NY Lic. # 16000006162 | NJ Lic. # 24GI00036300

Radon, a radioactive gas, 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. Radon typically moves through the ground to the air above and into a home through cracks and other holes in the foundation. Radon can also enter a home through well water. A home can trap radon inside.

Any home can have a radon problem. Since you cannot see or smell radon, special equipment is needed to detect it. 

We test for radon and return the results to you. We can also advise how to correct the problem.

Termites, also called white ants, feed on wood and convert dead trees into organic matter.  Their digestive systems contain microorganisms to help digest cellulose.  If termites feed on wood in homes, they can cause structural damage. On Long Island, there is a lot of termite activity. Northern Westchester can have lower levels. It is essential to check for evidence of a termite infestation, and for evidence of structural damage. Termite activity may remain undetectable even after serious damage is done. You may miss termite activity because swarms have been ignored or activity is happening behind walls, under floors or in other hidden areas. We look for the structural effects of termites. 

There are many ways to find mold. Sometimes you can detect an odor from your vents or ducts. Ducts with mold can be especially dangerous, since they can easily spread mold throughout the house. We use a thermal imager to detect moisture. We also perform a thorough leak detection and moisture analysis, air quality analysis, relative humidity testing, and drainage evaluation. It's common to find a little mold in the bathroom on your tile. You can keep this in check by cleaning with a bleach and water mixture. More entrenched mold infections may require the use of a registered fungicide. You must also take steps to make mold does not re-occur. This involves removing the moisture source. Mold can return if there are continuing water problems, including siding leaks, broken water lines or storm damage. Mold can also be found if water enters through the foundation or concrete floors, or if part of the house has constant high humidity. Mold in a home can be dangerous, can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues, and can compromise the integrity of the home's walls and foundation.

These inspections are usually performed at the completion of construction, but before your final walk-through with the builder’s representative. Verify that utilities (gas, water, and electric) have been turned on before the inspection, either by you or the builder, depending on your agreement. This inspection should be scheduled a day or so before you final walk-through to ensure that most, if not all, last-minute items have been completed. At the end of the inspection you will receive a completed report.

If permitted by the builder, we also inspect new construction at different stages of the process.

Performing some inspections annually can help you keep up the value of your home. Looking for pests and for dry-rot on a regular basis will help reveal potential damage before it becomes unmanageable and expensive.

Many children each year are injured or killed by hazards in the home. Many of these incidents can be prevented by using simple child safety devices.

When we perform a child safety inspection, we look at your entire home and, especially, at these items:

Safety latches and locks for cabinets and drawers, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

Safety gates to prevent falls down stairs and to keep children out of unsafe areas.

Doorknob covers and door locks that prevent children from entering rooms or from accidentally locking themselves in.

Anti-scald devices for faucets and shower heads. Also keep the water heater set to 120 degrees F to help prevent burns.

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Need we say more? Window guards and safety netting help prevent falls from high areas.

Corner and edge bumpers to prevent injuries from falls against sharp edges. Outlet covers and outlets plates to prevent electrical shock and possible electrocution.

Window blind cords need to be cut and you should use safety tassels and inner cord stops to prevent strangling in blind cord loops.

Door stops and door holders to prevent injuries to fingers and hands. Using a cordless phone makes it easier to watch children because you can move to where they are.

Cordless phones help you watch your child continuously, without leaving the vicinity to answer a phone call. Cordless phones are especially helpful when children are in or near water, whether it's the bathtub, the swimming pool, or the beach.   Remember, too, that no device is completely childproof; determined youngsters have been known to disable them.

Many area homes rely upon private water or wells. A water quality test gives you the chemical make-up of your water and information on its safety for drinking. A water quantity test tells you how much water output (gpm and psi) you will receive from the well, and whether the pump functioned properly at the time of the test.