My Service

New Construction:  With the construction of a new home I can do a full phase construction report. I make the necessary and repeated visits to the site at each phase of construction. I take photos, provide you with a written report and follow-up with a phone call giving you progress of the work being done.  This type of inspection can benefit you and ensure that quality work is being performed.  Just don't rely on your local building inspector or code enforcement officer.  Not all Maine communities recogize the International Building Code or BOCCA Code.  Keep in mind that when a builder tells you that he follows the code, that builder  may be telling you that he does only the minumum required.  Maine does not have a builder's liscense.  This type of report keeps you on top of what's happening and the status of your home.

Construction Draw - Progress Inspections:  During the construction of a new home, your financial institution or loan company requires that each phase of construction be inspected before payment is released.  Working with the financial institution or loan company, I make the necessary, often-repeated visits to the site gathering photos and information.  I always provide a written report and photos to the financial institution or loan company.  This type of inspection will benefit you to insure that quality work is being performed before the payment is released.  It also provides that proper materials are being used and proper practices are being followed. 

Court Consultation/Reports:  This type of report is done when faulty construction is suspected on a new or older home.  This consists of going to the site, taking a minimum of 24 photographs with an in-depth report describing what defects were found.  This type of report comes with 2 copies of the report and photographs.  Court testimonial is provided at an hourly rate.  This can be used in civil litigations.  The number one consumer complaints in the state of Maine for the past 5 years has been in the construction field.

Septic Systems Inspections:  I am a certified by the Maine Department of Health & Human Services as an Onsite Subsurface Wastewater Disposal System Inspector (certification number 553).  This type of inspection includes locating the septic field, checking out the distribution box, and opening up the covers on the main holding tank.  The written report includes completion of a 240-inspection form from the Maine Department of Human Services.  It also includes the 220-form Soil Test Analysis of the septic site.  You will also receive a septic system certification.  The inspection follows the Maine Subsurface Waste Water Disposal rules (144CMR241).  A septic tank test dye can be used to find out if the field is leaking.  If you are purchasing a home with a septic field, consider having a full septic system inspection. For additional information go to http://www.state.me.us/dhs/eng/plumb/system_inspections.htm

Infrared Thermal Inspections: We Now offer a full infrared thermal report. Our infrared thermal reports comes with a picture in a picture, full break downs of findings, objects, descriptions and full digital photos.

Water Tests:  The quality of the water should be tested.  The overall health of your family is very important.  Some filtering systems are not maintained and hold a lot of bacteria.  If the water comes from a private well, a test is imperative prior to the closing date of the house.  The water test can be taken and the results received within 2-4 business days.  This includes a written report.  I am a certified water sampler. 

Water Quantity:  In addition to a water test, a water quantity test should also be conducted to measure the pressure and flow of the water.  This is usually done on private wells.  A pressure and water flow test can provide information about the well and whether there is a problem.  A pressure and water flow test involves measuring not only the water output in gallons per minute but also the ability to maintain that capacity over a period of time.  I am a certified well sampler.

Water Radon:  Radon is a radioactive gas that you cannot see, taste or smell.  Studies have shown it to be the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S.  Radon in the water can move from one location to another over time.  For additional information go to:  http://www.epa.gov/radon/  This test can be done at the same time as the water test. 

Air Radon:  Radon is a radioactive gas.  It is released from naturally decaying uranium deposits in nearly all soils in the Maine area.  A simple test must be done to measure the level present in the home.  EPA has specific guidelines for testing and for removing radon.  Based on the EPA guidelines it can be determined if the levels are safe or not.  For additional information go to http://www.epa.gov/radon/ .

Fuel Tanks:  Heating oil tanks typically corrode from the inside out.  Your tank may look perfectly fine from the outside but could be wearing excessively thin.  The testing (similar to a medical ultrasound) will allow me to give you a sense of security and plenty of advance warning that a problem is on the horizon.  This ultrasonic inspection is free with all my inspections.  I provide a tank inspection certificate.  The program I am using is the TankSure program.  A proactive $1000 Replacement Warranty is available through well established participating fuel oil companies.  For more information go to http://www.tanksure.com/tanksure.html

Lead Testing:  Since 1978, the EPA has prohibited lead in paints and the amount of lead used to solder copper pipes.  It is important to have a simple lead test performed to identify the possibility of lead.  Small children like to eat paint.  Lead paint may cause damage to their nervous system and brain.  Therefore, if you have children it is important for you to have this test done.  

Mold and Fungus Testing:  Water is the number one enemy of any house.  When mold is found or suspected, mold testing should be done.  Some molds are deadly.  It is not uncommon to find a dryer vent, bathroom vent, and/or stove vent terminating in the house and not outside.  All molds can be prevented.  A simple test can be conducted. 

Mold and fungus requires 4 elements to survive.

• Food source - Wood
• Temperature - Decay:  approx. 68 - 97 degrees  F (23-36  C), Mold and Sap Stain:  approx. 75 - 85 degrees F (24 - 29 C)
• Oxygen - Decay requires 20% free oxygen in the wood.  That's why wood kept totally submerged in water will not normally rot.
• Water - Wood does not have to be in contact with water; stagnant, damp, humid air will suffice.

Eliminate any one of these four factors mold and fungus cannot survive.