Other inspection services

In addition to its basic home inspection service, AmeriSpec offers a variety of other inspection services. These inspections provide a more detailed review of a property, or give enhanced information about its livability standards.

Carbon monoxide testThese inspections include:

  • Carbon monoxide.
  • Water quality.
  • Lead-based paint.
  • Septic.
  • Pool/spa.
  • EIFS (artificial stucco)
  • Commercial property.

Call AmeriSpec Nebraska at 402-393-3693 for more information on pricing and scheduling.

Carbon monoxide

This service determines if the combustible appliances in the home are releasing harmful levels of carbon monoxide.

Exposure to carbon monoxide reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless. Its effects are rarely recognized until it is too late to take action.

Visit www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html for more information.

Water

This inspection involves a limited sampling of certain water systems and components using normal operating controls. It will determine the quality of the home’s water at the time of the Inspection.

The test will be performed in accordance with laboratory and/or manufacturer’s guidelines for the collection of water samples.

For more information visit:  www.epa.gov/safewater/standard/index.html

Lead-based paint

Lead is ever-present in all urban environments due to its pervasive use for industrial, automotive and household applications during the past 100 years. It remains a common element in older homes, either in paint, dusts or the site’s soil.

The presence of lead can be determined only by a professional assessment of the physical characteristics of the material, such as its susceptibility to damage. The potential for interface between the building occupants and the material is critical to assess the real hazard (and to then define an appropriate response action.)

For more information visit the HUD Web site.

Septic

Since most components of a septic system are underground, often the only evidence of problems is the clear failure of the septic system.

Using current testing protocol, the septic system is subjected to above-average water exposure. The system is then evaluated for evidence of above-ground septic breakout.

For more information visit http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/index.cfm

Pool/spa

This inspection is a visual examination of a pool or spa. This review includes the pool equipment, electrical supply and pool liner. The equipment is operated during the review, except for the pool heater if the pilot is not lit.

More information can be found at the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals Web site. 

Roof

This test evaluates the serviceability of the roof in relation to the trouble-free useful life. This inspection includes the entrance of the attic area to determine leak activity. For more information visit the National Roofing Contractors Association.

EIFS

This inspection is performed to review the application and condition of artificial stucco on an existing property. It may be a nondestructive visual inspection, or a destructive analysis.

The inspection is performed in order to reveal conditions conducive to, or the presence of, moisture inside the siding of the surface.

Please inform the AmeriSpec staff when ordering an inspection if EIFS is present on the home you are purchasing. EIFS testing is NOT within the scope of a general home inspection. We recommend that an EIFS-certified contractor/inspector perform the testing..

For more information visit: EIFS and Building Defects Home Page which has good general information on EIFS.  

EIFS Industry Members Association has information about the makers of these systems.

Commercial property inspections

Commercial inspections include properties such as apartment complexes, motels, office buildings, retail stores and warehouses. The inspection evaluates the major systems of the property and the visible structural components; it also catalogs the type and condition of HVAC equipment. The commercial inspection results in a concise narrative report of the building’s overall condition according to current ASTM International standards.

Guide E2018-99 Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property Condition Assessment Process. The purpose of this guide is to define good commercial and customary practice in the United States for conducting a baseline property condition assessment (PCA) of the improvements located on a parcel of commercial real estate by performing a walk-through survey and conducting research as outlined within this guide.