Questions about home inspection? Anyone know this company? (Sound Beach, Hope: condo, house)

[mambwe]

Is it necessary to test for Radon? The guy I spoke with says on Long Island they do not usually test for it as it is not necessary. They can do it but it is a separate test and an extra $300 fee.

Aside from the standard inspection and termites. What else is necessary to ask to be inspected?

The company we spoke with is Pillar to Post. Is this a good company? Has anyone used them? It was recommend by our agent.

[Elke Mariotti]

Originally Posted by mambwe

Is it necessary to test for Radon? The guy I spoke with says on Long Island they do not usually test for it as it is not necessary. They can do it but it is a separate test and an extra $300 fee.

Long Island is generally not considered at risk for Radon. There is an article in today's NY Times on this subject.

[Elke Mariotti]

Originally Posted by mambwe

The company we spoke with is Pillar to Post. Is this a good company? Has anyone used them? It was recommend by our agent.

Pillar to Post is a national franchise. I have not had any personal experience with them, but have heard of no complaints either.

[Tanja M]

Read about Radon at http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html.
True, to a buyer it is an additional expense to order radon testing, but if the results show elevated levels (above EPA recommendation), the seller in most cases will be inclined to install the mitigation system for you. Installation cost is at least 4 times higher than what you would pay for the testing.
Regarding other tests, there is much you can do, if seller agrees of course. I would test for things that matter to me personally, say for example if you have mold allergies, test for mold, etc.
Pillar To Post has also a location in my town and a good reputation. I have used services of one Pillar To Post inspector and was very happy with the work and services provided.
Hope this helps. My best, Tanja

[alexei27]

I used Pillar to Post for my home inspection when we purchased in Utah back in 2004...for what it's worth. It was a very complete inspection and the inspector found a problem with one of the windows that we had fixed.

However...they are a national chain and you never know who you are gonna get.

There is a resident expert on the boards who had a very good reputation (KBinspections)

If that does not work out...PM me and I'll give you the contact info of the guy who did our inspection in Sound Beach. Also very very good.

[Kbinspections]

The short answer is that there really is no reason to conduct a radon test on LI.

In 12 years of coducting inspections, I have done less than 10 radon inspections on LI.

[scammed1]

Try this website.


Home Inspector at American Society of Home Inspectors: American Society Of Home Inspectors, ASHI, ASHI Home Inspection, ASHI Inspector

[Jackie78]

We used Pillar to Post when we bought our condo back in 2004.
I would not use them again. The inspector missed a big electrical
problem in our house which we then ended up having to fix after
we bought it. He didn't check any of the lights.......In order for us to use the outside light, our inside light had to be on in the livingroom and also
the same thing for the back light outside!?!?!? It was really retarded

I don't think they were as thorough as alot of other inspectors are

[longislandmike]

You have to depend our your instincts, AND not be afraid to question these "experts".

They are not GOD, and they will get you into a lot of trouble if you let them !