Termites, mold, lead, water, radon,asbestos,  and septic system issues are all potential environmental health hazards in the home. It is critical to be aware of these potential hazards and to work with highly trained, experienced home inspectors to keep your property comfortable and safe.

Learn more about the following home environmental hazards and what you can do to keep your home safe:

Termites- Termites are the most destructive insect in the United States and elsewhere. Their destructive power is simply astounding, and they cause millions of dollars in damage each year. We often forget that termites attacking our homes are simply carrying out their natural function of breaking down wood. Termites are common in forests as wood recyclers.

Radon  - Radon is a carcinogenic radioactive gas. Radon cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, but it may be a problem in your home. This is because breathing radon-contaminated air increases your risk of developing lung cancer. In fact, according to the Surgeon General, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Drinking Water - Do you know if the water your family drinks is safe to drink if it comes from a private well? What health risks might you and your family be exposed to? Where can you go for assistance or advice?

Mold and Mildew - Fungi are molds. Molds can be found in both the natural and built environments. Mold spores can be found in both indoor and outdoor air. Molds help decompose dead materials and can be found growing on soil, foods, plant matter, and other items in nature. Molds produce microscopic cells known as "spores," which are extremely small and easily spread through the air. When the right conditions are met, live spores act like seeds, forming new mold growths (colonies).

Septic Systems - Septic systems treat and disperse relatively small volumes of wastewater from individual or small groups of homes and businesses. Septic system regulation is typically the responsibility of the state, tribal, and local governments. The EPA provides information to homeowners as well as assistance to state and local governments in order to improve septic system management and prevent failures that could harm human health and water quality.

Lead  - Prior to the federal government's ban on lead-based paints in 1978, it was used in many homes. Lead is present in lead-based paints, as the name implies. Many documented cases of lead poisoning can be traced back to lead contamination caused by the breakdown of such paints. Lead-based paint poses little risk in good condition, but those that begin to peel, chip, chalk, or crack pose a health risk.

Asbestos- Asbestos is a mineral fiber found in rocks that can be separated into fibers from naturally occurring silicate minerals. Asbestos fibers come in a variety of forms, all of which are resistant to fire and are not easily destroyed or degraded by natural processes.

The purpose of this warranty is to provide the client with repair protection for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of the inspection on those components that were inspected and listed in the report as functional. This warranty is provided for complete home inspections only and does not cover construction phase inspections, one-year warranty inspections, re-inspections or partial inspections.

This limited warranty does not modify, replace or eliminate the INSPECTION AGREEMENT signed by the client or the client's agent at the time of the inspection. The limited warranty is in addition to the INSPECTION AGREEMENT. Any concerns or conditions which arise after the time limits set forth in this limited warranty will be handled as per the conditions agreed to in the INSPECTION AGREEMENT. A signed acceptance of the INSPECTION AGREEMENT OR ACCEPTANCE OF THE INSPECTION REPORT is hereby acceptance of the terms and conditions of this limited warranty. The warranty is not designed to cover normal maintenance items or to be a replacement for existing insurance coverage. The coverage is for single family or condominium residences only. NO coverage is provided while the current owner occupies the home. The warranty will cover those items inspected at the time of the inspection and were deemed functional AS PER THE WRITTEN INSPECTION REPORT. If a client finds a component, which is covered in this limited warranty, non-functional within the time frame mentioned above, ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC agrees to reimburse the client the cost of the repair up to the designated limits. If an item is not fixable, ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC will reimburse the client the maximum amount allowed for that component repair cost limit. Any and all building code violations at the time the home was built or the time new equipment was installed that do not cause the component to be non-functional are NOT part of this limited warranty. All items in the report listed as areas of concerns will NOT be covered unless those items are repaired and then re-inspected by ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC for a separate fee.Only those items listed below are covered in this limited warranty. Any components on the inside or the outside of the home, which are currently in a class action suit because of manufacturer's defects, are not covered in the limited warranty. ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC AGREES TO PAY A MAXIMUM OF $5000.00 PER LIMITED WARRANTY OF TOTAL CLAIMS RECEIVED FOR THIS PROPERTY DURING THE SPECIFIED TIME FRAME. THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF REPAIR COST OR REPLACEMENT COST TO ANY ONE COMPONENT WILL BE LIMITED TO THE STATED AMOUNTS LISTED BELOW.

COMPONENT ITEMS WHICH ARE COVERED:

CENTRAL HEATING The heating equipment must be less than ten(10) years old. The HEAT exchangers are not fully visible and, therefore, are not part of this coverage. Damaged duct pipes are not covered. Any item or part of the heating system which will not respond to the control settings and not provide warm air to the designated area, is covered. The vent pipe and overflow devices are covered. ANY PHYSICAL DAMAGE WHICH OCCURRED TO THE EQUIPMENT AFTER THE ORIGINAL INSPECTION IS NOT COVERED. The repair cost is limited to $700.00.

CENTRAL COOLING The cooling equipment must be less than 10 years old. Any item or part of the cooling system which will not respond to the control settings and does not provide cool air to the designated area are covered. Condensation pumps are not covered. The repair cost is limited to $700.00.

ROOFING Only roofs with a 2 on 12 pitch or greater will be covered. The roof covering materials are to be less than 10 years old. The coverage is to provide for the repair of any active roof leak missed at the time of the original inspection. Roof shingles and flashings are not covered. Damaged or defective roof framing members not reported at the time of the original inspection will be covered. Under no circumstances will the limited warranty be responsible for replacing an entire roofing system. The repair cost is limited to $500.00.

INTERIOR PLUMBING Leaks in the water and drain lines within the confines of the home will be covered. Because drain lines can stop up suddenly, stoppages in drainlines are not covered. Whirlpool bath motors and pump assemblies are not covered. Water heaters less than five years old are covered. Dripping faucets, defective drain stoppers, cosmetic conditions to tubs, toilets, sinks, tub enclosures, and shower enclosures are not covered. Lack of or missing grout or caulking which result in leaks is not covered. Poor water pressure is not covered. Sump or lift pumps located in basements or crawl spaces are not covered. The repair cost is limited to $500.00.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM The electrical system must be less than fifteen(15) years old. The main electrical panel box, circuit breakers, and ground fault circuits are covered. Light switches and wall receptacles are not covered. The door bell, light fixtures, ceiling fans, alarm systems, inadequate wiring systems, sensors, relays, low voltage systems, garage door openers, and timed circuits are not covered. Buss fuses in service panels are not covered. Light switches and wall receptacles concealed from the home inspector for any reason at the time of the inspection will not be covered. The repair cost is limited to $500.00.

KITCHEN APPLIANCES The appliances covered must be less than ten(10) years old. The dishwasher (must be less than two(2) years old), oven, cook top, and vent hood are all covered. Knobs, timers, lights, handles, glass doors, racks, rollers, rotisserie, meat probes, washers, dryers, disposals, microwaves, icemakers, and refrigerators plus their electrical and water hookups and drainlines are not covered. The repair cost will be limited to $300.00.

EXTERIOR OF THE HOME Rotted wood on the exterior siding, door trim, window trim, and fascia and soffit boards greater than twenty(20) square inches in any one given location will be covered. Any wood damage regardless of the size or location caused by termites and any water damage that was concealed at the time of the original inspection will not be covered. Any water damage, causing swelling along the bottom edges of the siding and at joints are not covered. Hairline cracking in brick walls and concrete stucco walls are not covered. Synthetic stucco siding will not be covered. This type of siding inspection should fall under a separate moisture inspection. The gutters are covered provided that they are less than six(6) years old. The repair cost will be limited to $500.00.

FOUNDATION WALLS Poured in place concrete and concrete block foundation walls are covered only to the extent that their load bearing ability is affected. Water entry into basements, garages, and crawl spaces is not covered. Cracks in foundation walls are not covered. The repair cost will be limited to $700.00.

DECKS AND DECK STEPS The deck must be less than ten(10) years old. Loose deck boards, loose steps, splitting wood, and loose handrails are not covered. The repair cost will be limited to $300.00.

CLAIM PROCEDURES Prior to any repair work, ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC must be notified in writing to the corporate office at 5225 Emco Drive Indianapolis, Indiana 46220, and a company representative must inspect the component before any repair work is authorized. A company representative will arrange the inspection within three business days of notification to the company. There will be a $65 service charge or the actual fee, whichever is less, each time a claim is made, paid by the ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC client. This fee will be paid directly to ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC at the time of the re-inspection and is non-refundable if repair work is not needed. ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC will then reimburse the client for the repair cost up to the set limitations. The client is responsible for arranging access to the property and scheduling the repair work to be completed. The client will be responsible for opening up, closing, refinishing, and decorating any surfaces before and after the repairs are made. In the event repairs are completed without proper notification to ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC and without re-inspection by ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC, all claims pertaining to this limited warranty are waived. ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC does not warrant any repairs made and does not assume any responsibility for the quality, workmanship, or any consequential damage caused by a repair person or vendor and/or any damage to the home caused as a result of a component being non-functional.

IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT THAT A DISPUTE ARISES BETWEEN THE CLIENT AND ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC AS TO ALLCHECK INSPECTIONS LLC'S LIABILITY UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, SUCH DISPUTE SHALL BE SETTLED BY ARBITRATION THROUGH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU OF INDIANAPOLIS.

Homeownership is a significant responsibility, and keeping up with the numerous tasks associated with home maintenance can be difficult. However, paying close attention to a few key areas around your home can often help you avoid costly repairs. To help you out, we've listed some home maintenance tips that can help you keep your home comfortable and safe for your family.

These tips are reprinted with permission from the books "Home Journal" and "How To Operate Your Home" by Mr. Fix-it, Tom Feiza.

Finding Studs - Fasteners must frequently be inserted into wall studs or  framing for proper support. Trying to find those studs can be difficult.

Solving Window Condensation Problems - Condensation problems can be solved by knowing basic principles of moisture and how it moves inside your home.

The Absolute Best Home Repair Products - The most recent information on new and improved products that solve most common issues.

Mold And Mildew - Is mold a real issue? Every homeowner must consider this issue in relation to his or her own home.

In Case Of Emergency - Everyone Should Know - An emergency plan and a list of things that everyone in the household should be aware of.

The Ice Dam Cometh! - Let us discuss winter ice damming and how to avoid problems.

Top Energy-Saving and Comfort Tips - Combining energy conservation with comfort improvements makes everyone happy.

Replace Your Roof - Asphalt shingles are extremely durable when properly applied to a roof, but they will need to be replaced at some point.

Squeaky Floors -  Any home, old or new, can get squeaky floors. With a little knowledge, inexpensive materials, and do-it-yourself skills, you can fix the problem.

Soot, Ghosts and Ugly Stains - What causes stains in our homes? What changed to cause these issues?

Restore Your Aluminum or Vinyl Siding - You thought siding lasted forever and don't need maintenance. Not true.

Insulate Your Attic - But Don't Stop There! - Modern homes are sophisticated, interactive systems. Insulation must be added with care and consideration.

Service Checklist - Whether you DIY or hire professionals for repairs, these checklists assist in ensuring that all important points are covered at home.

Kitchen Cabinets - Replace, Re-Face, Refinish or Paint - Should you replace your kitchen cabinets or restore them? 

We hope that you find these links useful and informative. The placement of links on this web site is not a recommendation or endorsement of any product or service that may be offered. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement is implied.

Safety Concerns

Radon - Environmental Protection Agency

Radon mitigation- Indiana State Department of Health listing of certified mitigators
Water - Environmental Protection Agency
Lead - Environmental Protection Agency
Asbestos News
Chimney Safety Institute of America
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
American Lung Association

General Housing Information

US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors
Dan Friedman - Home Inspections - Construction Information
New House Plans

Home Maintenance

Michigan State University Extension Home Maintenance and repair
hometips.com
organizedhome.com
doityourself.com
US Dept of Energy - consumer tips
Angie's List
the-home-improvement-web

Defective Products

Polybutylene
US Consumer Product Safety Commission : recall central

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