Steele Engineering: Residential Service Descriptions

Residential Service Descriptions:

Select the links below for more information and the value of that particular service to your purchase or renovation decision. Please feel free to call with any questions or to obtain quotes for professional engineering (P.E.) design and consulting fees. Short consultations and design services are generally performed on an hourly basis including travel to site.

A note regarding home inspection prices:

When selecting an inspection firm there is a key point to remember - Home inspections and the inspectors that conduct them are not all equal; the quality of your inspection is only as good as the expertise of your inspector. To help protect your interests be sure you clearly know the education and experience of your inspector; look for the Professional Engineer (P.E.) designation after your inspector’s name. As this is such an important financial decision, I encourage you to compare qualifications between any inspectors you are considering.

In comparing inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the sole deciding factor. I suspect the house you are buying is not the cheapest house that was on the market, but rather the house that you feel represents the best value for you. You are urged to choose your inspector the same way. Saving $50-100 on a poor quality inspection is no bargain.

Home Inspections
The basic structural inspection is a limited visual inspection in accordance with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards of Practice. Multi-family homes, "in-law" apartments, and separate garages require additional time to inspect and are usually assessed at an additional fee per living unit. Commercial properties usually follow different standards and may be subject to additional fees; please call to discuss. While many inspectors use only a vague carbon-copy checklist of findings, with this service you will be provided with a detailed report, usually 25-30+ pages, clearly identifying the major deficiencies with the property, as well as helpful safety and maintenance information.
Radon in Air Screening
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, cancer-causing gas found in millions of homes; it is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Your radon survey is conducted using two New York State lab certified charcoal canisters. The average level of radon measured is reported and recommendations for action are detailed in the report.
Water Quality Tests
Note: Since tests for bacteria need to be processed by the laboratory within 24 hours, they are normally collected from Sunday to Thursday. Friday morning water tests are possible, but an additional service fee may possibly apply since a special 'rush' trip to the laboratory must be made in order to deliver the samples in time. Please call to see if an additional charge will apply. Tests for lead are not subject to this fee. Test results are sent directly to your home from the laboratory, usually within 5-15 business days, depending on the complexity of the tests.
For Municipal (Public) Water Supplies:
Lead: Single sample - "first draw" sample (recommended for older homes that may have lead or galvanized plumbing, or piping with lead solder joints, especially for homes with children as they are more susceptible to the effects of lead)
Lead: Double sample - "first draw" + "flushed line" samples (a more comprehensive test for lead; helps determine the extent of any contamination - see Water Quality Tests link above for more information)
For Private Wells:
Coliform bacteria: This test is the minimum recommended for private well water systems, providing one indication of well contamination by a septic system. (Not usually required for public water systems.)

FHA short series: Coliform bacteria, single sample lead, nitrites, and nitrates (High levels of nitrates and nitrites may indicate contamination from agriculture or septic systems and suggest the need for additional testing.)

FHA/VA/HUD long series: Coliform bacteria, single sample lead, nitrites, nitrates, iron, manganese, iron plus manganese, sodium, pH, hardness, alkalinity, and turbidity (commonly specified as minimum mortgage requirement)

Premium Test Series: Test includes a 95 item check for: Coliform bacteria, (15) heavy metals and minerals, (5) other inorganic chemicals, (5) physical characteristics, (4) trihalomethanes and (44) volatile organic chemicals, with an additional check for (20) pesticides, herbicides and PCB’s.
Well Water Flow
This test is used to help provide an indication of the adequacy of a private water system. Water is typically run for at least two hours at three gallons per minute and metered using pressure and flow gauges.
Septic Dye Test
A dye is injected into the sewer system with several hundred gallons of water. The area assumed to contain the septic system is monitored for evidence of the dye, indicating a problem with the leach field. This test is usually only performed when mandated by a bank or mortgage lender. As this test does not absolutely and positively indicate a failing system, in addition to this test, a more detailed investigation is advised.
Lead Concerns
Lead paint was used extensively in buildings until the manufacturing of lead paint was banned in 1978 (large stockpiles of paint from warehouses, sheds, garages and basements have been in use for years since the manufacturing ban). This test involves the limited sampling of suspected lead products within the building for lead content. If you are planning a renovation or painting, have small infants or children, or are pregnant, this is an important survey to conduct as it can help locate some of the potential lead sources.
Mold Concerns
Mold susceptibility varies by person, depending on a number of factors. Working in hospitals and with epidemiologists for a number of years has provided an opportunity to see the effects of mold/fungal infections on certain patient populations, and the precautions needed to protect them. Persons with a greater susceptibility to mold and fungal infections include those with immunosuppression (compromised immune systems), transplant and AIDS patients, premature birth infants, and persons with allergies to specific molds. In many cases nothing needs to be done outside of stopping the water source to the mold and cleaning or removing the contaminated materials. As an additional service, Steele Engineering can perform the investigative research as needed for your specific situation.