It is crucial that we have a signed agreement prior to inspecting your home. In fact, we can't perform an inspection without it. The agreement is provided below in PDF format for your convenience.

RADON FAQs

The following information is provided by the EPA. More information about radon can be found by visiting the EPA's radon site at http://www.epa.gov/radon/

What is Radon?

Radon is a cancer causing, radioactive gas.http://www.kearneyhomeinspections.com/images/user/big_us_radon_zones.jpgIt comes from a natural breakdown of uranium in the soil, rock and water and gets into the air you breathe. Radon typically moves up through the ground to the air above and into your home through cracks, expansion joints and other holes in the foundation.

I have never heard of radon. Is it really that dangerous?

You cannot see, smell, or taste radon. But it still may be a problem in your home. When you breathe air containing radon, you increase your risk of getting lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General of the United States 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, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.

Is radon really as dangerous as cigarette smoke?

Radon is regarded as a Group A carcinogen; that is, it is known to cause cancer in humans with prolonged exposure. It has been shown in carefully controlled studies on animals, and on hard-rock miners, and most recently confirmed in residential case-control studies, that the effects of radon gas can significantly increase the potential of lung cancer. The United States Environmental Protection Agency and Surgeon General recommend that people not have long-term exposures in excess of 4.0 pico Curies per liter (pCi/L).

The EPA estimates that radon causes thousands of cancer deaths in the U.S. each year. Radon is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year, according to EPA?s 2003 Assessment of Risks from Radon in Homes (EPA 402-R-03-003). The number of deaths from other causes are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention?s 1999-2001 National Center Injury Prevention and Control Report and 2002 National Safety Council Reports.

All of these insects except carpenter bees prefer damp habitats. Therefore your best protection against wood destroying insects is to keep all areas in your home clean and dry. Eliminating basement and crawlspace moisture is critical, as well as eliminating any leaks from plumbing, roofing, or exterior finishes. In addition, eliminating wood/soil contact at such places as basement window frames, porches, and where planters are installed against the side of the house is an important preventative measure. Taking precautions such as these, along with monitoring for insect activity will help to guard your house against insect damage.

Valley Home Inspection can provide Wood Destroying Insect reports in conjunction with a home inspection or as a stand-alone service. Be sure to check with your lender before scheduling your inspection to see if our more informational Wood Destroying Insect report will be adequate or if you need the report in the FHA required format.