Mold problems in interior spaces can occur in any region, including Phoenix, AZ. Despite its arid climate, mold can still develop indoors due to factors such as moisture intrusion, water leaks, high humidity, and inadequate ventilation.

The Complete Mold Inspection is performed in accordance with the Mold Inspection Standards of Practice of the International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants.

The inspection consists of:

•  a non-invasive, visual examination of the readily accessible, visible, and installed systems and components of the building, as outlined in the IAC2 Mold Inspection Standards of Practice;
• moisture, temperature and humidity measurements;
• at least three air samples (one indoor and two outdoor); and
• possibly one surface sampling at an area of concern.

The inspector reports:

• moisture intrusion;
• water damage;
• musty odors;
• apparent mold growth;
• conditions conducive to mold growth;
• the results of a laboratory analysis of all mold samplings taken at the building; and
• any system or components listed in the Standards of Practice that were not visually examined, and
• the reasons they were not inspected.

Unless the inspector and client agree to a limitation of the inspection, the inspection will be performed on the primary building and parking structure.

Here are some specific considerations for dealing with mold issues in the Phoenix area:

1. Moisture Control: Although Phoenix is known for its dry climate, moisture problems can still arise indoors, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Ensure that plumbing fixtures are properly maintained, and promptly repair any leaks or water damage to prevent moisture buildup.

2. Proper Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for preventing mold growth. Ensure that bathrooms and kitchens are adequately ventilated, and consider using exhaust fans to remove excess moisture during activities like cooking or showering.

3. Air Conditioning Maintenance: Air conditioning systems can help control indoor humidity levels, but they must be properly maintained to prevent mold growth. Regularly inspect and clean air filters, ductwork, and condensate lines to ensure optimal performance.

4. Sealants and Weatherproofing: Inspect doors, windows, and other openings for signs of leaks or gaps where water can enter. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal gaps and prevent moisture intrusion.

5. Monitor Indoor Humidity: Invest in a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels, aiming for levels below 60% to discourage mold growth. Consider using a dehumidifier in areas prone to high humidity.

6. Prompt Remediation: If you notice any signs of mold growth, such as musty odors, discoloration on walls or ceilings, or visible mold growth, address the issue promptly. Clean and disinfect affected surfaces, and address the underlying cause of moisture to prevent recurrence.

7. Professional Assistance: For severe or widespread mold problems, or if you're unsure how to address the issue effectively, consider seeking assistance from a professional mold remediation company. They can assess the extent of the problem and provide appropriate solutions.

It's essential to address mold problems promptly to prevent potential health risks and damage to your property. By taking proactive measures to control moisture and humidity levels indoors, you can minimize the risk of mold growth in your Phoenix-area home or business.

What SDI Looks For With a Pool Inspection

If you find a home with a swimming pool, the safety and condition of the pool is just as important as the rest of the house. A pool adds to the value of a home. But a pool that is not in good condition can be a money pit. So it’s important to get an inspection of a pool before you purchase. Knowing what to look for with a pool inspection will make you more confident in your inspection and help you make an informed decision when you are ready to buy.

Structure and Materials- Plaster, Tile, Coping, and Decking

We look for cracks in the plaster, tile, rip in the vinyl liner (if applicable), missing coping, and deterioration in the decking. Deterioration is expected, but the inspector will be looking for uneven spots on the pool deck or missing grout in stones in a waterfall.

The inspector will check the interior finish in the inside of the pool for cracks that are bigger than a hairline. Furthermore, the inspector will look to see if the pool needs resurfacing, and if it does, it will be noted.

Equipment Pad- The Pump, Filter, and Heater

This is the area that controls everything in the pool. The pump is what makes it all work and provides the circulation of the water. This area is very important to maintain and to keep the shrubbery away from it.

Filter

The filter collects the dirt and debris that is in the pool and keeps it clean. Filters have a cartridge that goes inside of it and it comes in different sizes. It is important to be using one on the recommendation list for the size of your pool.

The largest size cartridge that can fit in the filter is better. This is because it can save water and needs less cleaning. A good inspector will look at the gauge on the filter to make sure it works as well as the clamp for the filter tank.

Heater

Heaters are optional on pools as they are an extra expense to add. Many heaters are electric, propane, or solar. However, for an inspection, a pool inspector will make sure that the heater is properly grounded and is heating the pool efficiently.

Electrical and Plumbing Lines

These support the system and need to be running properly. The inspector checks that the breakers are properly labeled and the plumbing lines are free of leaks. In addition, he will check for bubbles in the return lines that could indicate there is a leak in the suction.

Mold

Often a leaky plumbing area can create an environment favorable for mold growth.  Once growing, mold can spread and possible enter the home.  We check mold in the plumbing area and can check the home.

Inspect Your Bathrooms for a Safe Home Purchase

Inspecting the bathrooms as part of your comprehensive home inspection is crucial.  Water leaks often occur in the bathroom.  Our inspection will find out if there are any signs of leaks or problems with the exhaust vent.

With a thorough home or property inspection, you can feel confident that your bathroom is clean, safe, and dry.

Leaks

Any time property undergoes a complete inspection, we check for plumbing issues. This mostly includes finding any leaks or signs of water damage in the home. The same applies to the bathroom, where an SDI inspector looks for any indication of trouble.

While they’re inspecting the home, your inspector should look closely at all bathroom plumbing and fixtures. Signs of standing water, leaks, or previous water damage should be notated on the report. A leaky faucet should be addressed before you agree to purchase the home.

We also closely examine areas around the tub, shower, and toilet. Any water around the toilet and other areas can indicate problems with the fixtures that may need remediation.

The sink and toilet is inspected. Loose or wobbly sinks and toilets may not leak today but could cause leaks in the future. This can result in damage and other issues if it’s not corrected immediately.

Along with signs of leaking, the home inspector will look for any evidence of mold. If there is mold present, it may mean that something else is going on behind the walls that should be taken care of.

Ventilation

Bathrooms should be properly vented to remove moisture accumulation.    Most home have a bathroom exhaust fan to help keep moisture to a minimum.

If the bathroom exhaust fan is not operable, the inspector should include this information on the report. The fan should lead to the exterior of the home, usually through a vent or pipe directly above it on the roof.

Most bathroom exhaust fans event through the roof, but they could vent out of a window in older homes. The roof option is ideal since venting moisture from a window is not the best situation during extreme hot or cold weather.

Why is plumbing inspection important?

If you're buying a home or property the plumbing inspection usually consists of only three points: checking to see that drains empty, toilets flush, and taps work. The plumbing inspection checklist for a comprehensive plumbing inspection performed by a licensed plumber will cover many more points.

If the plumbing inspection SDI does uncovers problems, you may want to invest in a comprehensive inspection by a plumber.  The nationwide average cost for a plumber to inspect a home is around $200.

Plumbing inspections can be a useful selling point for prospective buyers. You'll be able to prove beyond a doubt that your plumbing systems, sewer lines, and all other aspects of your home's plumbing are in tip-top shape. And you want to avoid costly plumbing emergencies

Typical plumbing repair costs

If you find out that you require plumbing repairs, here are some typical costs. Remember, even an expensive repair will probably result in less expense later on. Prices can vary, depending on the difficulty of the work being completed.

Unclogging drains - $175
Removing objects from drain lines - $100-$300
Clearing sewer lines - $75-$200
Sewer line repair $750-$2000
Sewer line replacement - $7000+
Mold remediation - $1,500

Residential Electrical Inspection Checklist

A proper electrical inspection follows a procedure stipulated in the National Electrical Code (NEC).

During the inspection, Scottsdale Desert Inspection check the safety of electrical devices on your property by following a checklist. This includes:

Circuits: do you have the correct number of circuits to serve the demand of the property—this is especially important if you have added to its existing foundation.

Wires: wires may be old, damaged, or installed incorrectly, which can create a dangerous situation.

Outlets: outlets with poor connections may overheat during a circuit overload.

Service Panels: Old or faulty breakers may cause appliances to stop working, lights to flicker, or the service panel to blow.

Electric Meter: Meters can begin to wear and tear over the years, it is important to ensure they’re functioning properly and they don’t show signs of rust or water damage compromising its quality.

Included in the inspection, is a detailed report of your property's electrical safety.

NOTE: If an electrical feature fails an inspection; it does not meet the minimum safety standards established by the NEC.

The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in most homes. With a home inspection from SDI, you have a better understanding of what you’re about to buy.

Here are the top four common kitchen problems we find during a home inspection:

#1: Vents That Go Nowhere

In many kitchens, the range vent is a decorative-only feature. The kitchen range vent should extract the steam and capture some of the airborne cooking grease. Just because it’s there doesn’t mean it works.  We check the range vent to learn if the fan switches on.  We inspect for evidence that it vents outside the house.

#2: Electrical Problems

The interior rooms of a house can tell you a lot about it. They can reveal critical structural issues that have managed to go undetected and that can cause you the potential homeowner a lot of money down the line.

Inspecting the home's interiors is important because a piece of drywall and a coat of paint can conceal a myriad of wiring, plumbing, ventilation and other construction or remodeling errors. Some of these errors are merely inconvenient, like a duct that isn't connected properly and causes a room to be chilly. Others can pose a serious threat to your home and your family, such as overloaded circuits and wiring that's placed too close to plumbing fixtures or mold infestation.

A thorough inspection of your home's interior will also focus on outlets, ceilings, built-in lighting fixtures, floors, windows, cabinets and counters.

Why is it important to inspect the attic?

The attic is an important part of your home's ventilation.  The attic insulates your home and it contains different safety systems - from electrical, to heating, to plumbing.  It is also a good place to inspect the structure of the home.

Heating  -  Vents and chimneys may run through the attic.  This may be a problem if they are blocked or not properly secured.  It may lead to hot air escaping into the attic and causing moisture build up.  Metal chimneys may rust from condensation.

Electrical  -  Electrical wires should be securely attached to wooden beams and tucked out of the way.  Poorly secured or exposed wires can be a target for rodents causing a hazard.

Plumbing  -  Air leaks around plumbing stacks can cause a build up of moisture in the attic.  Kitchen and bathroom vents are known to have leaks and should be sealed.

Structure  -  The beams are looked over for broken, splitting or sagging.  Structural problems need to be addressed to ensure a safe home.

Insulation  -  The attic is the first place you loose heat so any damage or missing insulation is critical.

Termites are nasty visitors. They're almost invisible, completely silent and have the potential to cause extensive damage.

Just saying the word "termite" can make homeowners shudder, and for good reason. Termites are active in 49 of the 50 states (Alaska is too cold to sustain them), and cause more than $60 billion in property damage every year.

If you're buying a home, contact Scottsdale Desert Inspections to inspect for termites.  It could save you headaches later. Actually, if you're taking out a mortgage, there's a good chance the lender will require that you have a termite inspection (as well as a general home inspection) performed before the sale is finalized.

We also offer HVAC inspections.

These inspections are provided in our written. These types of inspections are perfect for HVAC second opinions and for homeowners who are looking to buy or sell a home. It is often more comprehensive in nature than a typical home inspection. Because your HVAC system investment is only second to your home’s roof, a thorough inspection gives homeowners the information they need when evaluating an HVAC system’s health and longevity.

1. Run a thermostat test
2. Inspect air filters
3. Evaluate proper airflow
4. Assess equipment condition
5. Check refrigerant levels
6. Check heater/furnace, gas connections and exhaust systems
7. Check the blower motor
8. Check safety equipment, surge protectors and failsafes are enabled
9. Look for any mold or pest infestations in the equipment

If a house needs a new roof it could complicate a sale.  Roof issues should be addressed before closing on a home sale.

Typically a home’s roof needs to be replaced every 20 to 25 years, depending on roofing materials and the quality of the installation. While small repairs may be needed before that time.  Home buyers looking at houses older than 25 years will certainly need to replace the roof.

When the home inspector sees damage.

The Standards of Practice of InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) does not require the inspector actually walk on the roof, but allows him to observe the roof from the ground. It is likely to only see serious roof damage.  If the home inspector sees roof damage, they may recommend a full roof inspection.  Generally it will be difficult to secure insurance or a mortgage until it is repaired

When a roof inspection is requested prior to closing.

Home Inspection Checklist – Exterior

If you’re a home buyer or real estate agent and you’d like to conduct your own cursory home inspection.  When SDI inspects the home exterior, we work from a list of critical items

This covers many of the most likely and potentially expensive problems.

• Roof Problems
  • Curled Shingles
  • Severely Deteriorated Shingles
  • Cracks in shingles
  • Hack patch job
  • Loose shingle
  • Mis-matched shingles
  • Slipping Shingles
  • Sliding Shingles
  • Damaged shingles
• Chimney Problems
  • Missing bricks at chimney
  • Cracked chimney
  • Neapolitan chimney
• Siding
  • Cracked hardboard siding
  • Hardboard siding rotted and patched
  • Rotted hardboard siding
  • Severely rotted hardboard siding
  • Defects with newer stucco siding
  • Stains below windows
• Windows
  • Rotted Windows
  • Rotted Aluminum Clad Windows
  • Rotted Aluminum Window
• Water Management
  • Proper gutters, downspouts, and downspout extensions.
  • Ground sloping away from house
  • Roof Lines
  • Water concentrated against house
• Decks
  • Rotted deck joists
  • Sagging Deck
  • Guardrails