When managing or owning a commercial property, there are many elements that could cause risk and damage to the building. Risk management can be helpful to the longevity of your business, keeping everyone safe, and ensuring you can safely operate or produce a product. Commercial property inspections provide a bird ’s-eye view of the condition, potential risks, and current damage of the building. Work with a professional inspector to ensure your building meets safety standards and is completed in a thorough manner. Learn more about what to expect during the service below.

Walk-through Survey

The first step in a commercial inspection is the walk-through, which will look at all your systems and establish a baseline of the quality of the property. The inspector will be on-site to look at the physical condition and operation of critical systems. Inspectors will look at heating and cooling systems, the foundation, roof, drainage, doors, windows, and other safety components. 

Documents And Records

During the service, an inspector may request documents and records that relate to the property. Lease agreements, certificates of occupancy, building codes, service contracts, and repair invoices may be requested during a commercial inspection. By providing these documents and reports during the inspection, they will be able to see where issues have occurred in the past and have a clear understanding of the building’s history. These documents can help support the final inspection report as well. 

Inspection Report

The final product of a commercial property inspection is the written report. This report will contain all the details of the walk-through and any interviews they may have had with third parties. This report will provide insight for homeowners or repair teams before they proceed. The report will include a detailed summary of their findings and highlight the property’s strengths. A report is needed if any problems need to be addressed before the property can be sold.

Issues Reported From A Commercial Property Inspection

When your commercial property inspector comes to your property, they will look at a variety of systems and parts of the property. The report will include insights about the following areas. 

Compromised HVAC Systems

While your HVAC system will have a life expectancy of 15-20 years, it should be inspected and maintained to ensure proper function. Inspectors will check ductwork, rooftop units, and inconsistent temperature zones. If the property’s HVAC system is compromised, they may recommend repairs or working with an HVAC specialist.

Roofing Problems

Some of the first problems that occur on commercial properties are with the roofing. Leaks from old roofing materials, weak roof materials, or cracked membranes can also become a liability. Putting off roof repairs can lead to major concerns inside the building. During a commercial property inspection, roofing materials, structure, gutters, and the weight-bearing ability will all be tested.

Plumbing Issues

Plumbing issues are common, but when left alone, they can impact the longevity of a public building. Plumbing is so important to those who use or work in your commercial building, so having it inspected can help you catch problems before they destroy your structural integrity.

Electrical Deficiencies

Electrical problems can hold up your normal operations and put the building at risk of electrical fires. Overloaded breaker panel, outdated wiring, or double-tapped circuits can be detrimental when used on a long-term basis. Inspectors will look at every electrical component and provide options on how to improve your electrical system.

Poor Drainage

Draining is one of the most common problems in a commercial building, which can lead to foundation issues, damage to landscaping, and mold growth. Because drainage issues are often overlooked, looking for them during a commercial property inspection signals a quality inspector.

Cracked Foundation

While some foundation cracks are cosmetic, others are a cause for concern. Structural instability can be caused by a damaged foundation and needs to be addressed to keep everyone safe. If inspectors notice horizontal cracks in walls, uneven flooring, or signs of shifting, this will be reported in the written report.

Mold or Mildew

While mold testing is part of an inspection, looking for signs of mold and mildew may not always be easy. Inspectors will need to look in hidden areas or small corners to see signs of mold and mildew. The most common cause of mold is due to poor ventilation, so handling the ventilation issues can keep your building safe and healthy.

Commercial Inspections From Nook-N-Kranny

Being in the dark about the state of your building can be detrimental to your business. Nook-N-Kranny offers quality home and commercial property inspections to help bring peace of mind about the safety and durability of the space. Our team is unbiased, comprehensive, and efficient. Letting property issues go untreated can interfere with business operations down the line. Contact our experts to have peace of mind before purchasing a commercial property.

When problems around the house emerge, it isn’t uncommon for homeowners to consider making repairs on their own. It’s perfectly safe for homeowners to patch damaged drywall, replace old hardware, or add crown molding to their space. However, there is one project you should avoid at all costs, and that is DIY mold remediation. 

While it might seem like a quick, easy project, attempting DIY mold remediation puts you, your loved ones, and your home at a significant risk. In this blog, we’ll explore exactly why DIY remediation is a bad idea and why it’s always best to turn to the professionals for this essential home restoration project. 

Inadequate Mold Removal

One of the most significant concerns with performing DIY mold remediation is that the removal isn’t as comprehensive as necessary. Mold is an incredibly hardy fungus, and grows prolifically, even in minimally damp environments. When you perform remediation on your own, you might initially believe you’ve removed all of the spores from your home.

However, you may inevitably find mold growing in the space you’ve previously treated. When you schedule mold remediation with a team of professionals, you can trust that your risk of experiencing regrowth is much lower. Professionals have access to the highest quality tools and removal methods, ensuring comprehensive removal. 

Whether you’ve dealt with mold growth in your home in the past or this is your first encounter with it, it’s always best to rely on the professionals for remediation. With their commitment to complete removal, you can trust that they’ll get the job done right the first time, and that you can return to comfortably and safely enjoying your home without fear of mold exposure.

Major Health Risks

While this won’t be the case for everybody, some people are especially susceptible to irritation as a result of mold exposure. Individuals with asthma, allergies, and weakened immune systems may be more prone to advanced reactions to mold. When attempting DIY mold remediation, you put yourself at risk of developing these symptoms. 

If you want to avoid it, you’d need to go out to purchase appropriate PPE. However, without proper training, you may not buy adequate protective wear and instead still expose yourself to irritating mold spores. Instead of attempting this on your own, it’s best to rely on the professionals for remediation. 

Professionals will arrive at your appointment with all of the essential protective equipment. Even if you don’t have respiratory sensitivities, relying on professionals can help you avoid any exposure to the harmful fungus. With their support, you can avoid any adverse health complications and enjoy a mold-free home. 

Accidental Spread of Spores

Tackling mold growth is half the battle when performing mold remediation. The real threat to your home is mold spores. Once they’ve made their way into your home, mold spores can be incredibly difficult to get rid of without professional equipment. In fact, attempting to remove the spores without training may spread them around your home.

If you disturb mold spores, they may be released into your carpet fibers, HVAC system, fabric, and more. Instead of attempting DIY mold remediation without the proper training or tools, it’s best to call on the professionals for the care you need. They’ll have the appropriate tools to remove mold without exposing the rest of your home to potential growth.

When you perform DIY mold remediation, you may find yourself dealing with mold growth in places that hadn’t experienced mold growth before. With the professionals on your side, you can trust that the affected area will be properly cordoned off and cleaned before leaving, eliminating the risk of future growth from spreading spores. 

It’s a Time-Consuming Task

In addition to being an incredibly difficult task to complete, DIY mold remediation is not a quick chore. It isn’t the kind of task you can complete in an afternoon. Instead, you may find yourself spending a few days or up to a few weeks completing this job. While this might not seem like a big deal, it may be a bigger project than you can reasonably take on. 

As you put this project off, you’ll watch as mold continues to grow and spread through your home, putting you and your loved ones at increased risk of mold illness. Instead of letting mold run rampant through your home, it’s always best to turn to the professionals for expert, quick, and reliable support.

The professionals have time to dedicate entirely to this project in ways you may not. You won’t have to worry about them taking time off from the project. Instead, they’ll move quickly from one step of the remediation process to the next. With their care, you can trust that the project will be completed in a timely manner, keeping you safe from getting sick. 

What to Expect During Professional Mold Remediation

When you forgo DIY mold remediation and call in the professionals, the process is structured and thorough, ensuring complete removal. While the specifics may vary based on the extent of the growth, you can generally expect the following steps:

• Assessment and Containment: Technicians first locate the mold source and set up containment barriers to prevent spores from spreading to unaffected areas of your home, a key difference from risky DIY mold remediation.
• Air Filtration: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) scrubbers and vacuums are used to clean the air of airborne mold spores.
• Removal of Affected Materials: Mold-damaged materials that cannot be salvaged (like drywall or insulation) are safely removed, bagged, and disposed of according to strict guidelines.
• Cleaning and Disinfecting: The remaining structural elements are thoroughly cleaned with antimicrobial solutions to eliminate residual mold growth.
• Drying and Restoration: The area is completely dried, and necessary repairs are made to return your home to its original state.

Skip DIY Mold Remediation, Call Nook-N-Kranny Instead

As soon as mold appears in your home, you may consider attempting DIY mold remediation. But, instead of risking your health and safety during this project, it’s best to reach out to the professionals for support. Our team at Nook-N-Kranny is here to help as soon as the problem emerges. We will keep you and your loved ones safe from lingering mold illness, structural damage, and more. Don’t let another day go by with this growth wreaking havoc on your home.

Contact our team in Ogden today to schedule professional mold remediation and trust that you’re investing in the best for your home. 

Receiving a high radon test can cause fear for homeowners about their health and their children’s health, but there are useful ways to mitigate radon. Radon is an invisible gas that can be hard to recognize the effects of at first, but it can pose serious problems when left untreated. Leaving radon to take over your home can affect your health and your home, so it is best to take steps to remove it from your home. This blog will share some immediate steps you can take to mitigate radon in your home and other systems that may take more time and money to implement. Learn more below on how to make your home safer for all. 

The Health Risks Of Radon Exposure

Radon is an invisible gas that is radioactive and causes various forms of cancer. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, beaten only by smoking. High radon levels will increase the risk of other cancers as well, especially for those who are smokers or have other lung problems. Testing your home and taking action if you have higher levels can prevent the worsening of health problems or help you catch cancer diagnoses early.

Increase Ventilation

The best way to eliminate gas of any type in your home is to increase air circulation. Ventilation and air circulation are the best ways to mitigate radon in a home, pushing in clean air for those in the home to breathe. Open doors and windows during the day and while you are home to let in fresh air without putting your home at risk. Use fans to circulate the air and suck outdoor air into the home. 

Ventilation is a more temporary fix, but it can help lower levels for a period of time until you can implement a more permanent solution. This can help if you have bought a new home and need to pass an inspection or plan to fix depressurization problems soon, but need a little bit of time to do so.

Seal Cracks And Openings

The way that radon enters your home is through cracks in your foundation or floor, so sealing cracks and using radon-resistant caulks can help prevent the gas from seeping in. Cracks in your basement, around walls, pipes, and wiring, are the common places that radon can sneak in. Make sure to seal all areas to help lower radon levels in the home. 

Using a polyurethane or epoxy caulk is the best way to prevent radon gas from seeping into the home, but it will also help improve the home’s energy efficiency because you will prevent heat loss. Caulking cracks or putting sealants over small spaces can help keep your home safer and free from infestations. 

Active Soil Depressurization Systems

Installing active soil and depressurization systems is the best long-term solution to mitigate radon. ASD systems will use a fan and vent pipe to draw the radon gas from underneath your home, and release it outdoors, rather than into the home. If you want to have the best system installation, it is best to hire a professional. If you install the system yourself, make sure to follow all instructions to a tee and keep up on maintenance to ensure you truly mitigate radon from the home. 

Heat Recovery Ventilator

A Heat Recovery Ventilator or Energy Recovery Ventilator helps to reduce radon levels by constantly pushing in fresh air into the home while also saving energy for your HVAC system. These systems will dilute your home’s air with fresh outdoor air and reduce radon and other pollutants, but only if the right-sized system is installed. Choosing the right system for the size and age of your home is the best way to reduce the effects of radon. 

Radon Testing From Nook-N-Kranny

When radon builds up in your home, it can cause major health problems, lower indoor air quality, and problems selling your home in the future. Radon causes thousands of cancer diagnoses each year, so having an expert check a new home or your current home for high radon levels can give you peace of mind. 

Nook-N-Kranny offers radon testing for older homes, new homes, before basement remodels, and more. Our experts look for common gaps and areas around the home that could threaten your health. If radon is found in your home, you can take action to reduce its effects and give yourself a healthier future. Reach out to us to learn more about radon and give yourself peace of mind by having a professional inspector.