Maryland Home Inspection Blog

: Written by: Stephen Showalter; Published: 12 November 2023

Asbestos Risks and Concerns

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals composed of thin, fibrous crystals. Due to its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties, asbestos was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and various industries in the past. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can pose serious health risks. Asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, can develop years after inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. If you are planning to remodel or disturb any of these materials we can help to identify if there are any areas of risk. By disturbing any possible asbestos there is a risk the fibers may become airborne resulting in contamination to the living areas. Once asbestos is in a friable state which means easily crumbled between your fingers it should be professionally abated. Boiler wrap and vermiculite would be prime examples of friable asbestos, where as undisturbed transite siding and floor tiles would not be considered friable. When asbestos ducts are present cleaning is not recommended as asbestos dust may result from disturbing the surface of the duct.

Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. While its use has significantly decreased over the years, many homes, particularly those built before the 1980s, may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Common areas where asbestos might be found in homes include:

Mold is not always in your home!

People spend more time at home these days and in their cars and other vehicles. We have had some recent clients where we discovered mold in their vehicles, boats, and RVs. Mold can get into these locations from leaks around seals, gaskets, and condensate drains leaking. Boats and RVs may have plumbing leaks that cause dampness and can promote mold growth.

: Written by: Stephen Showalter; Published: 15 July 2023

Post Settlement Inspections

Due to the competitive market, we are being hired to perform more post-settlement inspections. More buyers are waving inspections to be more competitive and get into a home due to multiple offers, escalation clauses, and cash buyers out there. After losing multiple offers, buyers are becoming more desperate and putting off the inspection until after closing.

For home buyers, it is understandable that they feel the pressure to get home due to the low inventory and increasing interest rates. However, once they go to closing any, and all issues with the home become theirs. These can include. Water damage, mold, asbestos, buried oil tanks, aluminum wiring, failing roofs, unsafe decks, failing sewer waste systems, termite damage, substandard workmanship, non-permitted workmanship, deferred maintenance, and more.

Mold Prevention in Buildings

Controlling moisture is one of the keys to mold prevention in your home or commercial building. This can result from leaks, humidity, evaporation, and/or condensation. High levels of water vapor in the air can also contribute to high humidity, a musty odor, and mold growth on certain surfaces and materials. First, you will need to identify the source of the water or moisture, which could include moisture intrusion from exterior building envelope leaks in walls, roofing, and floors from below through the floors. Other common sources of moisture may include plumbing leaks as well as from cooking, bathing, the occupants, plants, and several other potential sources.

Historic homes or hysterical homes

When I have a client purchasing a historic home, one of the first questions I ask is, have you ever owned or lived in a historic home? We have had clients move from a newer low, maintenance, energy-efficient home into a high-maintenance, poor energy efficient historic home, which could shock many "new to them" historic homeowners. Historic homes are great for the right individual or family. Also, in some cases, the prospective home purchaser has the budget, resources, and expectations that can come with buying a historic home. Are they buying on emotion, love of history, or the desire to preserve one of these old beauties? Be aware that some homes listed on historic registries and specific directories may have strict requirements for future modifications and remodeling, including siding, roofing, color, and windows.