Inspect Your Bathrooms for a Safe Home Sale or Purchase

Water leaks often occur in the bathroom.  Our inspection will find out if there are any signs of leaks or problems with the exhaust vent.

With a thorough home or property inspection, you can feel confident that your bathroom is clean, safe, and dry.

Inspecting the bathrooms as part of your comprehensive Scottsdale area home inspection is crucial. 

Ventilation

Bathrooms should be properly vented to remove moisture accumulation.    Most home have a bathroom exhaust fan to help keep moisture to a minimum.

If the bathroom exhaust fan is not operable, the inspector should include this information on the report. The fan should lead to the exterior of the home, usually through a vent or pipe directly above it on the roof.

Most bathroom exhaust fans event through the roof, but they could vent out of a window in older homes. The roof option is ideal since venting moisture from a window is not the best situation during extreme hot or cold weather.

Leaks

Any time property undergoes a complete inspection, we check for plumbing issues. This mostly includes finding any leaks or signs of water damage in the home. The same applies to the bathroom, where an SDI inspector looks for any indication of trouble.

While they’re inspecting the home, your inspector should look closely at all bathroom plumbing and fixtures. Signs of standing water, leaks, or previous water damage should be notated on the report. A leaky faucet should be addressed before you agree to purchase the home.

We also closely examine areas around the tub, shower, and toilet. Any water around the toilet and other areas can indicate problems with the fixtures that may need remediation.

The sink and toilet is inspected. Loose or wobbly sinks and toilets may not leak today but could cause leaks in the future. This can result in damage and other issues if it’s not corrected immediately.

Mold

Along with signs of leaking, the home inspector will look for any evidence of mold. If there is mold present, it may mean that something else is going on behind the walls that should be taken care of.

Contact Scottsdale Desert Inspections to schedule a visit.

Scottsdale Desert Inspections provides full service business real estate inspections in Scottsdale Arizona

We analyze everything from framing to HVAC, Plumbing to grading, and so much more. To help you understand the how we are rated top in the area, here are some ways to select a business property inspector.

Selecting a competent business real estate property inspector is essential to ensure that you receive a thorough and accurate assessment of your property. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you choose the right inspector:

1. Qualifications and Licensing:

   • Ensure the inspector is licensed (if required in your jurisdiction). Ask for their license number and verify it.
   • Determine if they have professional qualifications or certifications from recognized institutions or associations like the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) or the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

2. Experience:

   • Look for inspectors who have extensive experience, especially in commercial properties if it's a business property. The requirements and considerations for commercial properties can differ significantly from residential ones.

3. Specialization:

   • If your property has unique features or is a specialized type (e.g., an industrial facility or a historical building), ensure the inspector has experience with similar properties.

4. References and Reviews:

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Mold growth in homes, including those in Scottsdale, Arizona, can be caused by various factors. Despite Scottsdale's arid climate, certain conditions can still lead to mold development. Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention and effective management. Here are some common causes of mold in Scottsdale homes:

1. Air Conditioning Units: In Scottsdale, air conditioning units are used extensively due to the hot climate. If these units are not properly maintained, they can create moisture problems. Condensation from air conditioners, especially when the drainage systems are clogged or not functioning correctly, can lead to mold growth.

2. Poor Ventilation: In an effort to keep the heat out, homes in Scottsdale are often well-sealed, which can lead to poor indoor air circulation. This lack of ventilation can create humid pockets of air where mold can thrive, especially in areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

3. Water Leaks: Leaks from pipes, roofs, windows, or plumbing fixtures are common causes of mold. In a desert climate like Scottsdale's, even a small water leak can create a localized humid environment conducive to mold growth.

4. Monsoon Season: During the monsoon season, Scottsdale experiences higher humidity and occasional heavy rains. This seasonal change can introduce more moisture into homes, contributing to mold growth, especially if there are pre-existing issues with leaks or poor ventilation.

5. Flooding: Although rare, Phoenix can experience flash floods during heavy rains. Flooding can bring a significant amount of water into homes, and if not promptly and properly addressed, this can lead to mold growth.

6. Indoor Plants: While indoor plants can improve a home’s ambiance, overwatering or poor drainage can increase indoor humidity levels, creating an environment conducive to mold.

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Scottsdale Desert Inspections provides the Complete Mold Inspection in the Scottsdale AZ property and in accordance with the Mold Inspection Standards of Sporecyte. 

Mold problems in interior spaces can occur in any region, including Scottsdale, AZ. Despite its arid climate, mold can still develop indoors due to factors such as moisture intrusion, water leaks, high humidity, and inadequate ventilation. 

The inspection consists of:

•  a non-invasive, visual examination of the readily accessible, visible, and installed systems and components of the building, as outlined in the IAC2 Mold Inspection Standards of Practice;
• moisture, temperature and humidity measurements;
• at least three air samples (one indoor and two outdoor); and
• possibly one surface sampling at an area of concern.

The inspector reports:

• moisture intrusion;
• water damage;
• musty odors;
• apparent mold growth;
• conditions conducive to mold growth;
• the results of a laboratory analysis of all mold samplings taken at the building; and
• any system or components listed in the Standards of Practice that were not visually examined, and
• the reasons they were not inspected.

Contact us to connect you with a remediation specialist.  Here are considerations for remediating mold issues in Phoenix property:

1. Moisture Control: Although Phoenix is known for its dry climate, moisture problems can still arise indoors, particularly in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Ensure that plumbing fixtures are properly maintained, and promptly repair any leaks or water damage to prevent moisture buildup.

2. Proper Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential for preventing mold growth. Ensure that bathrooms and kitchens are adequately ventilated, and consider using exhaust fans to remove excess moisture during activities like cooking or showering.

3. Air Conditioning Maintenance: Air conditioning systems can help control indoor humidity levels, but they must be properly maintained to prevent mold growth. Regularly inspect and clean air filters, ductwork, and condensate lines to ensure optimal performance.

4. Sealants and Weatherproofing: Inspect doors, windows, and other openings for signs of leaks or gaps where water can enter. Use caulking or weatherstripping to seal gaps and prevent moisture intrusion.

5. Monitor Indoor Humidity: Invest in a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels, aiming for levels below 60% to discourage mold growth. Consider using a dehumidifier in areas prone to high humidity.

6. Prompt Remediation: If you notice any signs of mold growth, such as musty odors, discoloration on walls or ceilings, or visible mold growth, address the issue promptly. Clean and disinfect affected surfaces, and address the underlying cause of moisture to prevent recurrence.

Contact Scottsdale Desert Inspections to schedule your mold inspection.