Environmental Inspections It seems that we hear a lot about environmental issue concerns these days. Much of it is simply the result of a greater awareness than in the past. And even though there isnt anything to be concerned with in most homes, there are still a number of potential home environmental issues that buyers should be aware of. Water quality is probably the most common concern and the one […]

Water is a powerful force. Any doubt of this fact can be erased by a simple visit to the Grand Canyon. And while your home is in no danger of becoming one of the Seven Wonders of the World, water can wreak havoc on a much smaller scale. Water damage can come from several sources: floods, burst pipes, leaky roofs, seepage, etc. Many types are obvious, as is the damage […]

Termites and Other Pests Termites and other wood destroying insects such as carpenter ants can do massive damage to a home and greatly impact its value. In humid areas where termites are a problem, it’s not unusual to find many homes that have been virtually hollowed out, their wood siding turning to dust at a touch.

Do you live near Transmission Towers or Electric Substations? Why do an EMF Survey? EMF stands for electromagnetic fields. Any electric device produces EMF’s. At higher voltages used by electric utilities it is perceived by the general public to be a potential health concern related to cancer. Typically, homes near electric substations and electric transmission towers have the most concerns about this issue. According to NIEHS (one of the National […]

Radon Gas Information There are cracks in the foundation. Nothing structural. Nothing thats going to threaten the stability of the home, but they are there. Nooks, crannies and holes through which seeps an invisible threat. Colorless, odorless and undetectable by your average human, radon gas. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon gas – even the name sounds ominous, is created when uranium […]

Warning! This house could be hazardous to your health! You would be hard pressed to sell a home with such a label attached to it. And yet, many older homes in the United States might qualify. You see, prior to 1978, paints and other products containing lead were widely used in homes and offices. Chipping and pealing paint can expose occupants to this hazardous material. In addition, many older plumbing […]

Home and Hearth Inspections can draw a sample of your drinking water (especially important if you have a well) and have it analyzed for bacteria, physical characteristics (such as pH and hardness), the presence of organic and inorganic chemicals, radon, lead and numerous other attributes. We use state certified laboratories that perform similar water tests for public wells owned by towns throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This process is accepted […]