Homesteaders Home Inspections
Baltimore Country Rental Inspections
Lead Paint Inspections
Mold Inspections
10114 Liberty Road
Randallstown, MD 21133
Telephone: 410-922-8681 Fax: 410-922-8605
Email: information@homesteadersinspec.com
Homesteaders Home Inspections
You’ve found your dream home, now you need assurance that all is what it seems to be. Homesteaders will give you a comprehensive report detailing every aspect of your new home, so that you can make the right decision for your self and your budget. All inspections are performed in accordance with the standards of practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the nationwide authority. Homesteaders is also licensed with the State Of Maryland #29490.
Every inspection includes an evaluation of the visible and accessible major components of the house including: Central Heating Systems, Central Cooling Systems, Interior Electrical System, Interior Plumbing, Roof, Walls, Ceiling, Floors, Windows, Doors, Foundation, Basement, Crawl Space, Slab Structures, Surface Water Penetration, Insulation, Exterior Siding and many other items.
Home Inspections start at $250.000 and go up depending on the how many rooms in the house.
$25.00 Discount to First Time Home Buyers
Associate Member of Realtors: Long and Foster Realtors-Home Services Connections, Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors, Member in Good Standing with Better Business Bureau of Great Maryland Inc.
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Baltimore County Rental Inspections
Did you know that in December 2007 of you own rental property in Baltimore County you now need to have it registered with Baltimore County as a rental property? It also has to be inspected by a Licensed Home Inspector every 3 years.
Homesteaders can provide rental inspections in Baltimore County and Certificated Lead Paint Inspections for the State of Maryland.
Inspector Guide for Baltimore County, Smoke Detectors (Hard Wire), Electric Systems, Windows are Operational, Proper Ventilation of all combustible appliances (furnace, hot water heater, dryer), Secondary means of escape form sleeping areas and No Exterior Safety Hazards.
Please contact Homesteaders if you have any questions on the NEW BALTIMORE COUNTY INSPECTIONS.
Fees Start at $125.00 per unit and discounts for muli-units.
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Maryland Department of Environment MDE
Rental Lead Paint Inspections
Maryland laws and regulations regarding the reduction of lead paint risk in rental housing provide the inspections to be conducted at turn over or a new rental. A rental property which was constructed prior to 1950 must meet one of the inspection standards.
An inspection contractor can issue a certificate which indicates that there is a reduced risk of lead exposure in a rental unit. For a Full Risk Reduction Certificate the inspection is generally conducted in a vacant unit prior to occupancy by a new tenant. Your insurance company may also request a copy of a full risk reduction certificate as a condition for providing lead liability coverage.
Full Risk Reduction Treatment:
Remove any and all chipping, peeling or flaking paint and repaint, repair structural defects that cause paint to chip, peel or flake, strip, replace or encapsulate interior sills, Cap window wells in order to make them smooth and cleanable, fix the top sash of all windows to prevent friction caused by the opening and closing of windows, re-hang doors to prevent rubbing, ensure that kitchens and bathrooms have smooth, water –resistant floors, make all bare floors smooth and cleanable and HEPA –vacuum the interior of the unit.
Fees: $60.00 for the service call and $13.00 per dust wipe.
One dust wipe per-room with replacement windows
Two dusts wipe per-room with old windows
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What is Mold?
Molds are simple, microscopic organisms whose purpose in the ecosystem is to break down dead materials. Molds can be found on plants, dry leaves, and on just about every other organic material. Some molds are useful, such as those used to make antibiotics and cheese. Some molds are known to be highly toxic when ingested, such as the types that invade grains and peanuts.
Who Does Mold Affect?
Mold spores can cause adverse reactions, much like pollen from plants. Mold spores cause health problems when they become airborne and are inhaled in large quantities. Everyone is exposed to mold in some concentration in the outdoor air. Indoor exposure to molds is not healthy for anyone. In particular people with allergies, existing respiratory conditions or suppressed immure systems are especially susceptible to health problems from mold exposure. Additionally, infants and children, pregnant women and the elderly can be sensitive to the effects of mold exposure. Some molds are more hazardous than others. For some people, a small number of mold spores can cause health problems. For others, it may take many more.
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Symptoms of Mold Exposure?
There are many symptoms of mold exposure. The extent of symptoms depends on the sensitivity of the exposed person. Allergic reactions are the most common and typically include: respiratory problems such as wheezing and difficulty breathing: nasal and sinus congestion: burning, watery, reddened eyes or blurry vision: sore throat: dry cough: nose and throat irritation: shortness of breath: skin irritation: shortness of breath: and skin irritation. Other less common effects are nervous system problems (headaches, memory loss, and moodiness): aches and pains: and fever. If you have any of these symptoms, and they are reduced or completely gone when you leave the suspect area, chances are you are exposed to some sort of allergen, quite possibly mold.
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How Can I Keep Mold From Damaging my House?
Repair water damage as soon as it is noticed.
Watch for signs of moisture, such as condensation on windows, cracking of walls, loosening of drywall tape, warped wood or musty odors.
Install bathroom fans that vent humidity to the outside.
Vent your clothes dryer to the outside
Clean any moldy surfaces as soon as they are noticed.
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Mold Sampling:
Home Inspectors can conduct air sampling to detect the presence of those spores in your home. If you have obvious mold, you can conduct a swab test that can be analyzed to determine the molds that are present. Once again, the only way to know if you have a mold problem and what type it is, is to test.
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Cost of Sampling:
$95.00 for the service call and $75.00 per sample taken (air sample or swab)
Average home has three samples (1) 1st Floor (1) 2nd Floor (1) outside
All inspections are performed in accordance with the standards of practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the nationwide authority.
Homesteaders accepts: Master Card and Visa