The Benefit of Including Ancillary Services.
Ancillary Services are supplemental to a home inspection or can also be performed as standalone services. According to NYS Standards of Practice for Home Inspectors, they are not included in a General Home Inspection. It is most efficient and economical to have these services performed at the time of the inspection, as we are already on-site, so there is no additional drive-out charge. This also ensures adequate time for the results to be received before closing. Additionally, the ancillary services fees are substantially reduced in our Package Pricing.
Bacterial Water Testing:
Private water supplies, both wells and springs, are susceptible to bacterial contamination. Houses for sale in NYS are required to have a water supply free of Coliform and E. Coli Bacteria, and the minimal test during real estate transactions is for the presence of Coliform/E. coli bacteria. Potable water must be free from both Coliform and E. coli bacteria, as water contaminated with these bacteria can cause various health issues, abdominal problems, and, in some cases, even death. Certain types of loans, such as FHA/VA/USDA, might require more extensive testing of the water supply for Lead, Nitrate, and Nitrite, which are common contaminants in agricultural areas due to the use of fertilizers and other farm activities. The EPA recommends that well owners test their water at least annually for bacterial presence and other potential local contaminants.
Even if a water treatment system is installed, whether it is UV, chlorination, or another type of system, it is still essential to have the water tested, as many systems are not adequately maintained, and some may not be antibacterial type. A problem with the chlorinator pump, chlorine tablets disposal unit, or an outdated or sediment-clouded UV bulb could make the water unsafe to consume. Corrective action to ensure potable water is the seller's responsibility.
Radon testing:
According to the EPA, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the USA. The EPA recommends taking corrective action if the levels are found to be above 4.0 pCi/L. In this area, it is common for homes to test above the 4.0 pCi/L, depending on the locality. A radon test is performed at the lowest level that could be used as usable space by the buyer. It takes 48 hours to complete the test, so a second visit to the property by an inspector is necessary to pick up the radon monitor or canisters after 48 hours. Radon levels below 4.0 pCi/L still pose some risk, and you can reduce your risk of lung cancer by lowering your radon levels. The cost of installing a radon evacuation system typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,000; however, in cases with a dirt floor in the basement and crawl spaces, the cost can be significantly higher. Typically, if radon levels are found to be high during the inspection, the corrective action cost is covered by the seller, unless the buyer waived the radon test in the contract.
Wood Destroying Insects Inspection:
NYS excludes WDI inspections from standard General Home Inspections [GHI]. The lender often requests the WDI inspection report. Indications of WDI infestation, such as microbial-damaged wood, siding installed too close to the ground, evidence of previous powder post beetle, carpenter ants, or termites presence, if observed by an appraiser, will automatically trigger a request for a WDI inspection by the lending institution. Including a WDI at the time of your home inspection will provide findings and conclusions ready for your lender to review.
Septic Dye Test:
Performed by adhering to standard testing protocols, testing sewage treatment systems is a relatively inexpensive and non-intrusive way of checking their performance. It does not fully determine the condition or type of the system, but if there is a problem with its performance, in most cases, the dye test will show that. Many lending institutions require a Septic Dye Test Report for loan approval on rural properties. A failed septic system or cesspool can be an expensive proposition to correct. Most sewage treatment repairs typically exceed $1,000, and a complete replacement of a septic system can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on soil conditions, local geology, the type of absorption field, regional regulations, and other factors.
Well, and pump flow test:
This test is performed to verify the adequacy of the water supply, the operation of the water pump and pressure tank, and their condition. Wells and water pumps can experience a range of problems, including damaged casing, unsanitary wellhead caps, insufficient water supply, a worn-out submersible pump, or a leak in the pipe between the well and the pressure tank. To test the system, we ran the water for approximately 60 minutes at a rate of 3 to 5 gallons per minute. During pump operation, we observe the pump cycle, water flow, and pressure fluctuations in the tank, as well as the condition and operation of the pressure switch. The test results are then included in the main home inspection report. Larger issues discovered during this test would need more expensive repairs, typically over $1,500. If problems are discovered with the pump, pipe, pressure tank, or an inadequate water supply, the repairs are usually covered by the current owner, or the contract is renegotiated to reflect the cost of necessary repairs.
Deficiencies in any of the above-listed systems typically result in larger expenses, which the owner is responsible for correcting before closing, since those are essential systems for the proper operation of the house.
