Ancillary Services
Intellispect offers an array of extra optional services that home buyers and sellers are sometimes interested in. Some of these services are performed by licensed third party contractors whose work we consider to be of the highest quality.
Radon Testing
You can't see radon. And you can't smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, radon causes many thousands of deaths each year. According to the EPA and Surgeon General, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.
Radon comes from the natural (radioactive) breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon can be found all over the United States. It can get into any type of building — homes, offices, and schools — and result in high indoor radon levels. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure at home where you spend most of your time.
Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. The EPA and the Surgeon General recommend radon testing in all homes below the third floor. We use Sun Nuclear continuous radon monitors for all of our radon measurements. Sun Nuclear is considered to be the gold standard in the industry. These monitors are equipped with tamper detection mechanisms and instant-read capability so you don't have to wait for lab analysis to get the results.
Mold Sampling
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth should be avoided. In additon to wood deterioration, mold can produce irritants, allergens, and mycotoxins that could cause health issues for some. While our inspectors have found mold growth many times and know what to look for, the presence of mold can only be confirmed by taking samples for laboratory analysis. Our inspectors are certified by the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants to take both surface and air samples.
Water Quality Testing
There are approximately 322,578 private residential wells in Connecticut that serve approximately 23% of the state’s population. Private well owners are responsible for testing the quality of their own drinking water. This video from the Connecticut Department of Public Health explains why you should have your drinking water tested. Contaminants such as Coliform bacteria, arsenic, and lead may be present which can cause health problems. Other qualities such as pH and total hardness, if outside the normal range, may cause damage to plumbing and appliances. Recommendations for how often to test your water can be found on this CT DPH publication. Intellispect offers testing for the following properties and contaminants:
- Coliform Bacteria
- E. Coli Bacteria
- pH
- Turbidity
- Color
- Odor
- Hardness
- Fluoride
- Chloride
- Nitrite
- Nitrate
- Sulfate
- Chlorine
- Lead
- Radon in Water
- Arsenic
- Uranium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Copper
- Iron
- Manganese
- VOC's
- Pesticides
- PCB's
Termite/Wood Destroying Insect Inspections
Eastern subterranean termites can infest sills, studs, and structural wood for long periods of time without detection, causing thousands in damage. While our inspectors look for indications of their presence, your lender may require a termite inspection performed by a licensed pest control company, especially for FHA, VA, and CHFA loans. We work with reputable pest control companies in the area that provide quality termite/wood destroying insect inspections at reasonable prices.