Tell us about your home.

FloridaHealth.gov reports that nearly 1 in 5 Florida residences has Radon levels above the EPA action level. Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring, inert radioactive gas that comes from the decay of radium. People can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing radon-laden air that enters through cracks and gaps in the building’s foundation. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Academy of Sciences and the Center for Disease Control, indoor radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer in non- smokers, responsible for more than 20,000 U.S. lung cancer deaths each year. When you breathe in radon, radioactive particles from radon gas can get trapped in your lungs, where they can damage DNA as they release alpha radiation. The only way to know your home or building contains dangerous radon levels is to have a test performed.

• If the home is new to you or has not been tested in the last two years;
• After any HVAC system replacement or upgrades;
• After major construction/remodel has been completed;
• Previous testing found elevated results, retest 1-3 years to monitor safe levels;
• Existing mitigation systems should be tested annually.

Elevated radon has been found in buildings with all foundation types and in every county in Florida. All homes should be tested regardless of geographic location or foundation type.

Radon is a radioactive gas and there is no safe level. Consumers should be aware that the U.S. EPA’s estimate of 21,000 annual deaths from radon induced lung cancer in the U.S. was based on an average level of 1.3 picocuries per liter of air. The EPA Action Level is 4 pCi/L. Radon levels between 2.0 and 3.9 pCi/L the U.S. EPA recommends considering fixing or mitigating your home. Annual exposure to 4 pCi/L is the equivalent of 200 chest x-rays per year. Lung cancer risk rises 16% per 2.7 pCi/L increase in radon exposure.

A home inspection is recommended because it uncovers hidden structural, mechanical, and safety issues that a standard walkthrough cannot reveal, protecting your investment before you finalize a purchase.

Most standard inspections take 2 to 3 hours depending on the home's size and age.

While not required, clients are more than welcome to tag along on an inspection. Walking through with the inspector toward the end or joining them room-to-room helps you understand the findings firsthand.

Clients receive a digital document with photos, notes on defects, and repair priorities.

Yes. Even brand-new homes can have missing insulation, unattached ducts, or various oversights, so an independent set of eyes is crucial.

It depends if you're the buyer or home owner. As a buyer you could negotiate repair credits, ask the seller to fix the issues, or use your inspection contingency to walk away. In the case of new builds, you could negotiate repairs before the 1 year warranty expires. As a homeowner, this allows for a proactive approach to repairs before they become major health and safety issues.

Professional home inspectors carry errors and omissions insurance and follow strict industry standards. If an inspector misses something due to negligence within the scope of inspection, this insurance provides financial protection.

However, clients should understand that inspections have limitations. Issues missed due to inaccessibility, concealment, or normal wear that occurs after inspection don’t constitute negligence. Clear communication about inspection limitations helps set appropriate expectations.

Home inspectors identify issues, but don’t provide repair cost estimates. After all, the repairs you need could be anything from a cracked switch plate to mold remediation. For accurate pricing, clients should get quotes from licensed contractors specializing in the relevant trades.

No way! Professional home inspectors aim to inform, not influence purchase decisions. Every home, including a new construction, has some issues or maintenance needs.

The inspector’s goal involves:

• Providing complete, accurate information on the safety and soundness of a property;
• Explaining findings in understandable terms and in a clear report both buyer and seller can refer to;
• Ensuring no major surprises pop up after purchase, like plumbing issues or faulty wiring.