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SERVICES OFFERED
XTRAS Evaluation & Testing Services LLC offers services developed to
meet the growing needs of present and prospective homeowners. XTRAS
offer premiere services to our clients including but not limited to the
following:
- Building Assessments/Inspections -
Building assessments/inspections go hand-in-hand with many of the
testing/sampling services referenced below. For instance, as part of any
mold sampling service XTRAS will perform limited building/area
assessments in an attempt to ascertain contributory factors and extent
of issues. A key component of a building assessment is evaluation for
moisture intrusion, which is accomplished in part with invasive and
non-invasive moisture testing devices. Where applicable, State of the
Art equipment will be utilized - see Thermal Imaging below.
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Thermal Imaging of a Building - Thermal image scanning is the State
of the Art investigative and diagnostic tool. A Thermal Imaging device
detects and documents slight temperature variations on the surfaces
being viewed. This information can be used to determine many issues
within a building that are not readily visible and/or apparent to the
eye, or with the use of traditional diagnostic tools and techniques. For
example, thermal imaging devices can be used to detect hidden issues
such as water infiltration, electrical device overload, insulation
deficiencies, and even wood destroying insect issues such as termite
infestations.
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Energy Survey with
Thermal Image Scanning - In addition to visual observation
Thermal Image Scanning is included as part of our standard Energy
Survey. This survey will highlight and prioritize areas for improvement
that will reduce the amount of money you spend on energy in your home.
The Thermal Imaging cameras that we use are sensitive to temperature
differences down to a fraction of a degree. This high level of accuracy,
combined with a measured and professional approach, allow us to see what
the naked eye cannot. Our cameras can typically detect:
• Notable energy leakage around doors and windows
• Inefficient/defective windows, e.g. defective double glazed window
seals
• General heat loss issues through floors, walls and ceilings
• Insulation voids
• Indicators of water infiltration issues
- Indoor Allergen Testing - XTRAS is
trained, experienced, and equipped to perform a variety of indoor air
and surface testing for common allergen issues such as dust mites,
animal/pet dander, and mold (see Mold testing section for mold testing
specific details).
- Mold Testing - XTRAS offers a myriad
of mold testing services including but not limited to Limited Sampling
(client directed), Mold Screening (baseline limited sampling), Mold
Survey (room-by-room sampling), and Post Remediation Clearance Testing.
Primary sampling methodologies range from air sampling, swab sampling,
tape lift sampling, and bulk sampling. Samples are forwarded to a
certified laboratory for analysis. Standard turn-around is 4-10 business
days. All pre-remediation sampling includes building/area assessments.
Also factored into the equations are relative humidity (RH) levels and
material moisture content (Percent Moisture).
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Odor Identification - Effects on
humans from strong odors can vary from simple annoyance to significant
health potentials. XTRAS can sample the air where strong odors are noted
for volatile organic compounds (VOC's), to identify the odor.
Identifying the odor is a key step in determining the odor source and,
and in turn the appropriate corrective measures.
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Potable (Drinking) Water
Sampling/Testing - Water Sampling/Testing - Primarily involves
on-site well water sampling and limited analysis (PH measurements must
be done on-site) specifically to help homebuyers and sellers meet
testing criteria established by New Jersey's Private Well Testing Act.
Sample pick-up can often be scheduled within 24 hours from request, and
standard result turn-around is 7 business days.

- Radon in Air Screening - Radon is a
naturally occurring radioactive gas that has been linked to potential
health issues such as development of lung cancer. Short term radon
screening/testing is accomplished by placing a testing device (or
devices) in the lowest livable level of the home/building, often
interpreted as the basement area if one is present. The testing device(s)
are typically left in place for a period of 2-3 days under "Closed
House" conditions (call for details). Written results are typically
available within one to two business days after retrieval.
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General Consultation/Problem Solving - We have all experienced situations where we think we have corrected an
issue, or worst yet we have been told by a "qualified repair person"
that an issue has been corrected, only to find out later that the issue
is ongoing. So, whether the issue involves water infiltration, the
electrical system, the plumbing system, the mechanical system(s),
unusual noises or odors, etc. XTRAS can help. The principal owner of
XTRAS combines his technical expertise with the use of State of the Art
equipment to solve many nagging problems that others couldn't. Initial
general phone consultation is free. Client requests for site visits,
written reports or investigative documentation are charged a base fee,
and an hourly rate for time spent on site and report preparation.
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