A full-time home inspector, for existing and new home inspections near Apex
Radon Inspections
North Carolina does recommend hiring a trained, certified radon measurement professional. Radon gas is a naturally occurring gas that is invisible, odorless and tasteless. A danger exists when the gas percolates through the ground and enters a tightly enclosed structure (such as a home). Long term exposure to high levels of radon gas can cause cancer. The EPA generally rates this area to have an intermediate risk of elevated radon levels. Learn more about Radon in the Home and in North Carolina specifically: EPA and NC DHHS
Some home inspection companies offer "Radon Testing", however, most are simply going to make an arrangement for someone to perform a test and add a charge to the client for making the phone call. For radon testing, we recommend you contact a reputable contractor directly because can be substantially less expensive. For more information about radon and 3 directories to find certified testing companies in your area, visit this link: Testing for Radon.
Wood destroying insect Inspections
A standard home inspection does not include testing for wood destroying insects. Studies indicate that there may be as many as twenty-six termite colonies per acre of land in the state of North Carolina. These pests can cause substantial damage to a structure if present and left untreated. Learn more: NC State - Termites, Biology and Control
Some home inspection companies offer "Termite Inspections", however, most are simply going to make an arrangement for a licensed pest inspector to perform a test and add a charge to the client for making the phone call. For wood destroying insect inspections, we recommend you contact a reputable contractor directly. NC State - Tips on Selecting Pest Control Services.
Pest inspectors for this service MUST be licensed. Here's a searchable list (by county) North Carolina Department of Agriculture.
Well and septic Inspections
A standard home inspection does not include an inspection of well or septic systems.
50% of North Carolinians rely on groundwater for their drinking water from private or public wells. Private well owners should have their water tested annually for bacteria, nitrates, and any contaminants of local concern Learn more: Well Owner Resources.
About 20% homes in the US have a septic system installed. The underground tanks should be "pumped" and inspected every three to five years. Learn more: EPA - Septic System Care and Maintenance.
Some home inspection companies offer "Well and Septic Inspections", however, most are simply going to make an arrangement for a local contractor to perform a test and add a charge to the client for making the phone call. For well and septic inspections, you should contact a contractor directly. Here are searchable lists for your area:
Septic Inspection: North Carolina Onsite Wastewater Contractor Certification Board
For Well Inspections: NC Well Contractors
Indoor air quality
A standard home inspection does not include an inspection for heath issues such as mold or other allergens. Mold fungi are present in all homes and may be present in levels at which sensitive people could react physically to their presence, even where fungal colonies are not visible, or when fungal colonies are hidden in inaccessible portions of the home.
For a home inspector, the presence of mold indicates a moisture problem exists. Learn More: EPA - Mold.
Many types of allergens exist to which different people show widely varying levels of sensitivity. Learn more: EPA - Indoor Air Quality.
Some home inspection companies offer "Mold Inspections", however, most are simply going to make an arrangement for a local contractor to perform a test and add a charge to the client for making the phone call. North Carolina is one of thirty-eight states that has no certification or regulation for mold inspection companies. For air quality inspections, we recommend you contact an industrial hygienist, or a certified testing and cleaning company affiliated with IICRC.