Pre-Acquisiton Home Inspection and Testing Services

Its not uncommon for environmental issues to be exaggerated (some in my profession are guilty of this) or for environmental issues to be too readily dismissed (sometimes exaggeration and unnecessary or ineffective regulation leads to skepticism).

Tri-Tech believes in a balanced and pragmatic science-driven "it is what it is" approach, keeping in mind a customer's needs and risk tolerance and understanding when "peace of mind" testing is appropriate.

Asbestos Inspection and Testing

Partial or complete asbestos surveys can be performed depending on whether there is concern for only high-risk forms of asbestos or lower risk forms as well. Asbestos was put in almost every type of building product at one time or another. It is almost easier to list the few things that asbestos was not added to. My services are tailored to the customer's specific needs, whether it be just a visual inspection, limited testing or extensive testing. Air testing can also be performed. On-site inspection fees start at $115.  Asbestos duct insulation ,  vermiculite  and floor tile are the most common concerns.  Do-it-yourself testing  for unofficial results starts at $45.  Post- abatement clearance  testing starts at $145.

Mold and moisture intrusion inspections  can be performed. Air sampling and moisture meter survey services are also available. Air testing and moisture meters can provide indications of a potential hidden mold problem. Be wary of companies offering free mold inspections. They may be trying to sell you something. Tri-Tech is independent and not affiliated with any mold abatement or restoration firms. On-site testing fees start at $125 for one mold surface sample or $160 for a mold air sample.

Learn more about more expensive  mold mycotoxin testing . Learn more about inspection and testing for a  restoration project .

Tri-Tech can provide assistance to the savvy (and cautious!) DIY-ers in correcting many types of asbestos, lead paint and mold problems yourself!

A moisture meter is an effective tool for determining the wetness of building materials and whether mold may be present

Asbestos shingles (40%) and window glazing (5-10%) in the sunroom of my own home--no worries when maintained in good condition!

If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms in your home, Tri-Tech may be able to help. Mold testing in are can inform whether mold spore levels in your home are normal or suggestive of a problem. In some unusual cases,  mold may be associated with something other than the building itself . Consider also  other indoor air quality contaminants that be irritants or allergens . Infra-Red Camera Thermography Scanning Infra-red camera surveys  are best utilized when a home is vacant and obstructing possessions and furnishings are not present. IR survey can be helpful in identifying mold and moisture trouble spots, missing insulation or other concerns.  Learn more . Lead Based Paint Testing Lead-based paint testing  can be performed to identify lead-based paint, even when its buried below many layers of latex paint. It can also be detected behind wallpaper and some thin laminates. Hand-held testing instrumentation provides real-time results so you don't have to wait for lab results. Additional testing services can be provided to certify a home is "lead-safe" for young children. Be wary of companies offering lead abatement. Lead abatement is too expensive and impractical. Tri-Tech recommends a managed in place/renovation driven-approach to lead. Most lead paint control is relatively inexpensive compared to abatement. Learn more about  common misconceptions . On-site testing fees for a whole house start at $225. Renovation-specific testing of paint starts at $155.

Learn more about the  lead testing requirements for City of Detroit Rental Property .

Multi-Service Environmental Evaluations

Tri-Tech can perform almost any type of environmental evaluation of a home. Discounts are available when multiple testing services are provided at the same time. Talk you your home inspector and find out what their inspection covers and doesn't cover. Some are fairly knowledgeable about some environmental issues such as asbestos, indoor air quality, lead paint, mold, radon, bacterial/sewage contamination and others aren't. Read the homeowner disclosure form and find out what the owner knows and doesn't know about potential environmental risks associated with the house.

Lead in drinking water testing  is inexpensive, especially when combined with another service. General Home Inspections Looking for a non-environmental home inspection? I can't help you with that. Try  Detroit Home Inspection . Here is a hint when selecting a home inspector: Ask them if they have a CO (carbon monoxide) detector. If they don't, in my opinion they aren't a credible home inspection pro!