Tag Archive for: Morris County

Radon Testing in Randolph, NJ: Why Accuracy is Critical

If you are buying or living in Randolph, New Jersey, you are likely aware that our town is located in a high-risk Radon zone (EPA Zone 1). This means Randolph has the highest potential for elevated indoor radon levels—often measuring well above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L.

At Craftsman Home Inspection Services, we have seen a significant trend of elevated radon levels in Randolph homes lately. Because radon is a colorless, odorless gas, you cannot see, smell, or taste it. Testing is the only way to know if your family is safe.

Why the “Charcoal Canister” Method Isn’t Enough

Many inspectors in Morris County still use “charcoal canisters.” These are passive collectors that are left in a basement and then mailed to a lab. While they are cheap, they have several major flaws:

  • No Time-Stamp: They only provide one “average” number. You can’t see if levels spiked or dropped.

  • Tamper-Prone: They can be moved or placed near an open window to “cheat” a low result without the inspector knowing.

  • Weather Sensitive: Humidity and heavy rain can skew the results of charcoal tests.

The Craftsman Advantage: Continuous Radon Monitors (CRM)

We believe in using the best technology available for your family’s health. That is why we exclusively use Continuous Radon Monitors (CRM) for all our Randolph inspections.

Why our CRM technology is superior:

  1. Hourly Data Tracking: Our monitors record levels every single hour. We can see exactly how the gas behaves in the home.

  2. Anti-Tamper Sensors: Our devices detect if the unit has been moved, if the power was cut, or if a window was opened to vent the room. This ensures the most “honest” result possible.

  3. Detailed Digital Reports: Instead of waiting for a lab to mail back a postcard, you get a professional, easy-to-read PDF report showing a graph of your home’s radon fluctuations immediately after the 48-hour test is complete.

Protect Your Family Today

If you are buying a home in the 07869 zip code, don’t leave your health to chance with a “budget” test.

Ready to schedule? Don’t leave your health to chance. Call or Text Phil at 201-888-4630 to schedule a professional 48-hour Continuous Radon Monitor test as part of your home inspection.

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New Construction Red Flags: Mason Ridge by Pulte Homes (Denville, NJ) Inspection Report

Buying a brand-new home in a beautiful community like Mason Ridge in Denville, NJ is exciting, but “new” doesn’t always mean “perfect.” At Craftsman Home Inspection Services, we recently performed a pre-closing inspection on a new Pulte Homes model and found several critical defects that the builder’s own quality control missed.

While the community is a commuter’s paradise in Morris County, our inspection proved that even premium townhomes need a second set of eyes before you sign the closing papers.

1. Disconnected HVAC Ductwork

We found that several sections of ductwork were not actually connected to the floor vents beneath the flooring.

  • The Risk: This leads to massive energy loss, uneven heating/cooling, and potentially forcing conditioned air into “dead spaces” where it shouldn’t be.

2. Undersized Water Heater Wiring & Breaker

The electrical water heater was installed with an improperly sized circuit breaker and wire gauge.

  • The Technical Issue: A standard 50-gallon electric heater typically requires a 30-amp breaker and 10-gauge wire. Using smaller components is a significant fire hazard and a violation of NJ electrical codes.

3. Missing Fireblocking

In the basement mechanical room, critical fireblocking was lacking.

  • Why It Matters: Fireblocking is essential to stop the spread of flames through wall cavities and floor joists. Without it, a small fire in a utility room can reach the upper floors in minutes.

4. Finish & Leveling Issues

Beyond the major safety items, we noted several “punch list” items that impact the longevity and feel of the home:

  • Misaligned interior doors that won’t latch properly.

  • Kitchen and bathroom cabinets that were installed out of level.

The Bottom Line

Don’t let the “new home smell” distract you from potential safety hazards. Whether you are moving into Mason Ridge or any other new build in Morris County, a professional inspection is your best insurance policy.

Protect your investment. Before you close on your Pulte Home, give Craftsman a call.
call or text Craftsman at 201-888-4630

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