Inspections for Sellers

Home Inspection

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) defines a home inspection as "an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation."

AS A SELLER, a home inspection will put you a step ahead of buyers in knowing your house's condition.  Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your property will give you the opportunity to make repairs that will improve your house's selling condition.

Buying a home may be one of the largest purchases of a buyer's life, and a home inspection will educate the buyer about the condition of a newly built or previously owned home.  Home inspections are a common and wise part of the purchasing process; they also provide an opportunity for examining the home with a professional.  Smart buyers will accompany the inspector during the inspection to learn about needed repairs, construction oversights, and maintenance tips.

A home inspection is not an appraisal (which determines the value of the property) or a municipal inspection (which verifies compliance with local building codes).  Therefore, a house does not pass or fail an inspection, rather it receives an independent assessment of its current condition.  Like other parts of life, houses have strengths and weaknesses.  Inspectors know that things aren't always what they seem and act in your interest to find major and minor deficiencies.  They will issue a report clearly describing current and potential problems with recommendations for repairs and maintenance.

Trust

Choose your home inspector wisely, as he/she plays an important role in choosing a dream home.  You can select an inspector based on personal recommendations and on membership to ASHI and the North Carolina Licensed Home Inspectors Association.

Useful Links

• The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
• North Carolina Licensed Home Inspectors Association
• North Carolina Real Estate Commission
• Home Inspection Overview

[top]

Lead Inspection

"Nationwide disclosure requirements pertaining to lead-based paint have been in place since 1996. They are triggered whenever a home built prior to 1978 is either rented, transferred, or sold, thereby affecting approximately 9 million renters and 3 million homebuyers every year. These requirements apply to all transactions involving pre-1978 residential dwellings, except for: foreclosure sales; housing set aside for the elderly and housing set aside for the handicapped (provided no children under the age of six live there or are expected to live there); 0-bedroom units, otherwise known as studio apartments; efficiencies; lofts; military barracks; or dormitories; rental housing that has been inspected by a certified lead inspector and found to be free of lead-based paint; rentals of individual rooms; and leases for less than 100 days." (National Safety Council)

SELLERS HAVE TO disclose known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contracts must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint.  Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards.

Health Effects of Lead

• Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the U.S..
• Children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies.
• People can get lead in their body if they have oral contact with lead dust or breath in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb painted surfaces).
• Lead is even more dangerous to children than adults.
• If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from brain damage, learning and behavior problems, stunted growth, and hearing loss.
• Adults can suffer from pregnancy difficulty, reproductive problems, nerve disorders, memory problems, and muscle and join pain. (Environmental Protection Agency)

Radon Inspection

Health Effects of Radon Exposure

"No immediate symptoms. Based on an updated Assessment of Risk for Radon in Homes, radon in indoor air is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Smokers are at higher risk of developing Radon-induced lung cancer. Lung cancer is the only health effect which has been definitively linked with radon exposure. Lung cancer usually occurs five to twenty-five years after exposure. There is no evidence that other respiratory diseases, such as asthma, are caused by radon exposure and there is no evidence that children are at any greater risk of radon induced lung cancer than adults." –Environmental Protection Agency

SELLERS WHO KNOW the Radon levles of their house may avoid problems during the selling process.  In addition, Radon could currently be affecting your family's health.

NC Radon Info

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Radiation Protection
3825 Barrett Drive
Raleigh, NC 27609-7221
(919) 571-4141
Radon Contact: Dr. Felix Fong
www.ncradon.org

"Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. EPA and the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon."  Environmental Protection Agency

U.S. Surgeon General Health Advisory

"Indoor radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and breathing it over prolonged periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country. It's important to know that this threat is completely preventable. Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques." January 2005

Useful Links

• Environmental Protection Agency
• The National Radon Safety Board
• 1-800-SOS-RADON

[top]

---

Pest Inspections

Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division

2109 Blue Ridge Road

Raleigh, N.C 27607

(919)733-6100

Subterranean termites are by far, the most common termites in North Carolina. Several subterranean species are native to North Carolina, but their biology and activity are essentially the same.  The best method for the control of subterranean termites is prevention.*

Preventive measures:*

• Remove all stumps, dead wood, and other cellulose containing material in contact with the soil from the crawl space
• Remove all form boards and grade stakes
• There should be no contact between the building woodwork and the soil or fill material. Exterior woodwork should be located a minimum of 6 inches above ground and beams in crawl spaces at least 18 inches above ground to provide ample space to make future inspections
• Ventilation openings in foundations should be designed to prevent dead air pockets. This helps keep the ground dry and unfavorable for termites
• Thorough annual inspections should be conducted to discover evidence of termite activity such as shelter tubes on foundation surfaces, discarded wings or adult termites
• Any wood that contacts the soil, such as fence posts and foundation elements should be made of pressure treated wood
• Foundation areas should be made accessible for inspection if possible
• Proper grading to direct water away from the structure

Informative Links

• **Post Construction Termite Control
• A Homebuyer's Guide for the Wood-Destroying Insect Report (WDIR)
• NC Structural Pest Control Committee

Helpful Articles

• Lookout for Termites
• Termite Tribulations: Facts and Warning Signs
• Preventing Termite Infestation
• Termites Getting out of Control
• Guarding Your Home Against Termites
• Terminating Termites

* (source www.ncagr.com)

[top]