What We Do and How We Do It

HOW WE DO IT AND THE TOOLS WE USE Moisture Inspection and Mold Assessment - because mold MUST have moisture

• Preferred Home Inspections - PHI will thoroughly inspect the exterior and interior structure for any problems that may account for humidity or water penetration such as high grade, roof damage, improper flashing, plumbing leaks and any other moisture penetration sources.  We will use our moisture detection tools: ,
  • 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
  • Tramex Moisture Encounter for non-destructive moisture readings
  • Low flow pump and Z5 cassettes for indoor air quality testing
  • INFRA-RED CAMERA TECHNOLOGY - to help make determinations about water penetration, which must be confirmed with another excellent tool.  As shown below, heavy water penetration into the interior wall of the window shows up as blue/purple;  we own the BD-200 Professional Grade camera (not just the "gun" that most inspectors use).  With this tool, we can take dulicate photos of a site, to match the infra-red up to a ditigal image, which helps a person understand where the location was.  We use this camera at no added charge to you during our home inspection and moisture inspections. 

Our professional level FLIR Infra-red camera takes both digital photos and infra-red photos simultaneously.

In the photos above, extreme moisture is shown as purple against a warmer background of yellow, indicating that moisture is able to penetrate through the window sill. 

WHAT WE DO:

1. A Thorough Mold Assessment Inspection, to determine where water penetration has or is occurring.  This is possibly the most important aspect of finding mold.
2. Testing We can perform several  different types of testing and after our assessment will know what the most appropriate test is to use for the specific conditions.
3. Lab Result Interpretation After the tests are overnighted and returned within 1-4 days (depending upon your turnaround needs), we will review the results and incorporate them into our assessment report.  The report is then sent to you.  In the report will be an analysis of the lab results, and within our assessment will be the reasons we believe have caused mold and how to repair the problem.
4. Protocol for Remediation If the results show that a procedure known as "remediation" is needed to rid the structure of mold, we can write the specific instructions.  These documents are needed for licensed mold remediation companies to bid your work ("apples to apples").  This puts all companies on the same foot and, therefore, easier for you to choose who to use.
5. Project Management - "Overseeing the work"  is not within the   scope of the Protocol, we can be hired to help you with this.
6. Clearance Certificates  After the remediators have finished their work, we can be hired to come back  for clearance testing, which is needed to assure that the structure does not have excessive mold.  This document is useful when it comes time to sell your home.
7. Mold and Allergens  Preferred Inspections has years of experience in inspections, allergen and  mold testing in both homes and offices, where challenges may have stymied other inspectors and mold assessment consultants. Preferred Inspections has a successful track record  for  discovering the sources of mold, allergens and poor indoor air quality and were able to rectify the problems through diligent efforts and expertise.   The challenge is finding where chronic moisture penetration occurs in a structure and where a reservoir of mold may exist
8. Home Inspections  Licensed for 20 years, Preferred Home Inspections, Inc., has a systematic approach and the qualified personnel to perform quality inspections in 1/2 the time and you get your report the same day!
9. Stucco Inspections.  See information under the Stucco tab (above)
10. Forensic Inspections.  Please call us to discuss this type of inspection.