RESOURCES
Asbestos Testing and removal. Home inspectors are usually the first to come across an attic insulation product know as "Vermiculite" which can contain asbestos. If vermiculite insulation is discovered review the links below for next step or give me a call.
Wisconsin Department of health and safety on asbestos
Department of Natural Resources on asbestos
ZaiTrust will help pay for the removal of vermiculite is you qualify. Call and I will send off a sample for you
Wisconsin Department of health and safety on asbestos
Department of Natural Resources on asbestos
ZaiTrust will help pay for the removal of vermiculite is you qualify. Call and I will send off a sample for you
Black streaks on shingles of roof. If you see black streaks that seem to be crawling down the roof shingles, Most likely this pattern of stains is due to a type of algae that has been around for years. This algae is sometimes termed " roof shingle algae" because of the annoying discoloration on an asphalt shingle roof. The roof algae actually feeds on the crushed limestone that is present in shingles and is a cosmetic issue and doesn't damage shingles. Shingle Manufacturers won't cover under warranty as it is not effecting the performance of the shingle but if installing a new roof, there are shingles made now which prevents the black stricks. The good news, Yes it can be removed by the home owner by using common roof cleaning solution. Link is provided below
DIY Roof Cleaning Steps to Remove Algae
DIY Roof Cleaning Steps to Remove Algae
Carbon Monoxide Detectors- One and Two unit family dwellings for which a building permit is issued on or after February 1, 2011 require carbon monoxide detectors that are interconnected and directly wired to the dwellings electrical service, with a backup battery supply. Existing dwellings may use battery powered, plugin or hardwired, stand alone alarms. The detectors must be installed in the basement and on each floor near sleeping areas. A garage or unfinished attic space is not required to have a detector installed, but a detector is required in an attic which is a finished living space. The requirements apply only to dwellings that contain a Carbon monoxide source for example, an attached garage, heaters, fireplace, furnace or gas stove. There are further rules which must be followed, including the manufacturers installation and replacement instructions and any detector installed must be approved by underwriters laboratories. Owners of rental properties are required to install and maintain detectors while tenants are required to report any problems to the owners in writing. Owners should inform tenants of their duty to monitor and test detectors per manufacturers suggestions. Owners must repair within 5 days of receiving written notice of defect. follow links below for further information regarding State of Wisconsin laws regarding CO Detectors
Department of Safety and Professional Service
Wisconsin legislative requirements chapter SPS 328
Department of Safety and Professional Service
Wisconsin legislative requirements chapter SPS 328
Egress Windows. Basements used for sleeping areas shall be provided with at least 2 points of exit. Normally a stairway and if no other second exit such as a second stairway or door leading outside then an egress window is required. The window shall be operable from the inside without use of tools. The nominal size of window shall be at least 20 inches by 24 inches irrespective of height or width. No portion of window opening shall be blocked and the lowest point of window can not be more than 60 inches above the floor. If lowest point is more than 46 inches above floor then a flat step surface shall be permanently mounted with dimensions of at least 20 inches wide, 9 inches deep and supports 200 pound load. Step surface can be no more than 24 inches high and no more than 46 inches below bottom of window.
The window well will be 36 inches measured perpendicular from opening and at least as wide as the window. If well is more than 46 inches deep, then a latter is required to assist exiting well.
Wisconsin Construction standards Chapter SPS 321
The window well will be 36 inches measured perpendicular from opening and at least as wide as the window. If well is more than 46 inches deep, then a latter is required to assist exiting well.
Wisconsin Construction standards Chapter SPS 321
Septic system information. A septic system is your very own on-site sewage treatment facility. It is used where access to a municipal sewer treatment system is neither available nor economically practical. It is out of sight and is odorless when properly maintained.
A septic system consist of a tank buried below the ground and a series of drain lines also underground called a leach field that cleanse and purify wastewater. Although in theory the water that makes its way through the entire system is said to be pure enough for human consumption, the leach field must be located a specific distance away from a well. The first component of a septic system is a drainpipe that carries the raw sewage from the home into the second part to the system called the septic tank. The septic tank, which can be constructed of various materials such as wood, concrete, steel or fiberglass is watertight. The tank collects and stores solid waste which settle to the bottom. Keep in mind, 99 percent of all waste is gray water and not solids. The incoming waste to the tank displaces an equal amount of liquid effluent waste water out of tank through filters which is discharged via gravity through the third part of the system. The third part of the system are more drainage pipes which drain the effluent waste water through a network of drainage pipes located in the leach field. This is the 4th and final action of the system which is to filter the water through the ground. A septic system is reasonably maintenance free and a good constructed, properly maintained tank could last indefinitely. However, the leach field will most likely require some treatment or perhaps replacement after 30 years of service.
Home inspectors report defects that are visible and accessible. Septic systems require more than a visual analysis which eliminates septic systems from the scope of most home inspections. Refer to link below to ask questions about the septic system.
A septic system consist of a tank buried below the ground and a series of drain lines also underground called a leach field that cleanse and purify wastewater. Although in theory the water that makes its way through the entire system is said to be pure enough for human consumption, the leach field must be located a specific distance away from a well. The first component of a septic system is a drainpipe that carries the raw sewage from the home into the second part to the system called the septic tank. The septic tank, which can be constructed of various materials such as wood, concrete, steel or fiberglass is watertight. The tank collects and stores solid waste which settle to the bottom. Keep in mind, 99 percent of all waste is gray water and not solids. The incoming waste to the tank displaces an equal amount of liquid effluent waste water out of tank through filters which is discharged via gravity through the third part of the system. The third part of the system are more drainage pipes which drain the effluent waste water through a network of drainage pipes located in the leach field. This is the 4th and final action of the system which is to filter the water through the ground. A septic system is reasonably maintenance free and a good constructed, properly maintained tank could last indefinitely. However, the leach field will most likely require some treatment or perhaps replacement after 30 years of service.
Home inspectors report defects that are visible and accessible. Septic systems require more than a visual analysis which eliminates septic systems from the scope of most home inspections. Refer to link below to ask questions about the septic system.
| septic_system_questions.pdf |
Smoke Detector requirements. As August 15,2009 all non owner occupied residential single family buildings within the City of Madison must have smoke detectors installed in the following areas: In each bedroom and sleeping area, within 6 feet of each door leading to a sleeping area or bedroom and one smoke detector on each floor of the residential building. Wall mounted detectors should be installed 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. Ceiling mounted detectors should be mounted at least 4 inches from the nearest wall. Surrounding cities may adhere to City of Madison policies, please check with your local fire department or code inspector. Always follow manufacturers instructions when installing smoke detectors. Also owners are required to install and maintain detectors while tenants are required to report any problems to the owners in writing. Owner must repair within 5 days of receiving written notice of the defective detector. Owners should inform tenants of their duty to monitor and test detectors per manufacturers suggestions. By August 15, 2010 all owner occupied single family residences shall install and meet above criteria. Links below direct you to ordinance for City of Madison and State of Wisconsin.
The State of Wisconsin link below has a matrix sheet which is the minimum requirements for the State, pay attention to the dates of when the home was built to know what is required for a particular home. Many communities follow the State standard but it is always recommended to call your local municipality to find out what they require.
City of Madison smoke detector ordinance
State of Wisconsin 1 and 2 dwelling unit requirements.
The State of Wisconsin link below has a matrix sheet which is the minimum requirements for the State, pay attention to the dates of when the home was built to know what is required for a particular home. Many communities follow the State standard but it is always recommended to call your local municipality to find out what they require.
City of Madison smoke detector ordinance
State of Wisconsin 1 and 2 dwelling unit requirements.
WATER QUALITY ISSUES. - Real Estate Agents are not required to investigate independently whether a property has poor water quality. As a Realtor takes on a new listing of a home, the Realtor conducts a visual inspection of the property and asks the seller to fill out the "Real Estate Condition Report" which the seller is only asked to disclose known issues. Neither party may know there is a water quality issue. Use the links below to educate yourself on some of the water quality issues in area. I will take water samples and test them for you if seller and buyer agree to testing of water quality in the offer to purchase.
Department of Natural Resources link to water topics
Department of Natural Resources lead and drinking water
Department of Natural Resources link to water topics
Department of Natural Resources lead and drinking water
Trent Stein
5818 Highland Terrace Unit 1, Middleton, Wi. 53562
Call or Text me Now
7:30am to 9:30pm Everyday of the Week
608-469-0249
BadgerInspected@Gmail.com
5818 Highland Terrace Unit 1, Middleton, Wi. 53562
Call or Text me Now
7:30am to 9:30pm Everyday of the Week
608-469-0249
BadgerInspected@Gmail.com
Badger Property Inspection
Residential home inspection and radon testing service areas Madison, Fitchburg, Middleton, Waunakee, Sun Prairie, Cross Plains, Black Earth, Mazomanie, Verona, Oregon, Stoughton, Cottage Grove, Marshall, Waterloo, Mount Horeb, Cambridge, Deforest, Windsor, Monona, Sauk City, Barneveld, Deerfield, Dane, Evansville, Mcfarland, and other areas in South Central Wisconsin.