H&J Freile Home Inspection Services

Additional Inspection Services

Radon Testing

The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. There are two types of radon tests available, passive or active. The most common way to test for radon is using a charcoal canister, which is a passive test method. We perform all of our radon tests, when possible, using a Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM), or active test for no additional charge. The CRM is a premium test that provides tamper detection circuitry and interval recordings of radon levels to help improve reliability and confidence in the test results. The radon measurement with a CRM can be obtained in as little as 24 hours and is typically available in 72 hours based on ready access to the property. If AC power is not available at the property, the radon test will be performed with a charcoal canister. Results from the charcoal canister test are typically available in 7 to 10 days.

The State of New Jersey requires that any radon test performed for a real estate transaction be conducted by a licensed radon measurement technician and evaluated by a licensed laboratory. This means that the test device must be placed and retrieved by a licensed technician. All H&J Freile home inspectors are licensed radon measurement technicians. In addition, H&J Freile has full-time environmental technicians that are also licensed for radon measurement. Be wary of anyone who conducts a radon test and asks you, the homeowner, or realtor to retrieve the measurement device. Not only will the test results be questionable; it is also against the law.

Wood Destroying Insect Inspection

Wood destroying insects, such as termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees and powder post beetles can cause serious structural damage to your property. Most mortgage companies require a “termite” certification. Our report is issued on a NPMA-33 form, which meets the requirements of most lending institutions.

If an infestation is found, we can often provide treatment costs. If damage is discovered, the pest control company we refer and contract with will send a carpenter / repair specialist for a modest fee to provide an estimate to repair. This service will require scheduling a separate visit. If damage extends to finished areas or if hidden damage is suspected, permission must be obtained from the current homeowner prior to a more intrusive evaluation.

Pool Inspection

If you are purchasing a home with an in-ground pool, H&J Freile strongly recommends having it inspected prior to purchase. In-ground pools can be inspected most times of the year, with few exceptions. Even during winter months, approximately 80% of the pool can be inspected. One significant limitation when inspecting a closed or winterized pool is evaluating the water flow through the pipes and filter. The inspector will remove sections of the cover to evaluate the pool shell. The pool inspection includes evaluation of the shell (vinyl liner, fiberglass, or cementitious walls), pump, filter, heater, electric components, as well as fencing, latches, alarms, walkways, slide, diving board, coping, deck, rails, pool perimeter and spa (if integrated with the pool). Pools with vinyl liners are checked for leaks using an electronic leak detector. A separate report will follow the inspection.

EIFS / Stucco / Stone Inspection and Moisture Testing

EIFS (Exterior Insulating Finishing System) or Synthetic Stucco is a product that has been in use on residential homes since the late 1980s. Moisture problems related to improperly installed EIFS or unforgiving design have led to major structural problems, mold infestation, and litigation. As the industry learned more about problems with EIFS, they discovered similar problems with newer hard-coat stucco systems and manufactured stone veneer. Most times, moisture problems exist with little or no visible evidence. H&J Freile has an EDI certified inspector on staff to inspect and provide additional information on this product.

The basic inspection will include a visual examination of the condition of the stucco, exterior sealants, flashing, windows, doors, roof-to-stucco transitions, parapets, gutters, deck-to-building connections, stucco terminations, and any penetrations through the stucco. A random electronic moisture scan of the building elevations clad with EIFS will be conducted. High readings detected with the scan, as well as known vulnerable areas, will be probed and moisture levels measured. An impact resistance test will also be performed on sheathing at the probed locations. A report of our observations, including actual and potential problem areas, a record of any high readings found, and recommendations for further evaluation and repair will be provided.

Underground Oil Tank (UST) Location Service

Homes that were converted from oil to gas heat and even some homes still heated by oil may have an abandoned underground oil tank. Older properties are more likely to have underground tanks that were improperly abandoned before the present day environmental considerations, making the chance of a costly cleanup more likely. Whether or not the underground tank is still in use, it is recommended to have the tank removed and the surrounding soil evaluated for possible contamination prior to closing. If oil is still needed for heating, typically an above ground tank will be installed in the basement, garage, or even at the exterior of the house. Although not commonly seen, modern double wall tanks with integrated leak detection are available to be installed underground.

H&J Freile can schedule a tank search for you at the same time as your home inspection. This service is recommended for anyone purchasing a property that was previously heated with oil heat or a property with unknown historical use. The location service searches for the presence of an underground oil tank around the perimeter of the building and driveway using the latest electronic equipment. Special pricing is available for expanded searches and multiple buildings.

Mold Testing

H&J Freile offers several types of mold testing to meet your needs and budget. If the mold is visible and limited to a specific area, a limited sampling, including a physical sample of the suspect mold and two air samples – one from the affected area and one from outside (to establish a baseline) – is usually warranted. If the location or extent of the mold is unknown, we offer a more comprehensive screening of the whole house by our qualified mold specialist to identify conditions conducive to mold growth and to take air and swab or lift samples as warranted based on his findings.

After the samples are analyzed, you will be provided with the lab report and an easily understood summary. If mold is present, written recommendations on how to eliminate or reduce the water and/or moisture that is conducive to the mold growth and a cleanup plan for the inspected and/or tested area is provided. The recommendations and cleanup plan can then be used to obtain quotes from mold remediation companies. After remediation, a clearance test is recommended to verify that the mold has been properly remediated.

To avoid any potential conflict of interest, perceived or real, H&J Freile does not offer or perform any mold remediation services. We are happy to provide referrals to mold remediation companies upon request.

Lead Testing

Lead is the number one environmental health hazard to children. Lead poisoning can damage the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells. Houses built prior to 1980 have the potential of having lead-based paint. The sale of lead-based house paint was banned in 1978.

Don’t be fooled by recently painted homes! Lead can leach through the newer paint and easily become a hazard. H&J Freile can schedule lead-based paint testing for your home to occur at the same time as your home inspection. H&J Freile utilizes NJ licensed lead testing contractors who use state-of-the-art equipment to detect lead paint through up to 8 layers of paint without damaging the finished surface.

Lead-based solder, commonly used in copper water lines prior to 1988 and brass plumbing fixtures, still sold today, can contribute to lead levels found in public and private drinking water. As water travels and sits in the house’s water pipes, the water can react with the metal, and lead can leach into the drinking water. H&J Freile recommends a 1st draw water test to check for the presence of lead in your drinking water.

Sewer Line Video Inspection

As a homeowner, you are financially responsible for your sewer line from the house to the lateral in the street. Replacing or repairing a sewer line can cost thousands of dollars and can take several days to perform, leaving you without a functional sewage system. As such, it is highly recommended that you have the sewer line inspected prior to purchasing a home.

The process of inspecting a sewer line involves the insertion of a camera into the pipe through a cleanout. The camera is attached to a cable which is then pushed through the sewer. The camera provides live video to an attached monitor so that the inspector can identify issues or anomalies on site. Following the completion of the inspection, the inspector provides a copy of the video along with a typed report which details his findings including measurements corresponding to any observed issues.

Some common issues encountered during sewer inspections are grease buildup, root intrusion, obstructions, and misalignments. Even new homes encounter problems with sewer lines. A common failure in newer homes includes sags or breaks in the sewer line often related to settlement of the ground surrounding the waste line. H&J Freile can often schedule your sewer line inspection at the same time as your home inspection. Be aware that missing or concealed cleanout accesses, difficult to remove caps, or in cases where attempting to remove the cap may cause damage, an additional visit and expense may be necessary. This will be discussed at the time of your inspection.