Home Inspections

Your Inspections Includes;

·Roof, vents, flashings, and trim.

·Gutters and downspouts.

·Skylight, chimney and other roof penetrations.

· Decks, stoops, porches, walkways, and railings.

· Eaves, soffit and fascia.

· Grading and drainage.

· Basement, foundation and crawlspace.

· Water penetration and foundation movement.

· Heating systems.

· Cooling systems.

· Main water shut off valves.

· Water heating system.

· Interior plumbing fixtures and faucets.

· Drainage sump pumps with accessible floats.

· Electrical service line and meter box.

· Main disconnect and service amperage.

· Electrical panels, breakers and fuses.

· Grounding and bonding.

· GFCI’s and AFCI’s.

· Fireplace damper door and hearth.

· Insulation and ventilation.

· Garage doors, safety sensors, and openers.

· And much more.

NACHI members subscribe to the following Code of Ethics in the course of their busines

The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) promotes a high standard of professionalism, business ethics and inspection procedures. s.

Standards of Practice:

Table of Contents     
1. Definitions and Scope.
2. Standards of Practice
2.1. Roof
2.2. Exterior
2.3. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
2.4. Heating
2.5. Cooling
2.6. Plumbing
2.7. Electrical
2.8. Fireplace
2.9. Attic & Insulation
2.10. Doors, Windows & Interior
3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
4. Glossary of Terms

1. Definitions and Scope
1.1. A Home inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is
designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling.  Components may
include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions
of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to or during the inspection process.
I. A home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling.
The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and
its components on the date of the inspection and not the determination of future conditions.
II. A home inspection will not reveal every problem that exists or ever could exist, but only those
material defects observed on the day of the inspection.
1.2. A Material defect is a problem with a residential real property or any portion of it that would
have a significant adverse impact on the value of the property or that involves an unreasonable
risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or
beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by
itself a material defect.
1.3. An Inspection report shall describe and identify in written format the inspected systems,
structures, and components of the dwelling and shall identify material defects observed.
Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or
recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals.

2. Standards of Practice
2.1. Roof
I. The inspector shall inspect from ground level or eaves:
A. The roof covering.
B. The gutters.
C. The downspouts.
D. The vents, flashings, skylights, chimney and other roof penetrations.
E. The general structure of the roof from the readily accessible panels, doors or stairs.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Walk on any roof surface.
B. Predict the service life expectancy.
C. Inspect underground downspout diverter drainage pipes.
D. Remove snow, ice, debris or other conditions that prohibit the observation of the roof surfaces.
E. Inspect antennae, lightning arresters, or similar attachments.
2.2. Exterior
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The flashing and trim.
B. All exterior doors, decks, stoops, steps, stairs, porches, railings, eaves, soffits, fascias, grading, and walkways.
C. And report as in need of repair any spacings between intermediate balusters,
spindles, or rails for steps, stairways, balconies, and railings that permit the passage
of an object greater than four inches in diameter.
D. The vegetation, surface drainage and retaining walls when these are likely to adversely affect the building.
E. And describe the exterior wall covering.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect or operate screens, storm windows, shutters, awnings, fences, outbuildings, or exterior accent lighting.
B. Inspect items, including window and door flashings, which are not visible or readily accessible from the ground.
C. Inspect geological, geotechnical, or hydrological conditions.
D. Inspect recreational facilities.
E. Inspect seawalls, break-walls and docks.
F. Inspect erosion control and earth stabilization measures.
G. Inspect for safety type glass.
H. Inspect underground utilities.
I. Inspect underground items.
J. Inspect wells or springs.
K. Inspect solar systems.
L. Inspect swimming pools or spas.
M. Inspect septic systems or cesspools.
N. Inspect playground equipment.
O. Inspect sprinkler systems.
P. Inspect drain fields or drywells.
Q. Determine the integrity of the thermal window seals or damaged glass.
2.3. Basement, Foundation & Crawlspace
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The basement.
B. The foundation
C. The crawlspace.
D. The visible structural components.
E. Any present conditions or indications of active water penetration by probing a representative
sampling of structural components where deterioration is believed to be present or where clear
indications of deterioration are present.
F. And report any general indications of foundation movement that are observed, such as but
not limited to sheetrock cracks, brick cracks, out-of-square door frames or floor slopes.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Enter any crawlspaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could cause damage
or pose a hazard to the inspector in his or her opinion.
B. Move stored items or debris.
C. Operate sump pumps with inaccessible floats.
D. Identify size, spacing, span, location or adequacy of foundation bolting, bracing, joists or support systems.
E. Provide any engineering or architectural service.
F. Report on the adequacy of any structural system or component.

2.4. Heating
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The heating system and describe the energy source and heating method using normal operating controls.
B. And report as in need of repair electric furnaces which do not operate.
C. And report if inspector deemed the furnace inaccessible.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect or evaluate interiors of flues or chimneys, fire chambers, the heat exchanger, the humidifier or
dehumidifier, the electronic air filter, solar heating systems or fuel tanks.
B. Inspect underground fuel tanks.
C. Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply

adequacy of the heating system.
D. Light pilot flames.
E. Activate heating, heat pump systems, or other heating systems when ambient temperatures or
other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
F. Operate electronic thermostats.
G. Evaluate fuel quality.
2.5. Cooling
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The central cooling equipment using normal operating controls.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Determine the uniformity, temperature, flow, balance, distribution, size, capacity, BTU, or supply
adequacy of the cooling system.
B. Inspect window units, through-wall units, or electronic air filters.
C. Operate equipment or systems if exterior temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit or when
other circumstances are not conducive to safe operation or may damage the equipment.
D. Inspect or determine thermostat calibration, heat anticipation or automatic setbacks or clocks.
E. Examine electrical current, coolant fluids or gasses, or coolant leakage.
2.6. Plumbing
I. The inspector shall:
A. Inspect the main water shut off valve.
B. Inspect the water heating equipment, including combustion air, venting, connections, energy sources,
seismic bracing, and verify the presence or absence of temperature-pressure relief valves and/or Watts 210 valves.
C. Flush toilets.
D. Run water in sinks, tubs, and showers.
E. Inspect the interior water supply including all fixtures and faucets.
F. Inspect the drain, waste and vent systems, including all fixtures.
G. Describe any visible fuel storage systems.
H. Inspect the drainage sump pumps testing sumps with accessible floats.
I. Inspect and describe the water supply, drain, waste and main fuel shut-off valves, as well as the
location of the water main and main fuel shut-off valves.
J. Inspect and determine if the water supply is public or private.
K. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the water supply by viewing the
functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously.
L. Inspect and report as in need of repair deficiencies in installation and identification of hot and cold faucets.
M. Inspect and report as in need of repair mechanical drain-stops that are missing or do not
operate if installed in sinks, lavatories and tubs.
N. Inspect and report as in need of repair commodes that have cracks in the ceramic material,

are improperly mounted on the floor, leak, or have tank components which do not operate.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Light pilot flames.
B. Determine the size, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater.
C. Inspect interiors of flues or chimneys, water softening or filtering systems, well pumps or tanks,
safety or shut-of valves, floor drains or sprinkler systems.
D. Determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature, or adequacy of the water supply.
E. Determine the water quality or potability or the reliability of the water supply or source.
F. Open closed plumbing access panels.
G. Inspect clothes washing machine connections.
H. Operate any main, branch or fixture valve except fixture faucets and hose faucets attached to the building.
I. Test shower pans, tub and shower surrounds or enclosures for leakage.
J. Evaluate the compliance with local or state conservation or energy standards, or the proper
design or sizing of any water, waste or venting components, fixtures or piping.
K. Determine the effectiveness of anti-siphon, back-flow prevention or drain-stop devices.
L. Determine whether there are sufficient clean-outs for effective cleaning of drains.
M. Evaluate gas, liquid propane or oil storage tanks.
N. Excavate or otherwise uncover the private sewage system or its components to determine size, adequacy or efficiency.
O. Inspect water treatment systems or water filters.
P. Inspect pressure pumps or bladder tanks.
Q. Evaluate time to obtain hot water at fixtures, or perform testing of any kind to water heater elements.
R. Evaluate or determine the adequacy of combustion air.
S. Test, operate, open or close Watts 210 valves and/or TPR valves.
T. Examine ancillary systems or components, such as, but not limited to, those relating to solar
water heating, hot water circulation.
2.7. Electrical
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The service line.
B. The meter box.
C. The main disconnect.
D. And determine the service amperage.
E. Panels, breakers and fuses.
F. The grounding.
G. The bonding.
H. A representative sampling of switches, receptacles, light fixtures, and test all GFCI
receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCI's during the inspection.
I. And report the presence of solid conductor aluminum branch circuit wiring if readily visible.
J. And report on any GFCI-tested receptacles in which power is not present, polarity is
incorrect, the receptacle is not grounded, is not secured to the wall, the cover is not in place, the
ground fault circuit interrupter devices are not properly installed or do not operate properly, or
evidence of arcing or excessive heat is present. 
K. The service entrance conductors and the condition of their sheathing.
L. The ground fault circuit interrupters with a GFCI tester.
M. And describe the amperage rating of the service.
N. And report the absence of smoke detectors.
O. Service entrance cables and report as in need of repair deficiencies in the integrity of the

insulation, drip loop, or separation of conductors at weatherheads and clearances.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Insert any tool, probe or device into the main or sub-panels.
B. Operate electrical systems that are shut down.
C. Remove panel covers or dead front covers if not readily accessible.
D. Operate over current protection devices.
E. Operate non-accessible smoke detectors.
F. Measure or determine the amperage or voltage of the main service if not visibly labeled.
G. Inspect the alarm system and components.
H. Inspect the ancillary wiring.
I. Activate any electrical systems or branch circuits which are not energized.
J. Operate overload devices.
K. Inspect low voltage systems, electrical de-icing tapes, swimming pool wiring or any time-controlled devices.
L. Verify the continuity of the connected service ground.
M. Inspect private or emergency electrical supply sources, including but not limited to
generators, windmills, photovoltaic solar collectors, or battery or electrical storage facility.
N. Inspect spark or lightning arrestors.
O. Conduct drop voltage calculations.
P. Determine the accuracy of breaker labeling.
2.8. Fireplace
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The fireplace, and open and close the damper door if readily accessible and operable.
B. Hearth extensions and other permanently installed components.
C. And report as in need of repair deficiencies in the lintel, hearth and material surrounding the
fireplace, including clearance from combustible materials
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect the vent system.
B. Inspect the interior of the chimney or flue, fire doors or screens, seals or mantels.
C. Determine the need for a chimney sweep.
D. Operate gas fireplace inserts.
E. Light pilot flames.
F. Determine the appropriateness of such installation.
G. Inspect automatic fuel feed devices.
H. Inspect combustion make up devices.
I. Inspect heat distribution assists whether gravity controlled or fan assisted.
J. Ignite or extinguish fires.
K. Determine draft characteristics.
L. Move fireplace inserts, stoves, or firebox contents.
M. Determine adequacy of draft, perform a smoke test or dismantle or remove any component.
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation
I. The inspector shall inspect:
A. The insulation in unfinished spaces.
B. The ventilation of attic spaces.
C. Mechanical ventilation systems.
D. And report on the general absence or lack of insulation.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Enter the attic or unfinished spaces that are not readily accessible or where entry could
cause damage or pose a safety hazard to the inspector in his or her opinion.
B. To move or touch insulation.
C. To move or touch vapor retarders.
D. Break or otherwise damage the surface finish or weather seal on or around access panels and covers.
E. Identify the composition or the exact R-value of insulation material.
F. Activate thermostatically operated fans.
G. Determine the types of materials used in insulation/wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers, and wiring.
2.10. Doors, Windows & Interior
I. The inspector shall:
A. Open and close a representative number of doors and windows.
B. Inspect the walls, ceilings, steps, stairways, and railings.
C. Inspect garage doors and garage door openers by operating first by remote (if available) and
then by the installed automatic door control.
D. And report as in need of repair any installed electronic sensors that are not operable or not installed
at proper heights above the garage door.
E. And report as in need of repair any door locks or side ropes that have not been removed or
disabled when garage door opener is in use.
F. And report as in need of repair any windows that are obviously fogged or display other evidence of broken seals.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Inspect paint, wallpaper, window treatments or finish treatments.
B. Inspect central vacuum systems.
C. Inspect safety glazing in locations subject to human impact.
D. Inspect security components.
E. Evaluate the fastening of countertops, cabinets, sink tops and fixtures, or firewall compromises.
F. Move furniture, stored items, or any coverings like carpets or rugs in order to inspect the concealed floor structure.
G. Move drop ceiling tiles.
H. Inspect or move any household appliances.
I. Inspect or operate equipment housed in the garage except as otherwise noted.
J. Verify or certify safe operation of any auto reverse or related safety function of a garage door.
K. Operate or evaluate security bar release and opening mechanisms, whether interior or exterior,
including compliance with local, state, or federal standards.
L. Operate any system, appliance or component that requires the use of special keys, codes, combinations, or devices.
M. Operate or evaluate self-cleaning oven cycles or signal lights.
N. Determine leakage from microwave ovens.
O. Operate or examine any sauna, steam-jenny, kiln, toaster, ice-maker, coffee-maker, can-opener,
bread-warmer, blender, instant hot water dispenser, or other small, ancillary devices.
P. Inspect elevators.
Q. Inspect remote controls.
R. Inspect appliances.
S. Inspect items not permanently installed.
T. Examine or operate any above-ground, movable, freestanding, or otherwise non-
permanently installed pool/spa or self-contained equipment.
U. Come into contact with any pool or spa water in order to determine the system structure or components.
V. Determine the adequacy of spa jet water force or bubble effect.
W. Determine the structural integrity or leakage of a pool or spa.

3. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
3.1. Limitations:
I. An inspection is not technically exhaustive.
II. An inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects.
III. An inspection will not deal with aesthetic concerns or what could be deemed matters of taste, cosmetic, etc.
IV. An inspection will not determine the suitability of the property for any use.
V. An inspection does not determine the market value of the property or its marketability.
VI. An inspection does not determine the advisability or inadvisability of the purchase of the inspected property.
VII. An inspection does not determine the life expectancy of the property or any components or systems therein.
VIII. An inspection does not include items not permanently installed.
IX. These Standards of Practice apply only to homes with four or fewer dwelling units.

3.2. Exclusions:
I. The inspectors are not required to determine:
A. Property boundary lines or encroachments.
B. The condition of any component or system that is not readily accessible.
C. The service life expectancy of any component or system.
D. The size, capacity, BTU, performance, or efficiency of any component or system.
E. The cause or reason of any condition.
F. The cause for the need of repair or replacement of any system or component.
G. Future conditions.
H. The compliance with codes or regulations.
I. The presence of evidence of rodents, animals or insects.
J. The presence of mold, mildew or fungus.
K. The presence of air-borne hazards.
L. The presence of birds.
M. The presence of other flora or fauna.
N. The air quality.
O. The existence of asbestos.
P. The existence of environmental hazards.
Q. The existence of electro-magnetic fields.
R. The presence of hazardous materials including, but not limited to, the presence of lead in paint.
S. Any hazardous waste conditions.
T. Any manufacturer recalls or conformance with manufacturer installation or any information
included in the consumer protection bulletin.
U. Operating costs of systems.
V. Replacement or repair cost estimates.
W. The acoustical properties of any systems.
X. Estimates of how much it will cost to run any given system.
II. The inspectors are not required to operate:
A. Any system that is shut down.
B. Any system that does not function properly.
C. Or evaluate low voltage electrical systems such as, but not limited to:
1. Phone lines.
2. Cable lines.
3. Antennae.
4. Lights.
5. Remote controls.
D. Any system that does not turn on with the use of normal operating controls.
E. Any shut off valve.
F. Any electrical disconnect or over current protection devices.
G. Any alarm systems.
H. Moisture meters, gas detectors or similar equipment.
III. The inspectors are not required to:
A. Move any personal items or other obstructions, such as, but not limited to:
1. Throw rugs.
2. Furniture.
3. Floor or wall coverings.
4. Ceiling tiles
5. Window coverings.
6. Equipment.
7. Plants.
8. Ice.
9. Debris.
10. Snow.
11. Water.
12. Dirt.
13. Foliage.
14. Pets
B. Dismantle, open, or uncover any system or component.
C. Enter or access any area which may, in the opinion of the inspector, to be unsafe or risk personal safety.
D. Enter crawlspaces or other areas that are unsafe or not readily accessible.
E. Inspect underground items such as, but not limited to, underground storage tanks or other
indications of their presence, whether abandoned or actively used.
F. Do anything which, in the inspector's opinion, is likely to be unsafe or dangerous to the
inspector or others or damage property, such as, but not limited to, walking on roof surfaces,
climbing ladders, entering attic spaces or negotiating with dogs.
G. Inspect decorative items.
H. Inspect common elements or areas in multi-unit housing.
I. Inspect intercoms, speaker systems, radio-controlled, security devices or lawn irrigation systems.
J. Offer guarantees or warranties.
K. Offer or perform any engineering services.
L. Offer or perform any trade or professional service other than home inspection.
M. Research the history of the property, report on its potential for alteration, modification,
extendibility, or its suitability for a specific or proposed use for occupancy.
N. Determine the age of construction or installation of any system structure, or component
of a building, or differentiate between original construction or subsequent additions,
improvements, renovations or replacements thereto.
O. Determine the insurability of a property.

Home Inspection Agreement                                                                                                                  

The address of the property is: ________________________________________________________________.

Fee for the home inspection is $______________.   INSPECTOR acknowledges receiving a
deposit of $_______ from CLIENT.

THIS AGREEMENT made this _____________ day of ____________________________________, 200__,
by and between
                               
________DJ Home Inspections______ (Hereinafter “INSPECTOR”) and the undersigned (hereinafter “CLIENT”),
collectively referred to herein as “the parties.”    The Parties Understand and Voluntarily Agree as follows:

1. INSPECTOR agrees to perform a visual inspection of the home/building and to provide CLIENT with a
inspection report identifying the defects that INSPECTOR both observed and deemed material. 
INSPECTOR may offer comments as a courtesy, but these comments will not comprise the
bargained-for report.  The report is only supplementary to the seller’s disclosure.
2. Unless otherwise inconsistent with this Agreement or not possible, INSPECTOR agrees to
perform the inspection in accordance to the current Standards of Practice of the National Association
of Certified Home Inspectors posted at http://www.nachi.org/sop.htm.  CLIENT understands that
these standards contain certain limitations, exceptions, and exclusions.
3. The inspection and report are performed and prepared for the use of CLIENT, who gives
INSPECTOR permission to discuss observations with real estate agents, owners, repairpersons,
and other interested parties.  INSPECTOR accepts no responsibility for use or misinterpretation by third parties.  
INSPECTOR’S inspection of the property and the accompanying report are in no way
intended to be a guarantee or warranty, express or implied, regarding the future use,
operability, habitability or suitability of the home/building or its components. Any and all warranties,
express or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are
expressly excluded by this Agreement.

4.  INSPECTOR assumes no liability for the cost of repair or replacement of unreported defects or
deficiencies either current or arising in the future. CLIENT acknowledges that the liability of
INSPECTOR, its agents, employees, for claims or damages, costs of defense or suit, attorney’s
fees and expenses and payments arising out of or related to the INSPECTOR’S negligence or breach of
any obligation under this Agreement, including errors and omissions in the inspection or the report, shall be
limited to liquidated damages in an amount equal to the fee paid to the INSPECTOR, and this liability shall
be exclusive.  CLIENT waives any claim for consequential, exemplary, special or incidental damages or
for the loss of the use of the home/building even if the CLIENT has been advised of the possibility of such
damages. The parties acknowledge that the liquidated damages are not intended as a penalty but are intended
(i) to reflect the fact that actual damages may be difficult and impractical to ascertain; (ii) to allocate risk
among the INSPECTOR and CLIENT; and (iii) to enable the INSPECTOR to perform the inspection at the stated fee.

5. INSPECTOR does not perform engineering, architectural, plumbing, or any other job function requiring
an occupational license in the jurisdiction where the inspection is taking place, unless the inspector holds a
valid occupational license, in which case he/she may inform the CLIENT that he/she is so licensed, and is
therefore qualified to go beyond this basic home inspection, and for additional fee, perform additional inspections
beyond those within the scope of the basic home inspection.  Any agreement for such additional inspections
shall be in a separate writing or noted here: ____________________________________________________________________________________.

6. In the event of a claim against INSPECTOR, CLIENT agrees to supply INSPECTOR with the following: (1)
Written notification of adverse conditions within 14 days of discovery, and (2) Access to the premises. 
Failure to comply with the above conditions will release INSPECTOR and its agents from any and all
obligations or liability of any kind.
7. The parties agree that any litigation arising out of this Agreement shall be filed only in the
Court having jurisdiction in the County in which the INSPECTOR has its principal place of business. 
In the event that CLIENT fails to prove any adverse claims against INSPECTOR in a court of law,
CLIENT agrees to pay all legal costs, expenses and fees of INSPECTOR in defending said claims. 
8. If any court declares any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions
will remain in effect.  This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties. 
All prior communications are merged into this Agreement, and there are no terms or conditions
other than those set forth herein.  No statement or promise of INSPECTOR or its agents shall be
binding unless reduced to writing and signed by INSPECTOR.  No change or modification shall be
enforceable against any party unless such change or modification is in writing and signed by the parties. 
This Agreement shall be binding upon and enforceable by the parties and their heirs, executors, administrators,
successors and assignees.  CLIENT shall have no cause of action against INSPECTOR after one year from
the date of the inspection.
8. Payment of the fee to INSPECTOR (less any deposit noted above) is due upon completion of the
on-site inspection.  The CLIENT agrees to pay all legal and time expenses incurred in collecting due
payments, including attorney’s fees, if any.  If CLIENT is a corporation, LLC, or similar entity, the
person signing this Agreement on behalf of such entity does personally guaranty payment of the fee by the entity.

CLIENT HAS CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING, AGREES TO IT, AND ACKNOWLEDGES
RECEIPT OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT.

_______________________________________________                  _______________________________________________________________
FOR INSPECTOR                                                                                 CLIENT OR REPRESENTATIVE

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  Mold Inspections and Samplings

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

• Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and
  other respiratory complaints.  
  
• There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control
  indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
  
• If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
  
• Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
  
• Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other
  moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation;
  and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
  
• Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
  
• Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles,
  that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
  
• Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls,
  roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
  
• In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom
  sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
  
• Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present.
  There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
  
  

• How do molds affect people?
  Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness,
  eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more
  severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings,
  such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people
  with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs.

  Testing or Sampling for Mold

  Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated.  Sampling for mold
  should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing  mold sampling protocols, sampling
  methods, and interpreting results.  Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the
  American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
  (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

  
  

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    Radon Testings

  Radon Is a Cancer-Causing, Radioactive Gas

  You cannot see, smell, or taste radon. But it still may be a problem in your home.  When you breathe
  air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer.  In fact, the Surgeon General of the
  United States has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. 
  If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

  

  * Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to
  EPA's 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003).  The numbers of deaths
  from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1999-2001
  National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports.

  You Should Test for Radon

  Testing is the only way to find out your home's radon levels. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing
  all homes below the third floor for radon.

  If You Are Selling a Home...

  EPA recommends that you test your home before putting it on the market and, if necessary, lower your radon levels.
  Save the test results and all information you have about steps that were taken to fix any problems. This could be a
  positive selling point.
  

  If You Are Buying a Home...

  EPA recommends that you know what the indoor radon level is in any home you consider buying. 
  Ask the seller for their radon test results.  If the home has a radon-reduction system, ask the seller for information they
  have about the system.
  
  If the home has not yet been tested, you should have the housed tested.
  If you are having a new home built, there are features that can be incorporated into your home during construction
  to reduce radon levels.

  The radon testing guidelines in this Guide have been developed specifically to deal with the time-sensitive nature
  of home purchases and sales, and the potential for radon device interference.  These guidelines are slightly different
  from the guidelines in other EPA publications which provide radon testing and reduction information for
  non-real estate situations.

  This Guide recommends three short-term testing options for real estate transactions.  EPA also recommends testing
  a home in the lowest level which is currently suitable for occupancy, since a buyer may choose to live in a lower area
  of the home than that used by the seller.
  
  

  Radon Has Been Found In Homes All Over the U.S.

  Radon is a radioactive gas that has been found in homes all over the United States. It comes from the natural
  breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through
  the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also
  enter your home through well water.  Your home can trap radon inside.

  Any home can have a radon problem. This means new and old homes, well-sealed and drafty homes, and homes
  with or without basements. In fact, you and your family are most likely to get your greatest radiation exposure at home.
  That is where you spend most of your time.

  Nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the United States is estimated to have an elevated radon level (4 pCi/L or more). 
  Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in homes in your state.
  
  

  EPA Map of Radon Zones

  MICHIGAN The U.S. EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey have evaluated the radon potential in the U.S. and have developed this map to assist National, State, and local organizations to target their resources and to assist building code officials in deciding whether radon-resistant features are applicable in new construction. This map is not intended to be used to determine if a home in a given zone should be tested for radon. Homes with elevated levels of radon have been found in all three zones. All homes should be tested regardless of geographic location. The map assigns each of the 3,141 counties in the U.S. to one of three zones based on radon potential. Each zone designation reflects the average short-term radon measurement that can be expected to be measured in a building without the implementation of radon control methods. The radon zone designation of the highest priority is Zone 1. Zone 1 Highest Potential (greater than 4 pCi/L) Zone 2 Moderate Potential (from 2 to 4 pCi/L) Zone 3 Low Potential (less than 2 pCi/L)

  

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