right, trustworthy, and reliable home inspector that can provide you with a detailed and well-documented property inspection report:

1. Use Google Search

If you’re new to something and want to know in detail about it, Google always comes to your rescue. If you search for ‘House Inspectors near me,’ you will be able to find the contact information for a plethora of recognized expert home inspectors in your local area. The most difficult part of this process is researching the specifics, cross-checking them, and validating the identity of the house inspector online before hiring.

Check Reviews for Trusted Home Inspection Companies

Whether you go with a small or big scale company, cross-checking their background history is important to establish trust. Ask about their insurance policy. Depending on your locality, they might conduct an inspection without insurance. The major problem with uninsured home inspectors is that you may be liable if they get hurt during the home inspection process.

Ask for References from Your Real Estate Agent

If you’re looking for a house inspection, the easiest place to start is with your real estate agent. They’ve been in the company for a long time, and you can rely on them to do an excellent job. You can also generally rely on their advice for a home inspector. They might even provide you with a list and let you to make your own selection. However, if you don’t know the realtor well or aren’t confident in their reputation, you should proceed with caution when considering their recommendation.

Note The Things Included in the Home Inspection Report

A thorough inspection will include the following:

● Electrical System

● Structural condition

● Plumbing system

● Ventilation systems

● The basement and terrace

● Drainage system

● Pest Control

● Furniture and Appliances condition

Checking Their Sample Inspection Report

A sample inspection report from your prospective home inspector should be considered while making your decision on who to hire. With this, you can get an idea of their style and format by reading their work. You may also get a sense of how accessible their reports are. If you’re not sure how to get access to a sample report, it’s simple – ask them!

Look for InterNACHI or ASHI Certification

When it comes to finding a home inspector, the ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) is the greatest resource to turn to for guidance. InterNACHI is the largest inspection trade group in North America, with more than 20,000 members. They’re legitimate professionals with years of expertise and certification. It will not be difficult to put your trust in them because they have already passed numerous exams to become qualified. They are well-versed in their field. They must, however, complete more than 250 successful professional inspections in order to become an ASHI certified professional.

Purchasing a property, and more importantly, a place that you will be able to call your own is one of the most important investments you’ll make. As such, it makes sense to exercise extreme caution and caution before choosing a home inspector you can trust to ensure the property is liveable and worth the amount you’re set to pay for it.

Check their experience, research their reviews, and choose someone you feel comfortable with. Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions – often, the more willing they are to respond, the more trustworthy they are for the inspection itself.

How Long Do Home Inspections In Colorado Take?

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The process of buying a house in Colorado is lengthy. Once a house seller accepts a buyer’s offer, the buyer enters into a contract. Then, you can initiate a home inspection.

Home inspections in Colorado can be scheduled immediately after a buyer comes under a contract. Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about home inspections in Colorado.

What Is Inspection Objection?

Homebuyers must arrange a home inspection before the “inspection objection.” The objection refers to the date a buyer must inform the seller about the repairs or maintenance work they wish to do in the house.

How Long Does A Home Inspector Require To Complete The Process?

Depending on the kind of home a buyer invests in, home inspections in Colorado may take about 2-3 hours. If the house is big, old, or fixer-upper, the inspection will take longer than 3 hours. Also, a home inspector would need extra time if the sewer scope is included in the inspection process.

Who Should Be Present When A Home Inspection Is Being Carried Out?

A buyer may or may not be present during the home inspection. However, their presence is highly recommended. In a few states, realtors are restricted from attending home inspections as they are believed to exert their influence during the inspection.

Which Parts Of The House Should A Home Inspector Examine?

Home inspectors are expected to examine the following elements of a home:

  • Roof
  • Basement or crawlspace
  • Heating or cooling system
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical system
  • Foundation of the house
  • Walls and ceilings
  • Floors and windows

The home inspection process in Colorado does not include radon testing and sewer scopes. But these are highly recommended. Also, home inspectors will not evaluate the quality of an item or items they cannot access in the house.

How Should The Seller Prepare For A Home Inspection?

Sellers need to ensure that the home inspector and the buyer (if present) can explore every nook and cranny of the house during the inspection. Also, before the arrival of the home inspector, they can do the following:

  • Get all the drains cleaned,
  • Check for any sign of water leakage,
  • Flush all the toilets,
  • Caulk around sinks, windows, doors, and windows,
  • Have the furnace filter replaced,
  • Get all broken bulbs replaced,
  • Ensure the presence of carbon monoxide detectors,
  • Have all the pilot lights turned on,
  • Check if the grading is appropriate and if the water flows away from the house,
  • Ensure the presence of a downspout extension,
  • Ensure that the fuse box is labeled,
  • Have damaged window screens replaced, and so on.

If defects are discovered during the home inspection, a buyer might request that the seller complete all the repairs and maintenance work before closing the deal.

Buyers invest their time, energy, and money in buying and inspecting a house. They may terminate the contract if they find any significant issues. So, sellers must ensure that the house to be sold is safe and habitable.

What Happens After A Buyer Receives The Inspection Report?

A buyer may receive their inspection report on the same day or a few days after. The inspection report will contain all the details along with pictures.

So, if a buyer fails to be present on the inspection day, they need not worry. The inspection report will have all the details they need to know before they finally close the deal.

Home inspectors will also describe and classify all the issues in the report. This can help buyers understand the severity of those issues. For instance, this includes their recommendation after describing each issue in detail.

Occasionally, a home inspector will recommend the buyer to hold another inspection. After carefully reviewing the inspection report, the buyer can decide what they would request the seller to repair.

If no issues are found, the buyer may finalize the deal.

How Can A Seller Address The Problems Found In The Inspection?

The seller can address all the issues in the following ways:

  • They may decide to carry out the repairs on their own,
  • They can hire a contractor to carry out the repairs,
  • They can choose to give some credit to the buyer, with which they can cover future repair costs,
  • The seller can choose not to carry out any repair at all.

Home inspections can take some time, making the entire buying experience lengthy. However, house inspections allow homebuyers to buy a safe and habitable house and prevent their money from going to waste.

Common Issues to Fix Before You Move Into the House

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So you found a home, started packing and are almost ready to move. Congrats!

Before you load up that moving truck, though, consider what you’re actually moving into. Whether the home is older or newer, chances are good that you’ll inherit a few quirks and issues. Most problems should be pointed out during the home’s inspection prior to the closing. After reviewing the issues, you may be wondering which home problems to fix before moving in and which to wait on.

After all, some issues are worse than others. Problems such as damaged window treatments and broken light fixtures can probably wait until after you move in to be addressed. However, other issues are best remedied before moving a truckload of furniture and belongings inside.

A home inspection is extremely important before you buy a house, or you will spend a lot of money fixing problems you could have identified. Some of the most common problems are plumbing issues. On the other hand, sellers may conceal a problem to secure a sale. However, even though you carefully inspected a house before buying, there are some things you should check regardless of the house. Below, we’ve included six common household problems that must be fixed before moving into a new home.

Pest-proof your house

Before you move into the new house, hire a professional pest control company to ensure you get rid of pests. Then you can start pest-proofing your house. First of all, install door sweeps at the base of all exterior doors. Caulk the bottom outside edge and sides of door thresholds and any cracks around windows and doors. Seal all utility openings where pipes and wires enter the house with urethane expandable foam, steel wool, caulk, cement, or copper mesh. Invest in wire mesh over the roof, the attic and crawl space vents and install a chimney cap.

Fix squeaking and creaking

You can de-squeak your doors by applying surfboard wax, petroleum jelly, or lubricating oil on the hinges. You can also use vegetable oils. However, avoid canola oil as it can attract pests. The main cause of creaking floors is wood shrinkage around the nails on the floorboards. You should locate the creaking floorboards and re-screw and tighten the nails.

Water pipes can become noisy due to a water hammer. Shut off the main valve. Turn on the lowest tap in the house to drain all water from the pipe. Turn off the lowest tap and reopen the main valve. Another reason for banging water pipes is high water pressure. Invest in a water-pressure regulator or a pressure-reducing valve.

Drafty Windows

Moving in the winter when drafty windows affect the inside temperature? Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient ones might not be a bad idea. While some homeowners wait to do this, we recommend doing it before moving in. After you close on the house, enlist a window company to come to the home, take measurements and provide a quote for new windows. If you decide to move forward, arrange to have all the new windows put in the home before moving day. The reason? Removing old windows and installing new ones is a time-consuming process – one that will most certainly inconvenience anyone living in the home.

Have The Heating And Cooling Systems Cleaned

You should have the heating and cleaning systems cleaned once a year. Regarding the heating system, you should definitely call professionals if you can smell mold, if you notice excessive debris in the ducts, or if you and your family members experience allergy symptoms. You should also clean an air conditioner by cleaning and replacing a filter, keeping condenser and evaporator coils clean, and keeping outdoor equipment clear of debris.

Change The Locks

You’ll never know how many keys are floating around for your new home unless you get new or re-key the existing ones. The previous owners may have given a key to neighbors, workmen, relatives, or cleaning services, and you’ll get some peace of mind if you get new ones. This project is to be done just before or soon after you move in.

Use your inspection report as a ‘to-do’ list for maintenance

After you buy a house, address any issues flagged on your home inspection report that the seller didn’t fix. Using the report as a guide, make a list of things to repair, update or maintain for the future, ranking them from most to least urgent. You’ll want to address items that can potentially blow up and cost you money later, such as dirty gutters, leaky pipes, or doors and windows needing resealing.