Frequently Asked Questions
We, at Always Welcome, Home Inspections, are here for you and your Home Inspection, Sewer Scope Inspection, and Radon Testing needs. We welcome the opportunity to provide you with an unbiased inspections and tests so you may make an informed decision about managing risks in your home.
For more information about radon visit: www.Airthings.com or www.EPA.gov/Radon
What is a Home Walkthrough Consultation?
A Walkthrough consultation is not a home inspection. This consultation generally ranges from 30 – 90 minutes with a trained professional home inspector walking around the exterior and interior of a residence, with the inspector pointing out areas of concern that are visually observable; however, this consultation does not include areas like crawl spaces, attics, or the roof.
Some of the pros
- The consultation time is significantly less than a home inspection - They are cost effective - Can be focused on specific areas or concerns you may have - Additionally, these are beneficial for sellers to use as a preliminary check before listing their home to get a quick idea of any obvious issues without committing to a full inspection - Useful as a cost-effective option when comparing multiple homes before selecting one to purchase
Some of the cons
- Consultations do not include a formal, written inspection report - Includes a limited scope of observations - Does not include testing of major systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, or electrical - These consultations do not follow the InterNACHI Home Inspection “Standards of Practice” - The InterNACHI Home Inspection Standards of Practice are followed for full home inspections and are found here https://www.nachi.org/sop.htm
When should I choose a Home Walkthrough Consultation
- Pre-offer evaluation: When you're considering making an offer on a property and need a quick, informal assessment to identify major issues - Investor purchase: If you're buying a property as an investment and only need a general overview of its condition - Pre-listing check-up: For sellers who want a brief overview before listing their home to address potential deal-breakers - New or recently renovated homes: If the property is new or has recently undergone major renovations, and you only need to confirm the quality of work or materials used
Home Inspections FAQ
Here at Always Welcome, Home Inspections we offer a few different inspections including the full Home Inspection and we also offer specialized inspections.
Checkout these short summaries of the inspections then we offer, then schedule your inspections with us.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of a property’s condition, covering major systems like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. It helps you understand the home’s current state before making a purchase.
Some of the pros
- A home inspection can identify potential issues that could cost thousands of dollars in repairs - Provides negotiating power for buyers based on findings - Offers peace of mind about the property’s condition through informing the buyer about the condition of the property at the time of the inspection
Some of the cons
- A home inspection may not uncover all issues at a property, especially hidden ones, because a home inspection is a visual, non-invasive examination of the accessible areas of a residential property performed for a fee - A home inspection may delay the home buying process, and the inspection does add to the home purchase expense
When should I choose a Home Inspection?
- Before purchasing a home to ensure there are no major defects that could affect the property’s value - After purchasing a home if you waived the home inspection before purchasing your home - You should also consider having an annual inspection of your home, this is the same inspection and cost as a home inspection. The annual inspection allows you to keep tabs of the condition of your home and helps you to plan the maintenance activities your home needs
Sewer Scope FAQ
What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
A sewer scope is a video inspection of a property's sewer line to check for blockages, breaks, or other issues. It provides a visual overview of the sewer's condition
Some of the pros
- Can detect major blockages, tree root intrusion, and pipe damage which may cause sewer backups into your home - Can help to prevent costly future repairs by identifying issues early - Helps assess the sewer's overall lifespan and condition
Some of the cons
- Not included in the standard home inspection
When should I choose a Sewer Scope Inspection?
- If you're buying an older home - If there are signs of sewer issues like slow drains or frequent backups - There are (or were) trees in the front yard - If this inspection has not been performed on the system - If you know or suspect that heavy equipment was used in the area that you suspect the sewer pipe to be in
Deck Inspection
What is a Deck Inspection?
A deck inspection evaluates the structural integrity of a deck, checking for issues like wood rot, loose fasteners, or poor construction. It's essential for safety and longevity.
Some of the pros
- Can identify early signs of deterioration or poor construction - Can extend the lifespan of the desk by catching problems early - Included in the standard home inspection - Can identify structural issues like loose railings, decayed wood, or unstable supports that could lead to accidents - Can improve longevity by detecting early signs of wear and tear, such as wood rot or corrosion, help to prevent further damage and extend the lifespan of the deck - Is available separately from a standard home inspection, call or email for a quote
Some of the cons
- Inspections may uncover the need for repairs, which could lead to unexpected expenses such as fixing structural issues - Possible schedule disruption due to the inspection might require rearranging personal plans or temporarily limiting the use of the deck for safety reasons
When should I get a Deck Inspection?
- Annually: An annual inspection helps catch potential problems early, especially after severe weather like heavy rain, snow, or storms - Before Major Events: It’s wise to inspect your deck before hosting large gatherings or barbecues to ensure it can safely support additional weight and activity
Roof Inspection
What is a Roof Inspection?
A roof inspection assesses the condition of a roof, looking for issues like leaks, damaged shingles, and water damage. It's essential for protecting the home from weather-related damage.
Some of the pros
- Included in the standard home inspection, so there is no added cost - Also available separate from a home inspection for a fee - Available separately from a standard home inspection, call or email for a quote - Included in the standard home inspection, so there is no added cost - Also available separate from a home inspection for a fee - Is available separately from a standard home inspection, call or email for a quote
Some of the cons
- The inspection may identify recommended repairs or replacements that could be expensive - Doesn’t always uncover underlying problems like water damage, mold, or hidden leaks
When should I get a Roof Inspection?
- Before buying a home - Periodically, especially after severe weather or if you notice signs of roof damage - If you suspect damage from fallen branches - If you suspect water damage - When trees or other items are in contact with the roof
Monster Free Inspection
What is a Monster Free Inspection?
A monster free inspection is friendly way to help children feel more comfortable in their new space. We use our infrared thermal camera to search the room, behind doors, under beds, and in closets to “find monsters” that are invisible, but can be detected by our ghost finding camera.
Some of the pros
- Children are included in the home buying process - This inspection helps children feel safe in their new home - An official Monster Free certificate is provided once the inspection is completed
When should I get a Monster Free Inspection?
We recommend a Monster Free inspection when you have children that may be apprehensive about moving into a new home
Radon Test FAQ
What is a Radon Test?
A radon test measures the level of radon gas in a home, a naturally occurring radioactive gas.
Radon is the #2 leading cause of lung cancer. Radon levels can be managed, the results of the Radon test provides you the information to make an informed decision about radon mitigation in your home.
Some of the pros
- Identifies elevated radon levels, which could lead to lung cancer - Lowers health risks by identifying mitigation needs, if necessary - Provides critical information for homeowners in radon-prone areas
Some of the cons
- Not included in a home inspection - Results can vary depending on weather and time of year
When should I get a Radon Test?
- When buying or selling home - Every two years, as recommended by the EPA’s A Citizen's Guide to Radon informational booklet - After home remodeling, especially if the foundation is altered, like adding a room over a garage or adding a room or sunroom that expands the home’s foundation - You live in a geological area likely to produce high levels of radon, like granite, shale, other uranium-rich soils and rocks, sandy and soil with poor ventilation
Click this button to see the Radon Levels Map for Maryland
Certification FAQ
We hold multiple certifications and are licensed in the state of Maryland to perform Home Inspections. We are also nationally certified to perform radon testing and multiple additional inspections. Check out the summaries of our certifications and then schedule your inspections and radon tests with us.
Certified Professional Inspector Certification
An InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector is a home inspector who has completed training and certification through the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). They adhere to strict standards of practice, ensuring thorough inspections of homes and properties. Their certification reflects a commitment to excellence in the home inspection industry and ongoing education, with the requirement to complete 24 Continuing Education credits every year.
Maryland Licensed Home Inspector
A Maryland Licensed Hme Inspector is required to complete a 72 hour in person home inspector training course approved by the Commission and pass the National Home Inspector Exam. In addition, to maintain the Maryland Home Inspector license, the inspector must complete 30 Continuing Education hours every two years.
NRPP Radon Measurement Professional Certification
A certified NRPP RNP is a professional certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP) to conduct radon testing. They have the expertise and training to measure radon levels accurately in homes and buildings. Their certification ensures they follow the proper protocols and guidelines for radon testing and provide reliable results and complete annual Continuing Education requirements.
Radon FAQ
This information is provided by Airthings.com and presents frequently asked questions and answers about radon
For more information, check out A Citizens Guide to Radon from the Environmental Protection Agency
What is Radon?
Radon is a radioactive gas that is produced when naturally occurring uranium, which is present in the ground and rocks all across the globe, breaks down and forms other elements in a process called radioactive decay. Radon is one link in the decay chain of uranium. When radon gas decays, it emits radioactive radiation in the form of an alpha particle.
Radon is the single largest source of ionizing radiation a person receives throughout the year. Long-term exposure to radon in buildings is the leading cause of lung cancer in the general population, second to tobacco use. Radon affects everyone, and people who smoke tobacco are at significantly higher risk of developing lung cancer from radon. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 21,000 Americans die per year from radon-induced lung cancer. This is greater than residential fires, electrocutions, carbon monoxide poisonings, and drownings combined.
Is radon dangerous?
How many homes have elevated radon levels?
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According to EPA, approximately 1 in 15 homes (~7%) nationwide have indoor radon levels above the EPA action level. This percentage varies greatly by state, and can be as high as 5 in 7 homes (~70%) in Iowa.
How does radon get inside buildings
Buildings typically have a lower air pressure indoors than the outdoor air pressure which causes radon in the soil to be pushed into the building. The radon levels present inside a building are affected by a number of factors including the amount of radon in the ground, wind, the geology of the area, how the building was constructed, and water or moisture content in the ground; as well as how the building is used, such as the use of appliances, exhaust fans, and windows. Radon can also enter buildings from well water or materials that contain radon.
My neighbors have low levels of radon, is my house safe?
It is impossible to predict which buildings may or may not have elevated indoor radon levels, so the only way to know if your house has elevated levels of radon is to have it tested. Any building can have elevated radon levels even when the neighboring buildings all have low radon levels.
How important is it to measure radon levels in a building?
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Measuring indoor radon levels is as important as having functioning fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms installed. EPA recommends having a home measured for radon whenever it is bought, or has significant changes made to its structure or heating and ventilating systems. Homes should also be tested every 2 years for those with radon mitigation systems installed, or every 5 years for those without mitigation systems when the previous measurements were below the action level.
How is radon measured?
There are various methods for measuring radon levels, all of which require specialized equipment. The most common format of radon measurements is a short-term measurement lasting less than 90 days. These short-term measurements require special closed-building conditions which must be followed to achieve valid results. Since radon levels change hourly and daily, 48 hours has been determined to be the minimum time required to get a usable average. EPA recommends using a long-term measurement lasting 12 months to obtain the most accurate radon levels in a building.
What unit is radon measured in?
In the United States radon is measured in picoCuries per liter of air, abbreviated pCi/L. In the rest of the world radon is measured in Becquerels per cubic meter, abbreviated Bq/m3.
What level of radon is too high?
While no level of ionizing radiation is “safe”, EPA has set an action level for radon at 4.0 pCi/L, meaning if levels of radon in a building are found at or above 4.0 pCi/L, then EPA strongly recommends that action be taken to reduce the levels of radon in the building. EPA also suggests considering taking action if levels are found between 2.0 - 4.0 pCi/L. The action level of the World Health is 2.7 pCi/L (100 Bq/m3).
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What are typical radon levels outisde and inside of buildings?
Typical nationwide indoor radon levels in the United States average 1.3 pCi/L while outdoor levels typically average 0.4 pCi/L. Iowa has the highest average indoor radon level in the USA at around 8.5 pCi/L, which is more than double the EPA action level. While many states have significantly lower averages, any house can have radon above the EPA action level, so it is important to have every house tested for radon.
What should i do if my house has radon above the action level?
Radon levels in your house can be reduced with the installation of a radon mitigation system. There are a number of different types of radon mitigation systems. These operate by creating low pressure under the house, in a crawl space, or inside wall, and the radon captured by the mitigation system is then expelled to the outside of the house. Many radon mitigation contractors will guarantee to achieve post-mitigation radon levels below the EPA action level.
Do radon levels fluctuate throughout the year?
Since radon levels in a building are caused by numerous factors including rainfall and wind, and the use of heating systems, radon levels can vary significantly from day to day and from season to season. Some radon mitigation systems to not keep indoor radon levels below the action level 100% of the time. In rare circumstances, the indoor radon levels may peak significantly above the action level during severe weather, so it is important to keep a continual watch on radon levels throughout the year.
How can I continually monitor radon levels?
Airthings offers a selection of consumer friendly radon monitors which will allow you to monitor the radon levels in your home. This way you can be sure your radon mitigation system is working properly at all times, especially during sever weather, and to get warning when your mitigation system may be failing or in need of a fan replacement.