Need immediate answers to your questions about moisture, mold or allergens? Call Elissa at 713-248-6284 or email to: elmartinez@swbell.netor for questions about strucco, general home inspections thermography (infrared) call or write , Wendy at homeinspector@swbell.net
Who We Are: A licensed, incorporated, insured,Mold Assessment Company, home inspection, stucco inspection and family business with over 25 years
Fernando Martinez, owner of Preferred Home Inspections, Inc. is a licensed TREC home inspector, Certified ICC Code Inspector for buildings, Certified EDI Stucco Inspector and Licensed Mold Assessment Consultant. He also holds a certificate for proficiency as a thermographer when using Infra-Red technology.
Wendy Matson Martinez is co-owner of Preferred Home Inspections, Inc., and is licensed as a certified Exterior Design Institute Stucco Inspector, an apprentice TREC home inspector and Mold Assessment Consultant.
Elissa Martinez, daughter, is a licensed Mold Assessment Consultant and TREC licensed apprentic home inspector
We are licensed and certified to perform these services:
1. Moisture, mold and allergen assessments and testing, licensed by Texas Department of State Health Services
2. Licensed and certified to perfmorm stucco inspections (Licensed by ICC as a building code inspector/certified by Exterior Design Institute) Go to the stucco page tab for specific information
3. Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) to perform structural and mechanical home inspectionsfor new, resale, warranty and walkthroughs on new homes or repaired homes See our secondary website for more information about all the types of inspections we perform - go to www.preferredinspectionstx.com
4. Issue Texas Department of State Health Services document "Clearance Certificate"otherwise known as Certificate for Mold Damage Remediation.
5. Write Protocol for Remediation documents after an assessment, which is needed for a licensed mold restoration company to have because it fully explains how to remediate the mold spores.
6. Performclearance testing after remediation is performed
Stucco Inspections are a speciality. Fernando has the credentials and experience necessary for inspecting and documenting stucco issues. He and Wendy are certified by Exterior Design Institute in stucco and he is licensed by ICC (International Code Council) for building code inspections.
We use state-of-the-art moisture sensing equipment like the Delmhorst BD2100 with 6" and 8" prods for moisture inspections and stucco inspections that penetrate deep into wall structures so that moisture can be "read" on inner wall surfaces.
We also own and use the FLIR B-200 Infra-red camera for documentary images we put into reports. Using both the Flir and the Delmhorst, moisture can be found and verified in all walls and ceilings, confirming Fernando's expert diagnosis of moisture penetration issues.
To perform some of these inspections, it is necessary to prod and/or drill into the walls both on the interior and exterior stucco. We must have a signed liability waiver for the owner's signature (see the red block under the video on this page) You can download, sign and return by email (homeinspector@swbell.net) or fax to 281-298-4646.
To watch exactly how this inspection is performed go to the stucco tab at the top of this page to watch youtube videos. You will learn why Fernando must prod to make final determinations on where to drill the exterior, which will help show the condition of the interior wood structure. The video shows how small the holes prodded and drilled are and how they are filled to become almost unnoticeable. If anyone tells you they can determine whether there is moisture, how much moisture and the conditon of the wood without invasive testing they are not telling the truth.
Structural and Mechanical InspectionsMost home inspectors, professional engineers (PE) and certified industrial hygienists (CIH) don’t have the combined knowledge that Fernando has, when it comes to home and building construction. Both Wendy and Fernando have over 20 years individually in structural and mechanical inspections.
Some of the tools we own and use are state-of-the art moisture sensing equipment::
B-200 Flir Infra-red camera with "fusion" capability
Delmhorst BD2100 moisture detectors with 4,6,8" stucco prods
Tramex Moisture Encounter
Do you have to be licensed to test for mold? YES.Don’t be fooled by home inspectors who talk about mold but aren’t licensed to assess or test it – ask them if they are licensed properly - NOT CERTIFIED - then go to www.dshs.state.tx.us/mold/default.shtmfor database of licensed inspectors and other mold information.
Mold and Allergens Preferred Inspections has performed numerous inspections, allergen and mold testing in both homes and offices, where challenges may have stymied other inspectors, Preferred Inspections has a successful track record for discovering the sources of mold, allergens and poor indoor air quality and was able to rectify the problems through diligent efforts and expertise. Another good reason for testing is to find out that your home or office DOESN'T have excessive mold or allergens. We work hand in hand with Allergy and Asthma Associates patients who have been personally tested and want to find out if their home has a problem.
We are SUPRA key enabled for realtor convenience!
Fernando Martinez~President of PHI
MAC #1002
Agente Bilingual
Fernando is fully bilingual in both English and Spanish
ICC certified building inspector (code inspections)
Follow this link to download our inspection contract:
Fernando has been a hard-working Realtor since 1983! See him on the HAR website at http://www.har.com/AWS/aws.cfm?agent_number=314654 ( go to my site where I have an incredible deal for those of you interested ingetting cash back backfrom your new home purchase)
MOLD ISSUES: Have you ever heard “MOLD HAS ALWAYS BEEN WITH US why worry?…”
Mold is everywhere but it is excessive mold growth that is worrisome and possibly dangerous to one’s health. Since the 80’s energy crisis, houses have been constructed more air –tight so that interior air is stagnant – circulating again and again through the cooling or heating system, with little or no fresh outside air. This overexposure to the same polluted air is possibly an underlying cause of respiratory, allergy and a host of other potential health problems.
Mold needs air, moisture and a food source to grow. Among the most common reasons for mold growth are plumbing leaks, roof leaks, (self) flooding or a/c duct leakage and EIFS or masonry stucco exterior.
Mold can grow on or in just about anything. But it is the hidden mold, with a constant source of moisture that can allow the most dangerous mold situations to grow and exist. Even when dead, mold spores can still be toxic.
An experienced home inspector like Fernando, of Preferred Home Inspections, can assess a structure and determine where moisture penetration is, or was occurring. An experienced Mold Assessment Consultant like Fernando knows where and how to test to get the most reliable result]
What is the difference between mold testing and allergen testing? How do you know which one you need?
A person can be sensitized to both allergens AND mold. They can both cause allergic reactions such as rashes, bronchial problems, and many other symptoms. We can perform allergen testing for you. It is especially useful if you have already been tested and know what you are allergic to - we can test for those allergens. Or we can test for the most common allergens and provide you with the information to perform common sense, proactive approaches to reducing the allergens you may be allergic to.
WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE PREFERRED HOME INSPECTIONS, INC, TO FIND AND TEST FOR MOLD – WHY YOU SHOULD’NT DO IT YOURSELF
To properly test and receive a report that yields appropriate and reliable information, an experienced mold assessment consultant like Fernando, of Preferred Home Inspections, utilize his specialized training. Due to this and years of experience, Fernando recognizes construction defects and other factors that are the underlying cause of a mold situation – because excessive mold problems don’t just “happen”.
An inexperienced person may take samples from “cosmetic” type mold or even an obvious area of mold, thereby completely missing a less obvious but more problematic mold growth.
An experienced Mold Assessment Consultant like Fernando, of Preferred Home Inspections, knows the value of each type of mold testing and has the proper equipment and methods of collection for lab evaluation.
I KNOW I HAVE MOLD – I CAN SEE IT – WHY TEST? 7 good reasons
Visible mold is not necessarily the dangerous type! Some surface molds are considered “cosmetic” molds, easily killed with the right cleaning product. This type doesn’t normally have to be tested. Invisible mold spores ARE in the air – testing will tell if they are abundant, indicating a problem.
An Indoor Air Quality specialist cannot reliably identify a mold genus or species growing on a building surface by the naked eye – he or she must do a MOLD TEST
Using basic testing methods, an experienced, licensed mold professional can
screen a home or building for excessive mold.
Hiring a professional, licensed Mold Assessment Consultant for pre-screening a home for mold is not expensive.
“Dead” mold sends spores into the air, which can be allergenic or toxic. Testing the air is the only way to determine if and what types of mold spores exist in large amounts, or if toxic dangerous mold is present.
Sensitive or immune deficient people, infants, children, the elderly and even pets can be affected. Of course, health and allergy screening tests performed by health care professionals are essential.
Your air conditioner could be a breeding ground for spreading mold spores throughout your home. The heating and air conditioning system allows humid and moist air passing through it. Moisture is one of the elements needed for mold growth. If it is not functioning properly or has ducting problems, mold can grow at the air return and distribution plenum and the evaporator coil and ducts.
HOW MOLD TESTING IS PERFORMED
Moisture Inspection - because mold must have moisture
Using a hygrometer, Fernando, of Preferred Home Inspections (PHI) will find the humidity level in your home. Remember, mold needs moisture; therefore high humidity is a perfect condition. The result is noted on the lab report form for chain of custody. PHI will look over the exterior and interior structure for any problems that may account for humidity or water penetration such as high grade, roof damage, improper flashing and many other possible factors.
Preferred Home Inspections will perform a moisture inspection – performing a visual inspection on the interior and exterior walls, roof, attic and plumbing.
NOW OFFERING INFRA-RED TECHNOLOGY - to help make determinations about water penetration, which must be confirmed with the Delmhorst BD2100 moisture meter.
Digital and infra-red photos taken and are included into reports. Fernando hold a Level 1 Thermographer certificate offered by ITC - Flir, the maker of FLIR
A/C Inspection
Preferred Home Inspections will check the air return and air registers as needed at random locations for signs of dirt or mold on the louvers (this indicates possible duct problem/air infiltration) Preferred Home Inspections may decide that the a/c system needs to be inspected for mold and will check the attic HVAC system for possible faults that can account for mold growth. Fernando may recommend that an a/c technician perform work on the system to alleviate problems.
Indoor Air Quality Tests - Mold Testing Fernando of Preferred Home Inspections will determine type of testing needed for the situation. The following two types of mold testing methods are commonly used:
For Indoor Air Quality, a spore trap impaction cassette uses air moving through slit impaction as the collection mechanism. The cassette is attached to a low flow air pump that must be properly calibrated. This method draws air into the cassette and particles in the air attach themselves to a sticky material within the cassette. The cassette is then sent to a lab for microscopic analyzing.
The spore trap impaction cassette is an effective, first-line mold screening tool that efficiently and reliably collects mold spores. It can be easily used by mold assessment consultants to get preliminary information on whether a mold problem may exist and further investigation is warranted. This method is an industry recognized and reliable method that allows superior mold spore collection. Air sampling can be useful as a background check for the possibility that there is a large reservoir source which has not yet been found in a building.
For visible mold growth, a Petri dish culturing method for direct swabbing of mold used to determine type and species. This type of testing method has its limitations and is used in cases where a large area of visible mold was found during investigation. .
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET RESULTS?
On site, Indoor Air Quality tests do not take long – depending upon how many areas need to have air drawn. For instance, the taking of one indoor and one outdoor test (required) would take approximately 45 minutes.
Normally tests taken are packaged and sent by Federal Express overnight to the lab along with the Chain of Custody form.. Once received, they are put into the lab testing queue and wait to be diagnosed by lab technicians. Next Day results are standard ** after lab receives cassettes
Results are forwarded to the inspector via email
Inspector analyzes the results and composes a report on the laboratory findings. The results and reports are forwarded to the client (you) with instructions on how to read the user-friendly lab reports.
**If faster turnaround time is needed, we can provide, however, it is an added expense
WHAT IF I HAVE MOLD? The laboratory will decide if elevated mold conditions exist by comparing the indoor air quality samples side-by-side with the outdoor samples. They conclude whether an elevated or unusual mold condition exists by providing an elevated or not elevated answer. As a mold consultant, Fernando must also agree with the lab but is not obliged to agree since he was present at the inspection and may have added information that the lab was not privy to. Fernando, as a licensed mold assessment consultant, has been given the ability to disagree by the State Department of State Health Services.
If the tests come back showing elevated mold conditions, the next step is for Fernando, as the Mold Assessment Consultant, to write “Protocol for Remediation”. The written protocol report will consist of methods for proper management by a licensed Remediator of the mold problem and is an additional cost depending upon the extent of contamination. This report is required by law for a licensed mold remediation company to perform the actual duties of removal of the mold in accordance with the Texas Department of State Health Services.
As leader of the team, the Mold Assessment Consultant and the Mold Remediator will communicate to resolve the mold problem. Fernando, a Licensed Mold Assessment Consultant, will make himself available for any questions that the Mold Remediator may have.
CLEARANCE TESTING? When the Mold Remediator has finished with all the steps necessary for ridding the structure of mold, he calls for the Mold Assessment Consultant to return and take “clearance” tests, again using the indoor air quality impaction cassettes. This cost is over and above the initial testing and protocol report.
When the tests come back from the laboratory with results that show the indoor air quality to be as good as or better than outdoor air, has no toxic mold spores and is below an average of 400 spores per cubic meter, a final clearance report called a "Certification of Mold Remediation" can be issued, which should be kept with the home for future owners as proof that the mold levels are normal..
To purchase an inspection click link below:
We offer Saturday inspections to be paid in advance by using Paypal. If cancellation of the inspection is necessary, we will charge a small fee to be deducted from the refund (exception: Angies List referrals).
