101 Point Home Inspection
This inspection will tell you everything you need to know about the property.

 Pest, Termite & W.D.O. (Wood-Destroying Organisms)
All inspections are completed by individuals with a valid pest control identification card designating them as having received special training to perform such inspections.

A Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Inspection is a written report of an inspection on a structure for visible and accessible evidence of an infestation or damage by wood destroying organisms. Usually this means subterranean or dry wood termites, but will also cover wood destroying beetles. The inspector will note any evidence of (1) live termites or other wood destroying organisms (2) infestation by termites or other wood destroying organisms (3) damage by termites or other wood destroying organisms (4) previous treatment for termites or other wood destroying organisms.
The WDO inspection industry in Florida is regulated by The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Agriculture Environmental Services and Division of Entomology and Pest Control.  Ask about a FREE Pest Inspection

 
 Air Quality (Mold, Mildew and Fungi)
This inspection includes examination of common surfaces and materials where mold, mildew and fungi usually grow. Additionally, air samples will be taken for the purposes of locating un-seen mold, mildew, and fungi, and observed over 72 hours to determine the approximate concentration thereof with relation to normal ecology.

 Water Quality (Bacteria, Nitrates, Sulfate, Pathogens, etc.)
We will take two water samples from the home. We follow the Florida Department of Health procedures for collecting water samples. We will test the first sample for hardness, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), tannins, possibly iron &/or hydrogen sulfide. We will then have the second sample tested by the County Health Department for BIOLOGICAL contaminates - coliform which is a micro biological indicator of harmful pathogens and bacteria - E. Coli, fecal matter, etc. We can also test for CHEMICAL contaminates - lead, nitrites, & nitrates which often come from fertilizer &/or pesticides. (additional fees apply). 
                      
Click here to see what Lee County Health Dept
Environmental Engineering Division has to say
about testing your drinking water.


 Well & Septic
A well inspection consists of checking all well equipment for apparent proper working order. We will check all above-ground equipment. This includes all pumps, pressure tanks, pressure tank gauges and other fittings, water softeners, filters, aerators, etc. Our inspection does not include removing the well pump from the bottom of the well, but we will inspect the pipe coming from the well pump for noise and vibration.
 
A proper septic system inspection includes pumping the tank to examine the inside for cracks and or tree roots. We will also inspect baffles (inside the tank, they separate solids from liquids) for deterioration. and the condition of and or possible clogging of the drain field. Further, we report the capacity, dimensions, material, filter or solid deflection device, & if it is free of observable defects or leaks. Finally, you will receive a State of Florida Dept of Health Onsite Sewage Treatment Evaluation.

 Chinese Drywall
Drywall usually comes from within the United States. However due to a shortage during the real estate boom in Southwest Florida from 2002 – 2008, it was imported from China. There is evidence that the off gassing of Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S), Carbon Disulfide (SCS), Carbonyl Sulfide (OCS), and Strontium Sulfide (SrS) from the Chinese drywall causes several health issues including respiratory discomfort, eye irritations, nose bleeds, headaches, etc. It also causes the corrosion of metal building products and components in home appliances. Our inspectors will check for both the physical evidence of contaminated drywall AND evidence of off gassing. Click the links below to learn more from the Florida Department of Health, the Technical Symposium on Corrosive Imported Drywall and the Drywall Information Center, which is a colaboration of experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The US Consumer Product Safety Commission, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department or Housing and Urban Development.

Also see "Get out of house with Chinese drywall, doctor tells family" from CNN.com

                
 
 4-Point Insurance Inspection
The Four Point Insurance Inspection was created after Hurricane Andrew struck Florida in 1992. It is often required by insurance companies before offering insurance (especially homes built prior to 1985). This inspection consists of visual inspections of the (1) Roof (2) Electrical System (3) HVAC System and (4) Plumbing. Insurance companies want to know the current operating condition, scheduled maintenance requirements, and expected service life of these four components.

 Wind Mitigation

Save as much as 50% on your home owners insurance premiums! This inspection makes sense for anyone, even if it is not required by your insurance company. Our wind mitigation inspection lets you know about possible weak points of a home’s protection from tropical storm or hurricane force winds. This inspection includes examinations of all of the following:

Original Building Code     Roof Covering            Roof Deck Attachment       Roof to Wall Attachment
Roof Geometry               Gable End Bracing     Wall Construction Type      Secondary Water Resistance (SWR)
Opening Protection

 Lead
All properties built prior to 1980 should be considered as target housing for lead-based paint hazards. Attention all pregnant women, parents, and people with high blood-pressure, you ESPECIALLY should get this inspection! Defective peeling/flaking paint on any interior or exterior surface must be identified and repaired following the EPA guidelines. We will test for the presence of lead in the home by taking samples of paint, interior dust, and exterior soil.

“Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from motor vehicles and industrial sources, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk. Most Common Sources of Lead Poisoning are (1) Deteriorating lead-based paint  (2) Lead contaminated dust (3) Lead contaminated residential soil.”
– U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

“Consider having the paint tested in homes constructed before the 1980s. This is particularly important if infants, children, or pregnant women are present. Lead-based paint is a major source of lead poisoning for children and can also affect adults. In children, lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage and can impair mental functioning. It can retard mental and physical development and reduce attention span. It can also retard fetal development even at extremely low levels of lead. In adults, it can cause irritability, poor muscle coordination, and nerve damage to the sense organs and nerves controlling the body. Lead poisoning may also cause problems with reproduction (such as a decreased sperm count). It may also increase blood pressure. Thus, young children, fetuses, infants, and adults with high blood pressure are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead.”
- The US Consumer Product Safety Commission


 Occupancy & Condition
Perfect for out-of-town owners of rental or seasonal properties. This inspection consists of first verifying that the property is vacant. If so, a thorough interior and exterior examination will be conducted. We will provide a report detailing the condition and security of the property, any damage, utility status, personal property and any potential hazards left behind. Our report will also include interior and exterior digital photos of any issues and each room from all four corners, floor and ceiling, and all appliances.

 Home Watch Inspections
Attention all seasonal residents and absentee owners of rental properties. We do it all while you are away. We will schedule regular inspections to monitor your home’s security and proper working order of HVAC, sprinkler systems, pool equipment, etc. We can also secure the home after you or renters leave and prepare it for you or their arrival. Everything from turning on or off water heater, and specific electrical circuits to cleaning, laundry, and refrigerator empty or re-stocking, we will customize a plan to meet your needs. 

 Storm Assessment Inspections
Sleep easy knowing that your home is prepared for a coming storm. We will install shutters before the storm, then remove them and assess any damage once the storm has passed.

  

 

  Roof Inspection Affidavit + CBC Letter
A Lee County Building Dept Inspection Affidavit is required before permits can be issued for most roofing construction. Often a letter from an Architect, Engineer, CGC, CBC is also required. We will conduct the inspection, complete the form & include a signed letter if necessary. The fee for these services is $199.

 Roof Condition Certification (for Citizens)
Citizens Insurance is requiring a Roof Condition Certification on many homes before an insurance binder can be issued. We will conduct the inspection, complete the Citizens form & include photos as necessary. The fee for these services is $125, unless we are already on site conducting other inspections - in which case, the fee is only $50.

 Competitive Pricing
We understand that price is important.  Our fees are always competitive, without cutting corners.

          Call 239-292-0756 or 941-405-3181 for current Discounts & Specials!

        Call 239-292-0756 or 941-405-3181 for current Discounts & Specials!

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"It is a capital mistake to theorize before you have all the evidence"
                                                                       - Sherlock Holmes
                                                 Sherlock Home Inspections

   

MAIN OFFICE:
106 Hancock Bridge Pkwy W.
Suite D-15
Cape Coral, FL 33991
info@sherlock-inspections.com