Asbestos is a dangerous and potentially deadly substance that can lead to potential health risks for unsuspecting homeowners. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the dangers posed by undetected asbestos and how homebuyers and homeowners can go about getting suspected areas tested for this hazardous material.

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that can be found in many commercial buildings and older homes. It can have serious health implications, if not managed correctly. Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can cause severe respiratory problems like lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other forms of cancers. A partial ban on asbestos was enacted in 1989. However, in 1991, the decision was largely overturned. As a result, many construction materials such as shingles and plaster were made with asbestos until the mid 1990’s.

Common materials that may contain asbestos, especially in homes built before 1980, include; insulation, flooring tiles, ceiling tiles, pipe coverings, textured paints, and walls/floors around woodstoves. Professional asbestos testing involves taking a 2’x 2’ sample of the suspected material in order to determine whether it contains asbestos fibers. The procedures for sample collection vary depending on the type of material being tested. Generally speaking, certified professionals use specialized tools and safety equipment to take a sample and send it to a laboratory for testing.

In regards to buying a house, know that all home inspection contracts for real estate transactions in Texas explicitly state that they will not report on whether asbestos is present or not. Asbestos testing must be done by a certified professional to survey for the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). If a seller is aware of asbestos is present in say the siding or plaster, Texas requires a disclosure to be filled out and given to potential buyers before any offers are accepted.

Since most sellers will not approve of the destructive method necessary for testing of their ceiling tile or siding, many buyer’s may have to wait until they have ownership of the house in order to test for asbestos.

In conclusion, you should test for asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), especially in older homes, in order to protect yourself and the occupants of the building from potential health risks. Dooley Home Inspections does not offer asbestos testing as part of the home purchase process, but due to experience, we can often determine if asbestos may be present simply by appearance and dating.

Have you been living in your newly constructed home for almost a year? If so, you’ll want to ensure that your builder is living up to their warranty promises. One way to do this is by scheduling a home warranty inspection with Dooley Home Inspections. A comprehensive report will provide an accurate picture of any deficiencies in your newly built home and allows for those issues to be addressed before the end of the one or two year warranty period. Many homeowners put home warranty inspections off as unnessasary and a waste of time or money, but regret that choice when a problem does arise and they no longer have a warranty on their house!

When living in a new home, it’s important to consider the potential for problems. Even with the best builders, there are still things that can go wrong in newly built houses. Some of the most common problems in all houses, even newly constucted ones, include improper installation of electrical wiring, plumbing leaks, structural damage due to poor construction techniques and materials, and inadequate insulation or ventilation leading to mold growth and pest infestations. To avoid any unpleasent and downright frustrating issues, consider getting a home warranty inspection done on your home.

Building a new house is an exciting experience, but it also comes with potential issues that may not be immediately apparent. It’s important to ensure newly constructed homes are thoroughly inspected, as small issues can turn into costly repairs if left undiscovered. Warranties can provide protection against unexpected repairs or replacements, but often expire after one to two years. Home warranty inspections can help detect any problems early, such as faulty wiring, drainage issues and structural defects, saving homeowners time and money in the long run.

Home warranty inspections not only help protect your investment, but also give peace of mind knowing that everything has been taken care of properly and any potential problems have been identified before they become an issue. With Dooley Home Inspections, you can rest assured that the experienced inspector will provide you with an extensive report detailing any issues found and offering advice on how they can be fixed quickly and effectively so that you don’t have to worry about them down the road. Don’t wait until it’s too late – get ahead of potential problems now by scheduling a home warranty inspection with Dooley Home Inspections today!

A new construction home inspection is very similar to a home inspection on a pre-existing home with some differences.  The inspection is similar in that all the major structural components of a house like plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning, roof, siding, foundation, windows, appliances, and more are inspected prior to closing on the house.  They are different because the inspection on a new house is often done in phases according to a schedule with multiple inspections.  The advantage of the phase approach is that a house under construction can be fully inspected without anything blocking the inspector’s view like foundations, walls, or appliances. After each major phase of construction is completed, an inspection can be done to make sure each step is done well.  

Do you really need an inspection on a newly built house?

The answer is an overwhelming, “Yes!”  Think about it.  It has been reported that as many as 100 people may be involved in the construction when you include your builder and subcontractors and all their employees.  Everyone is human and making mistakes is a fact of life.  There are many things that can go wrong during construction that can be very costly or time-consuming to repair:

  • Improper grading, poor drainage
  • Incorrect wiring or plumbing
  • Poorly constructed roofing or siding
  • Incorrect ventilation
  • Poorly routed ducts
  • And much more

County building inspectors are busy and are looking to enforce minimum code standards, they are not working on your behalf as an independent inspector would, so their inspections will not bring up everything you’d see in a typical home inspection.  The investment in a home inspection is well worth the money, because defects found during construction can be corrected immediately, rather than after you move in.  

What is the new construction home inspection schedule?

Dooley Home Inspections usually follows a schedule with 3 or 4 phases: 

  1. Pre-Pour Foundation – This phase checks for proper grading and drainage, particularly important if you are in or near a floodplain and proper spacing and locations for utilities coming up through the foundation
  2. Pre-Drywall – This phase is sometimes combined with phase #3 and checks for proper framing, electrical, AV wiring, roofing, and plumbing
  3. Pre-Insulation – This phase checks for air leakage throughout the home which can cause HVAC systems to run inefficiently and areas of the house to be uncomfortable
  4. Pre-Final Walk-through with your builder – This phase most closely resembles a traditional home inspection and checks for build quality of the sheetrock, appliances, lights, HVAC system and all the major mechanical components of the home.

Even though your builder may be highly rated and respected, you should really consider hiring an independent home inspector.  “On Final walk-through inspections, I check to make sure the AC system is calibrated correctly. I look at the electrical panel to see if correct breakers were installed for each circuit. I especially look for code requirements like placement of GFCI and AFCI receptacles, adequate handrails at stairways and proper ventilation and insulation in attic space,” says Jonathan Dooley.  Dooley Home Inspections is an IRC certified building inspector, so if you’re in the area and ready to search for new construction home inspections near me, go ahead and schedule an inspection today!

Certified Residential Building Inspector Badge

Similar to a typical home inspection, new homes are inspected for build quality and structural integrity.  They are often inspected in multiple phases after each major step in construction is completed.

Yes.  Everyone makes mistakes, even home builders. Home inspections on new construction is advised to ensure proper build quality and that structural components are built to correct specification.

New home inspections start around $375 for a three phase schedule at pre-pour foundation, pre-drywall, and final walk-through.

A small investment in an independent home inspector is a good idea, so you can find and address issues during construction and before closing on your new home.  You don’t want to wait until after closing or rely on your home warranty to correct issues because it is easier to handle before you move in. 

Did you know that 52 Texans have died in house fires so far in 2022?  Electrical problems are the number one cause of residential house fires in Texas.  With that in mind, the Texas Real Estate Commission has approved changes to standards that home inspectors have to follow.

In effect since February 1, 2022, the new standards detail requirements regarding AFCI vs GFCI electrical protection.  AFCI or Arc Fault Circuit Interruption detects electrical arcs which are the leading cause of electrical fires.  AFCI protection exists in three formats: AFCI outlets, AFCI breakers, and portable corded AFCI devices.  GFCI or Ground Fault Circuit Interruption is designed to detect current leak which can cause electrocution.  GFCI protection exists in three formats: GFCI outlets, GFCI breakers, and portable corded GFCI devices.

Where is AFCI protection to be located?

The updated standards call for AFCI protection to be located in kitchens, family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, parlors, libraries, dens, bedrooms, sun rooms, recreation rooms, closets, hallways, and laundry areas.  All living areas must be protected, most commonly by an AFCI breaker in the breaker panel or a deficiency on the report will be recorded.  Arc faults due to malfunctioning appliances is a common cause of house fires leading to injury or death.  AFCI breakers prevent fires by tripping the breaker when electronic sensors contained within the breaker detect an arc fault.  AFCI was invented in the 1980’s and first entered the National Electrical Code book in 1999 and their requirements have only grown since.

Where is GFCI protection to be located?

GFCI is a much older technology, first required around pools and outdoor locations in 1971.  Between 1975 and 1993, their use was expanded to include bathrooms, kitchens, and garages.  In 2005, the code was updated to include laundry rooms.  The requirement covers areas where water is common including bathrooms, garages, outdoor areas, laundry rooms, kitchens, crawlspaces, and any receptacle within 6 feet of a shower, bathtub, or sink.  Light switches are not considered a receptacle.  The most common form of GFCI protection is a GFCI outlet.  GFCI protection is provided in series behind a GFCI protected outlet, meaning any outlets installed in series after a GFCI outlet, receive the protection of that GFCI outlet.

How do I test AFCI and GFCI breakers and outlets?

AFCI breakers and GFCI breakers both have test buttons located on the breakers themselves that when working correctly indicate safe operation.  GFCI outlets feature test buttons that also indicate safe operation when functioning correctly.  I may also use electronic tools that simulate arc faults and ground faults in order to test proper function.  Any outlet or breaker that does not function properly will be marked as a deficiency in my report.   

Schedule an inspection with Dooley Home Inspection today!

Before your Home Inspection

  • Before we start with the home inspection, we will sign an Inspection Agreement that clearly mentions the terms and conditions of the service to help us maintain transparency.
  • You are required to make the payment at the time of the inspection. We accept your payment in cash, cheque, Paypal, Venmo, and CashApp. Please let us know your preferred way to make the payment by replying to this email.
  • Please ensure that the water, power, and gas lines are running if the home is vacant. Request your realtor to turn “ON” all shut-off valves and/breakers before the inspection.
  • Please consult with your realtor and/seller(s) to ensure that the attic is accessible if the home is occupied. Personal belongings should also be removed from areas surrounding major appliances (HVAC and Water Heaters), crawl space accesses, and electrical panels.
  • The following verbatim should be added in your purchase contract to ensure the mentioned inspection prerequisites are met by the realtor and/seller(s): A. In addition to Seller’s obligation under this agreement to have all utilities, services, and other items operational during all inspections, Seller will also ensure that the crawl space, garage, and/or attic areas will be accessible and free of debris and/or personal articles. B. If anything is unable to be tested and/or inspected during any of the inspections because Seller did not have the utility services and other items operational, and as a result Buyer’s inspections that were paid for by buyer were unable to be performed, then Seller agrees to ensure that the utility services and other items will be operational during any follow-up inspections, and the Seller will pay for any and all fees incurred by the buyer in order to have the non-functioning items re-inspected. 

During a Home Inspection

  • You are encouraged to attend the inspection for a recap on the deficiencies found.
  • Home inspections typically last between 2 – 4 hours based on the age, size, and condition of the home.
  • If visible fungal growth (possible mold) is found during the inspection, I can take surface swab samples of the growth. And, send these sample(s) to the lab if desired by you. Surface swab sampling is $150 for the first sample and $70 for each additional sample. MAC#1776
  • Indoor air quality inspection can also be conducted if a musty smell is present. These services will be accompanied by an additional agreement and report that may vary in price starting at $375. Read more information about a mold assessment.

After the Inspection

  • You will receive the inspection report by the afternoon or evening of the inspection by email. The same email will also have a link to the invoice PDF. The software I use to prepare inspection reports has several tools available to help you communicate any concerns with your realtor.
  • I deliver a highly detailed inspection report which encloses every possible defect in the property. It is not uncommon for me to find as many as 30 or more of such defects. However, defects don’t mean it’s a bad house. Defects simply mean there is room for repair and improvement. Usually, these repairs are simple or can be delayed. Smart home buyers see my report as a tool for negotiation in a real estate transaction. And, it helps them focus on the major repair or concerns that need immediate attention.
  • Wondering what to expect? Visit this link to have a look at a sample report.
  • Have questions about the home inspection or the property you want to move into? I am always here to happily answer all your doubts.

Schedule a home inspection with Jonathan today!

Mold is the visible fruiting structure of fungi that contains spores. These spores, which give rise to mold, are always floating in the air; looking out for a moist surface to settle and grow. Mold can erupt in diverse shapes, colors, and sizes from white and fuzzy to black and slimy. Without a mold assessment in a home purchase, you may be at an elevated risk.

Mold plays a significant role in natural decomposition. They break down organic matter by releasing enzymes. While that’s great news for Mommy Nature, it is a sign of trouble for homeowners when mold growth goes unchecked.

Mold Health Threats

Apart from kick-starting rot and decay in wood, fabric, and paper, mold spores pose several health threats, especially for people with a weak or compromised immune system. Some of the most common health complications caused by mold are –

  • Allergies
  • Trouble breathing, especially for those who already have chronic lung conditions.
  • Triggers asthma
  • Aspergillosis
  • Skin and eye irritation
  • Insomnia and fatigue
  • Headache

Locations Loved By Molds

Molds LOOOOOVEEEE moisture! One should be wary of –

  • Leaky taps in kitchens and bathrooms
  • Leaky roofs
  • Improperly installed HVAC system
  • Windows or pipes that create condensation
  • Faulty drier vents
  • Damp areas on the walls and ceilings, especially, in and around laundry rooms and bathrooms
  • Areas with no or limited air circulation like basements and wardrobes.
  • Clogged drains

Factors That Encourage Mold Growth

  • Moisture/ humidity level in the air
  • The existing volume of mold in the air
  • Lack of sunlight

A comfortably warm temperature ranging around 70 ° F/20° C

The Solution: Professional Mold Assessment

Mold growth is not only hard to detect with naked eyes (even for professionals) but also easy to cover up. Areas with mold growth are often painted over by sellers. A stealthy gloss over that is undetectable by unsuspecting potential buyers. Unfortunately, it is only a temporary solution. And, once you move in, the mold will pop up and start its unruly behavior.

This is when mold assessments come into play! A mold inspection must be conducted before purchasing a home. It is usually a part of the general home inspection, which is performed at a price of about $300. This inspection includes a thorough visual inspection by seasoned experts. On top of that, humidity and temperature readings are taken throughout the property.

The readings are analyzed carefully to create a formal report, which is finally delivered to the client. If there is evidence of mold, the report cites a remediation plan to fix the mold misery from its roots.

An Even Better Solution: Indoor Air Sampling

The air within a property can reveal a lot about the health of the house. An indoor air sampling is conducted in a lab to diagnose the following in detail –

  • The humidity level in the air.
  • The level of carbon dioxide, which usually shoots up in environments with a higher concentration of mold in the air.
  • The concentration of mold within the air of the home versus the natural environment.
  • The type of mold(s) populating the air.
  • The potential toxicity or dangers of the mold present in the air.

Based on the lab results, a report is delivered to the client. An indoor air quality inspection costs $200 and can save you thousands!

Final Analysis: Mold Assessment

Mold exists everywhere and can cause significant health problems if a home is overtaken by mold.  There are several causes of mold in a home and it isn’t always easily detectable.  A mold assessment is a great way to determine your risk in a potential home purchase. Schedule a assessment with Jonathan today!

Sewer drain inspections provide an extra layer of confidence when purchasing an older home with large trees in the yard.  Tree and plant roots, construction debris, and heavy vehicle traffic can wreak havoc on sewer drain lines and our sewer scope inspections are done during the normally scheduled inspection saving you time and money.

Just how the circulatory system is essential for the health of the human body, a drainage system is essential for the health of a house. However, most standard home inspections do not include sewer inspections.

However, a poor drainage system can leave a house vulnerable to a multitude of problems:

  • Damage to the structural foundation
  • Water stains
  • Deterioration of building materials
  • Dangerous exposure to human waste
  • Pest and mold infestation

Thus, it is essential for homebuyers to get a sewer scope Inspection done before investing in a property.

Sewer Inspection – The Process

During a sewer drain inspection, a licensed and trained inspector makes use of a sophisticated sewer camera to examine the condition of the main drain lateral lines. The clean-out drain cap is removed to feed the flexible camera into the drain line. It captures and sends back the interior footage into a monitor, revealing the condition of the drain. The inspector analyses this footage to deliver a comprehensive report which can be a significant tool to make the right decision for owners and buyers alike. We may even suggest further review by a licensed plumber based on our findings.

Sewer Inspection Process

5 Signs that you need a sewer inspection

  1. A house built before 1980

Over 30 years ago, most home drainage was built out of cast iron, which was originally believed to last a long time. However, they crack and crumble before their expected lifespan is up.

  1. Well-established trees in the yard

Tree roots are surprisingly invasive as they have an insatiable love for water. So, these fast-growing intruders often wreak havoc on sewer lines.

  1. Recent construction work

Heavy-duty construction work, especially those involving ground activity, such as digging or drilling, can cause unintentional yet significant damage to drainage pipes.

  1. Patches of extra lush green

If some patches of the lawn look suspiciously greener than the rest of it, there might be a problem underground. Greenery thrives on the contents of a sewage leak.

  1. Water damage

The tell-tale signs of water damage in a property show up may appear as:

  • Water stains
  • Puddles
  • Damp spots and rings
  • Wood rot

How Sewer Drain Inspections Can Help 

Interestingly, the resulting footage from the sewer scope inspection can reveal a lot of things to the eyes of a well-seasoned inspector. Their informative report can reveal –

  • The pipe material
  • Cracks, gaps, or damage in the line
  • Root invasion
  • Clogs and blockages

Our sewer drain inspection gives you a detailed report and video about the integrity, functionality, and safety of a home’s main drain line which can help you make an informed decision. Schedule a sewer inspection with Dooley Home Inspection today!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a sewer inspection?

A sewer inspection involves the use of an extension camera to get a clear view of the underlying sewer drainage system. It is fed into the main drain lateral lines to get a clean look at the structural and sectional condition of the drain. The retrieved camera footage is used by inspectors to evaluate and frame a report which can aid homebuyers in making informed decisions.

  1. When should I get a sewer inspection?

You should get a sewer inspection when you see the following signs of potential sewer damage:

  • An old house built before the 1980s
  • Water damage on the property
  • Suspicious patches of greenery in the garden or yard
  • Signs of recent construction work that involved drilling or digging
  • Mature trees in the yard
  1. Is a sewer inspection worth it?

A sewer inspection gives you an unbiased report on the health of the drainage system on a property. It comes from seasoned, licensed professionals who are regulated by the State of Texas. Getting it done from the right inspector and at the same time as your normally schedule home inspection will save you time and money. Most importantly, it can help you save on costly future improvements.

  1. How much do sewer inspections cost?

The price of sewer inspection depends on several factors: location, access to, and length of the drain line. If scheduled during a home inspection, the cost can vary from $175+, which is much more budget-friendly than hiring another provider to do a separate inspection.

What is a General Real Estate Inspection?

A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive assessment of a home’s major systems including; Foundation, Structure, Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Appliances and Drainage to:

  • Reveal functional defects
  • Inform the client of any health or safety hazards
  • Inform client of expected general maintenance
  • Make recommendations for remediation

The Home Inspection Process

A home inspection generally takes around 3 hours depending on the size of the house, type of foundation and issues found. During the assessment the home inspector usually examines the following:

Exterior components: The inspector checks everything from the quality of materials used to build the walls to the vegetation and grading surrounding the home. Special attention is given to the spacing of stairway/balcony railings and the leveling of the sidewalks & driveways which could become potential safety hazards.

Roof: The integrity of the roof is checked for any cracks and storm damage. Home inspectors often make use of telescopic ladders and high traction roof boots to have a thorough look at the roof.

Structural components: Apart from walls, floors and ceilings, the foundation and framework are also assessed thoroughly for defects and damages using a zip level to check elevations at corners.

Electrical system: AFCI and GFCI outlet protection devices are checked with AFCI/GFCI testers to ensure that the circuits are completely safe. Simple electrical testers and voltage indicators are also used to check the proper functioning of the electrical circuit. Electrical appliances that come with the purchase are also inspected.

Insulation: The quality of insulation directly impacts your electricity cost. So, inspectors pay extra attention to the insulation and ventilation of the attic and might recommend installation of additional insulation, if needed.

Windows: Windows play a significant role in maintaining good ventilation and fire safety.

Plumbing: The home inspector checks for leaks wherever water runs in the house. Thus, tools like moisture meters and infrared thermal imaging cameras are used to get a more accurate assessment. Smooth function of fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms are tested. And, pipes are checked for anti-freeze protection.

Not everything on a property is checked under a basic home inspection which looks at features applicable to all homes. Common high value add-ons include:

  • Termite/WDI: $95- $150
  • Septic: $95
  • Water Testing: $200 (includes delivering samples to lab and paying lab fees)
  • Pool and Spa Inspection: $75
  • Foundation Elevation Report: $150

A home inspection give you a clear idea of what you are investing your money on. And, the report can come in handy when you are negotiating the price of your property with the seller. Moreover, a detailed report of the inspection comes with vital recommendations which can transform any building into a safe haven for you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a home inspection?

Home inspection is the thorough assessment of the physical structure and the mechanical system of a house. The non-invasive inspection aims to detect various defects and damages in a house, especially, before you invest your money on it. 

How much does a home inspection cost?

The cost of home inspections depend on the expertise of the home inspector and the size of the house. Usually, it can cost you $300 to $500 to get a house inspected by a seasoned expert. The price might be higher if you want to opt for some special inspections in addition to the standard ones. However, it is money well spent. 

What is checked during a home inspection?

During a home inspection the inspector makes use of tools, technology and his expertise to assess: 

  • The structural integrity which includes the framework and foundation
  • Exterior components including sidewalks, driveways and vegetation
  • Roofing 
  • Electrical system 
  • Functioning of Vital electrical appliances 
  • Plumbing 
  • Insulation 
  • Ventilation 
  • Pest infestation 
  •  Gas leaks

What to look for when hiring a home inspector?

The most important things to look for while hiring a home inspector are: 

  • A valid license from the State or Province 
  • Certification from a professional organization like The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
  • Years of experience 
  • Online reviews 
  • A portfolio of sample inspection reports 

 

 

With state-of-the-art technology at our disposal, the overwhelming journey of buying a dream home can be a bit easier. One such technology is thermal imaging home inspections.

Every object that has a temperature radiates infrared light, which is invisible to our naked eyes. This is when thermal imaging comes to play! Thermal imaging home inspections employ thermographic cameras to convert invisible infrared light into visible images. The resulting image depicts hot surfaces in a bright glowing hue of orange and cold surfaces in purple or blue.

This smart technology reveals the secrets of a property that our unaided eyes fail to see.

Wondering what those secrets are? Here are the Top 6 Secrets that’ll surprise you!

  1. Dampness Detection

Moisture can penetrate into the ceiling, walls, and floor of a house due to:

  • Cracked or blocked pipes
  • Leaky window frames
  • Roofing failure
  • Building materials of inferior quality
  • Rainwater retention

Thermal imaging reveals moisture damage by swiftly detecting the difference in temperature between a damp and dry area on the surfaces of walls, ceilings, or floors.

  1. Leaky plumbing

Sleek fixtures and fancy Jacuzzis often take the buyer’s attention away from a faulty plumbing system hiding underneath. But, our thermographic cameras cannot be fooled! Just a few moments into an inspection gives us a clear picture of potential leaks and cracks. We call it the “call the plumber” alarm.

  1. Pest infestation

Believe it or not, these tiny buggers release a lot of heat while chomping ferociously on the wood of your potential or existing home. We perform Thermal imaging home inspection to detect heat anomalies. Thermal imaging does not replace a full Termite/WDI inspection, but can help us see things we might otherwise miss.

  1. Faulty insulation

Limiting air loss and the influx of hot air into your cool home can save you a massive amount of money. With energy costs shooting through the roof, a well-insulated home is the need of the hour.  Thermal imaging is the perfect tool to detect poor insulation and get it fixed immediately.

  1. Moisture behind stucco

An evil moisture trapping wall can easily hide behind the beautiful veil of stucco. This can eventually lead to:

  • Molds which release allergens
  • Crumbling of the stucco
  • A persistently warm/cold interior
  • An array of health complications

Our thermal image scans can readily detect the hidden moisture damage and propel you towards the right course of action.

  1. Overcurrentthermal imaging on microwave

As the name suggests, an excess of current in the electrical circuits of a home or office give rise to the detrimental situation of overcurrent. Overcurrent can cause:

  • Irreparable damage to electrical appliances
  • Dangerous fires​

An excessive current also radiates a lot of heat, which is easily detected by Infrared thermal imaging. It is the finest tool to diagnose overcurrent in its infant stages before it can swell into a disaster.

We have adopted thermal imaging as an indispensible strategy in our home inspection process. It can not only help buyers find their perfect dream home but also help sellers to frame a flawless restoration plan. Bonus: we charge you no additional fee for thermal imaging! Give us a call to schedule a home inspection right away.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is thermal imaging in home inspections?

Objects release heat (a lot or a little) in the form of infrared radiation. Thermal imaging uses thermographic cameras to detect invisible infrared radiation and converts it into a visible image. The resulting image depicts the temperature differences on the surface of walls, ceilings, and floors for experts to diagnose and fix.

  1. How much does thermal imaging cost?

The cost of home inspections with thermal imaging largely depend on:

  • The area of your home
  • Reputation of the home inspection company
  • The experience and skill of the home inspector

You can expect to pay $350+ for a home as large as 2000 square feet.

  1. Is thermal imaging for home inspections worth it?

Absolutely! Home inspections can save you from the nightmare of spending thousands of dollars to fix what seemed like a dream home in the first place. And, for those with older houses, it can help in the detection of underlying issues that can cost thousands in repairs if left unaddressed.

  1. What is an infrared home inspection?

Infrared home inspection makes use of modern technology and gadgets like thermographic camera to show homeowners or aspiring homeowners what issues are hiding behind the walls, ceilings, and floors of their homes.  The image scans can reveal issues like:

  • Dampness
  • Pests
  • Leaks and cracks
  • Faulty electrical circuits

 

Dooley Home Inspections is excited to announce that we have added additional service areas!  We are bringing our top rated home inspection service to areas as far north as Bastrop, as far south as Bay City, east to Fulshear, and West to Schulenburg.  See below for the full list of new home inspection service areas:

Dooley Home Inspection offers a variety of home inspection services.  To request an inspection, contact us.

 

When it comes to owning and maintaining a home, one of the most important things to look for is termites. Termites cost homeowners thousands of dollars every year in treatment and repairs. Protect your house and your property by taking steps to prevent termites in your home.

Five Things You Can Do to Prevent Termites in Your Home

Aim Your Sprinkler Heads Away

Make sure your lawn sprinkler system is always pointed away from the foundation of your home. Many species of subterranean termites require moisture. If a sprinkler is pointed towards your home, you are creating the perfect environment for termites.

Crawl Space Maintenance

Crawl spaces should be properly maintained to prevent termites in your home. A good vapor barrier and proper ventilation will keep moisture away from the subfloor and floor joists. Should moisture reach these areas, it leads to damp areas that are perfect for termites to feed on the wood under your home.

Prevent Termites by Maintaining Shrubbery

Another method of preventing termites in your home is to keep any shrubbery trimmed. Allow at least one foot of space between bushes and the exterior of your home. This allows better air flow so that damp areas close to the home will dry out more quickly in the sun.

Don’t Use Mulch

Rather than spreading wood mulch in garden beds next to your home’s foundation, find an alternative like rubber mulch or pine needles. Termites find these materials less appealing than mulch. Surrounding the foundation with gravel is also an option.

Exterior Home Maintenance

Prevent termites in your home by taking the time to conduct proper maintenance on exterior areas such as windows and wooden siding. Repainting when necessary and sealing the wood helps protect the home from termites and other wood-destroying insects.

Prevent costly damage by catching termites early. Dooley Home Inspection offers termite and wood-destroying insect inspections. To request an inspection, contact us.

 

I do an operating inspection, which examines the accessible and visible parts of the system such as the tank lids, cleanout ports, control box, pumps, effluent level inside the tank. I determine whether it is functioning as intended or it needs further evaluation and repair by a licensed septic installer. I produce a report of the system’s current condition that determines whether, in my opinion, the system’s operation is acceptable or unacceptable. I do not address the life expectancy or the code compliance with all state or county ordinances. I do not excavate to locate lids or tanks. If a more comprehensive inspection is desired, additional testing can be done by a septic specialist.

Summary of Common System Problems I Have Encountered:
  • Leaky Tank
  • Broken Pump or Broken Lines
  • Surfacing Sewage
  • Clogged Pipes
  • Location of Field Lines Too Close to Water Well Head

System Research is another service that I can provide as part of your Limited Septic Inspection. We should gather local permits, the county soil survey, a homeowner interview, land survey that shows the location of tanks and lines.

Things I Try to Check and Report on During the Inspection:
  • Type of System (Aerobic, Conventional, Pressure Dos)
  • Note of any Grey Water Systems (Laundry)
  • Effluent Level in tanks
  • Signs of cracks in tank, lid or baffles
  • Evaluation of absorption area or field lines

I disclaim any warranty, either expressed or implied, arising from the inspection of the onsite wastewater treatment system or the report. My evaluation does not ascertain the impact the system is having on the groundwater.