Do I Need an Environmental Inspection?

Asbestos Inspections

An asbestos inspection is recommended if:

• Your home or building was constructed before the late 1980s.
• You are planning a renovation or demolition.
• Your contractor has requested an asbestos survey.
• Local or state regulations require an inspection before permitting.
• You are purchasing an older commercial or residential property.
• Suspect materials such as floor tile, pipe insulation, popcorn ceilings, roofing, siding, drywall joint compound, or mastics will be disturbed.

An asbestos inspection identifies suspect asbestos-containing materials through visual inspection, representative bulk sampling, laboratory analysis, and a written report.

Mold Inspections

A mold inspection is recommended if you have experienced:

• Water damage or flooding
• Roof leaks
• Plumbing leaks
• Musty odors
• Visible mold growth
• Elevated indoor humidity
• Condensation issues
• HVAC moisture problems

A professional mold inspection helps determine the extent of moisture intrusion, identifies conditions conducive to microbial growth, and assists in developing an appropriate remediation plan.

Lead-Based Paint Inspections

Lead-based paint inspections are commonly recommended when:

• The property was built before 1978.
• You are planning renovations that may disturb painted surfaces.
• Children under six years of age occupy the home.
• A real estate transaction requires lead information.
• Chipping, peeling, or deteriorated paint is present.

Lead inspections may include XRF testing, paint chip sampling, risk assessments, or clearance testing, depending on the project and applicable regulations.

Radon Testing

Radon testing is recommended for:

• Homes with basements or crawl spaces.
• Real estate transactions.
• Newly constructed homes.
• Existing homes that have never been tested.
• Schools and commercial buildings where required or recommended.
• Homes located in areas with elevated radon potential.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. The only way to determine whether elevated radon levels are present is through testing.

Why Have an Inspection Before Construction?

Many environmental issues cannot be identified by visual observation alone. An inspection performed before renovation or demolition can:

• Prevent costly project delays.
• Identify hidden environmental hazards.
• Assist with budgeting and project planning.
• Help maintain compliance with applicable regulations.
• Reduce the likelihood of unexpected change orders.
• Protect workers, occupants, and the surrounding environment.

Identifying environmental concerns early is almost always less expensive than discovering them after construction has begun.

When Should You Schedule an Inspection?

It is generally best to schedule an inspection before:

• Purchasing a property.
• Beginning renovations.
• Applying for demolition permits.
• Hiring contractors.
• Starting water damage repairs.
• Selling certain properties where environmental concerns have been identified.

Waiting until construction has already started can result in delays, additional costs, and changes to the scope of work.