Our Services
Service Overview
A home Inspection is intended to help educate the Client in the evaluation of
the overall condition of the home. It is based on the visible and apparent
condition of the building and its components. The inspection covers the major
systems to include, heating and cooling, as well as structural elements,
exterior components, and drainage around the perimeter of the house.
Decks, if present, are also inspected.
Home inspections are designed to disclose deficiencies in the property that could materially affect its safety, livability or function, it will also provide home maintenance recommendations. The inspection is not meant to disclose cosmetic defects.
Home inspections are designed to disclose deficiencies in the property that could materially affect its safety, livability or function, it will also provide home maintenance recommendations. The inspection is not meant to disclose cosmetic defects.
When To Schedule The Home Inspection
Whether you are buying or selling your home, inspections are important, if not
required, for most real estate transactions. This inspection is coordinated with
your real estate agent or in some case the buyers or sellers may coordinate a
home inspection as well.
Who Should Attend A Home Inspection
RCR Home inspections always recommended that you and your agent attend
the inspection. This will provide an opportunity to discuss any questions or
concerns you may have regarding the home including home maintenance
recommendations. While our home inspection reports include concise
explanations and images, seeing defects in person adds more clarity.
What To Expect
Within 24-48 hours of the inspection being completed, a detailed report is
generated describing what was inspected and the condition of those
components.
RCR Home Inspections provides a full home inspection that educates and informs our clients making families live safe, healthy and comfortable in their homes.
RCR Home Inspections provides a full home inspection that educates and informs our clients making families live safe, healthy and comfortable in their homes.
RCR Home Inspections
AREAS WE SERVE
RCR Home Inspections provides fast, reliable, affordable home inspections services in the greater Philadelphia, PA, area including the following counties:
● Bucks County
● Montgomery County
● Chester County
● Delaware County
● Philadelphia County
Our inspectors are at the forefront of all the latest techniques and we take your investments seriously. We are always Thinking Ahead for your home inspection needs
HOME MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS
Owning and maintaining a home is a significant
responsibility. All of us live busy lives, so understanding
the status and repair condition of your home is often
difficult. We often take a reactionary approach to
maintenance, and only address or repair something once
it breaks. Consider a Home Maintenance Inspection to
help outline concerns with your home and prioritize
improvements sooner rather than in crisis.
A Home Maintenance Inspection from RCR HOME INSPECTIONS will review all areas of your home, which are
related to proper maintenance and repair. The inspection will review the following areas:
- Roof inspection for damage, hail, age concerns, gutter condition
- Attic inspection for moisture concerns, insulation issues, pest concerns
- Exterior Siding Inspection for concerns with paint, caulking, and overall condition of the siding material.
- Foundation Inspection for visible concerns, settlement issues, grading or drainage issues
- Crawl Space/Basement Inspection for moisture issues, pest concerns
- Heating and Cooling System Inspection for age, performance or maintenance concerns
- Gas Leak Check on exterior and interior exposed gas lines and fittings
- Carbon Monoxide Test on heating system and gas burning appliances
- Plumbing System Inspection for any visible leaks and evaluation of water heater age and condition
- Electrical Safety Inspection including test of GFCI outlets for safety, inspection of electric panel interior, and any visible electrical concerns
- Smoke Alarm and CO Detector Inspection and testing
- Garage Door Inspection and Test for safety concerns
A complete, detailed report will be generated for you that will outline:
We check all the major house systems
- Immediate Repairs highlight items needing immediate repair
- Maintenance Reminders outline items that are in need of maintenance or will need maintenance in the next year
- Monitoring Needed indicate reminders for items that should be monitored and checked periodically
- Safety Itemshighlight any unsafe conditions or items affecting occupant safety
Termite Inspection
Wood destroying insects…
While people worry about a fire or storm damaging their home, statistics show that damage caused by termites is far more likely.
Commonly called a “Termite Inspection,” its purpose is to inspect for any signs of visibly accessible evidence of termites, carpenter ants, wood infesting beetles, or carpenter bees that may be present in and around the structure.
While people worry about a fire or storm damaging their home, statistics show that damage caused by termites is far more likely.
Commonly called a “Termite Inspection,” its purpose is to inspect for any signs of visibly accessible evidence of termites, carpenter ants, wood infesting beetles, or carpenter bees that may be present in and around the structure.
Air Quality Inspection
How clean is the AIR in your home?
Indoor air quality problems are something that you want to take care of as quickly as possible. Homeowners spend a large percentage of their time in their houses. If there are harmful chemicals or indoor pollution swirling around inside, you and your family will be consistently breathing it in.
Indoor pollution can cause health problems such as allergies, chemical sensitivities, respiratory illnesses and even cancer. Getting your air checked is a smart preventative measure and can help you determine the causes of any indoor pollution, and how to fix it.
Indoor air quality problems are something that you want to take care of as quickly as possible. Homeowners spend a large percentage of their time in their houses. If there are harmful chemicals or indoor pollution swirling around inside, you and your family will be consistently breathing it in.
Indoor pollution can cause health problems such as allergies, chemical sensitivities, respiratory illnesses and even cancer. Getting your air checked is a smart preventative measure and can help you determine the causes of any indoor pollution, and how to fix it.
Water Quality Inspection
Tap water quality in homes has become a growing, nationwide issue. There
has been a growing awareness in America that what is coming out of a
kitchen sink may not be as safe as once thought. There are many substances
that can be found in tap water that can be harmful to yourself and your family.
Water quality testing is the only way to know what is in your tap water.
The presence of coliform bacteria, specifically E. coli (a type of coliform bacteria), in drinking water suggests the water may contain pathogens that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, headaches, fever, fatigue, and even death sometimes.
There are many consumer-grade filtration systems available to the public, but awareness is the first step. It is very important to add a water quality testing service. There is no better time to test the water than before you move in. Water quality testing will give you the information needed to make an informed purchasing decision, give you actionable information to mitigate the water, or just give peace of mind that your drinking water is safe.
The presence of coliform bacteria, specifically E. coli (a type of coliform bacteria), in drinking water suggests the water may contain pathogens that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, headaches, fever, fatigue, and even death sometimes.
There are many consumer-grade filtration systems available to the public, but awareness is the first step. It is very important to add a water quality testing service. There is no better time to test the water than before you move in. Water quality testing will give you the information needed to make an informed purchasing decision, give you actionable information to mitigate the water, or just give peace of mind that your drinking water is safe.
Mold Inspection
Hiding Behind the Walls
Mold is naturally occurring. If the environment outside your home contains mold, which it most likely does, mold will make its way into your home through the outdoor air that enters through open doors and windows, as well as through normal air infiltration. Mold needs moisture, organic material, and the right temperature range to reproduce and grow. Additionally, relative humidity of approximately 50% or higher, stagnant air or airtight structures, damp areas or products (towels, rags, clothes), incomplete/ improperly cleaned areas where mold has infested and low nitrogen concentrations in the air or soil can influence the growth of mold.
Service
A mold sample consists of taking air samples from inside and outside the home. The outside air sample serves a control sample. As mold is present in the environment, comparing indoor air samples with an outside, control sample helps to determine if mold is growing inside the home or is simply making its way into a home from the outside air.
Once the samples are taken, they are sent to an accredited laboratory, which will identify the types and levels of mold collected.
Signs and Symptoms of Health Risk
High levels of certain molds may not be problematic unless a person living in
the home has mold allergies. People allergic to mold typically have allergy,
cold or flu-like symptoms that may linger for weeks or months. These
symptoms include sneezing; cough or postnasal drip; itchy nose, throat or
eyes; and a runny or stuffy nose. Mold allergies can also trigger asthma,
resulting in wheezing, shortness of breath and even chest tightness.
Exposure to toxic mold will produce different symptoms. These symptoms
include memory problems to chronic sinus infections, balance issues and
even morning stiffness/joint pain. Once mold is removed from their homes,
people suffering from symptoms for mold allergies or toxic mold often see their
symptoms mysteriously disappear.
When To Schedule A Mold Sample & Analysis
If you notice a musty smell when you enter your home after the doors and
windows have been closed for several hours, you may want to have your
home tested for mold. In many cases, a homeowner may have become so
accustomed to the musty smell that he or she may no longer notice it. An
experienced home inspector, though, will notice this musty smell immediately!
If you or members of your family experience any of the symptoms associated
with mold allergies or toxic mold, you may want to have your home tested.
What To Expect
Within 48-72 hours of the mold sampling, you will be provided with a comprehensive report describing the mold types, levels, and recommendations.
Solutions
We are not a mold remediation company, which means that we don’t have a financial interest in finding mold in your home. Our only interest is helping you to accurately identify if mold is present, what levels are present and what types of mold are found.
In most cases, mold can be cleaned/ removed by the homeowner. According to the EPA, homeowners can clean up mold themselves if the area containing mold is less than 10 square feet. Here’s more information about cleaning up mold safely:
https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home#TipsandTechnique
Radon Inspection
What is radon?
Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you’re at high risk for developing lung cancer. Some scientific studies of radon exposure indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon. This may be due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to radiation damage.
Radon is a colorless chemically-unreactive inert gas. The atomic radius is 1.34 angstroms and it is the
heaviest known gas–radon is nine times denser than air. Because it is a single atom gas (unlike oxygen, O2, which is comprised of two atoms) it easily penetrates many common materials like paper, leather, low-density plastic (like plastic bags, etc.) most paints, and building materials like gypsum board (sheetrock), concrete block, mortar, sheathing paper (tar paper), wood paneling, and most insulations
Radon is also fairly soluble in water and organic solvents. Although reaction with other compounds is
comparatively rare, it is not completely inert and forms stable molecules with highly electronegative materials. Radon is considered a noble gas that occurs in several isotopic forms. Only two are found in
significant concentrations in the human environment: radon-222, and radon-220. Radon-222 is a member of the radioactive decay chain of uranium-238. Radon-220 is formed in the decay chain of thorium-232. Radon-222 decays in a sequence of radionuclides called radon decay products, radon daughters, or radon progeny. It is radon-222 that most readily occurs in the environment. Atmospheric releases of radon-222 results in the formation of decay products that are radioisotopes of heavy metals (polonium, lead, bismuth) and rapidly attach to other airborne materials such as dust and other materials facilitating
inhalation.
Should you test for radon?
Testing is the only way to know your home’s radon levels. There are no immediate symptoms that will alert you to the presence of radon. It typically takes years of exposure before any problems surface. The US EPA, Surgeon General, American Lung Association, American Medical Association, and National Safety Council recommend testing your home for radon because testing is the only way to know your home’s radon levels.
Sewer Scope Camera Inspections
Understanding the condition of the underground sewer drain line and knowing the extent and location of a particular problem will be a key part of your decision in purchasing a home. This same independent and unbiased information also applies to current homeowners who suspect that they have a
problem and need to be prepared before hiring a contractor for repairs.
Don’t underestimate the importance of having a sewer scope done as part of your home inspection. In most municipalities, homeowners are responsible for any problems in the sewer line that are on their property out to the street. Repairs can be messy and costly. Call Today!
Common Sewer Scope Defects
● Low Areas: also known as a ‘belly’, these low areas can collect water and solid waste, causing poor flow through the pipe and can lead to back-up and damage to the pipe as it sags further.
● Offsets: on some older piping, sections in the piping can separate, causing an offset in the piping to occur. Solid waste may not clear this offset, and waste water will seep into the surrounding soil, causing further settlement and eventual breakdown of the piping.
● Tree Roots: small gaps in sections of piping can allow tree roots to enter the sewer line. As the roots grow, the pipe can break and crack, requiring repair. Minor tree root intrusion can be rooted and cleared on a regular basis, with minimal or no significant pipe damage. Assessing the amount of root intrusion is part of a sewer scope inspection
● Pipe Collapse: if extreme root intrusion has occurred or significant soil settlement has occurred around the area due to offsets or a low area, complete pipe collapse can occur, requiring full excavation and repair of the sewer line. While rare, this condition can be assessed as part of a sewer scope inspection.
● Debris: Occasionally construction debris or other items can become lodged in the sewer line, preventing the flow of waste through the pipe.
Porch Home Assistance Services
Moving, improving, and everything in between
Take the STRESS out of moving BEFORE you settle in and even once you have received your
keys at settlement. Porch is a concierge service working for you to help you find the best in your new area for what you need
Need to get the internet, tv, phone or security system installed? They can help you. Need a mover, handyman or insurance? They are happy to offer over $100 coupons in handyman services. Definitely check out the brochure you will receive at your inspection.
All Porch services are backed with 100% satisfaction and best price guarantees. For more information, contact our office or you can reach out to Porch directly at (844) 314-1347 or porch.com
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