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Protect Your Clients and Close with Confidence: Advanced UST Detection for Realtors
At EPI Geophysics, we offer ground-penetrating radar (GPR) services specifically designed to help realtors and their clients identify underground storage tanks (USTs) on both residential and commercial properties. Whether your clients are purchasing a new property, evaluating an older property, or preparing to sell, our advanced GPR technology provides precise subsurface assessments, ensuring hidden USTs are located and costly surprises are avoided.
The Difference Between GPR and a Traditional Tank Sweep
A traditional "tank sweep," often conducted by a home inspector, uses a basic metal detector to scan for metallic anomalies in the ground. While this can indicate the presence of metal, it cannot provide critical details like size, depth, or features of the anomaly. This lack of precision often leads to additional costs, requiring either a more accurate GPR scan or excavation by a remediation company to confirm findings.
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR), on the other hand, offers a comprehensive and accurate evaluation. GPR collects real, on-site data that can identify the depth, size, and exact location of potential underground storage tanks (USTs). It can also trace associated features, such as fuel lines and vent pipes, and distinguish between actual USTs and other metallic objects and/or utilities that might be misidentified by a traditional tank sweep. By using GPR you save time, money, eliminate unnecessary steps and gain the confidence of accurate results.
Why Realtors Choose GPR Over Traditional Tank Sweeps
One of the most common concerns during real estate transactions is the possibility of hidden oil tanks or other buried hazards that may affect property value or become a costly environmental issues. Realtors trust EPI Geophysics because we simplify the process of identifying hidden oil tanks or buried hazards, ensuring smoother transactions for both buyers and sellers. By choosing EPI Geophysics as the first step, you eliminate unnecessary delays, save valuable time during inspection contingencies, and provide your clients with peace of mind while avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Why a GPR UST Investigation is Necessary
Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) pose significant environmental risks, contaminating surrounding soil and groundwater. Beyond the environmental impact, they can lead to financial liabilities reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars to meet NJDEP remediation standards. Such issues can also cause lengthy delays that may derail real estate transactions. Conducting a GPR UST investigation before your client purchases a property ensures potential hazards are identified early, helping to avoid these costly and time-consuming challenges.
Inspection Steps
Traditional "tank sweeps" are limited to only a visual and metal detection inspection, with no data collection. At EPI Geophysics we have a more compressive approach to provide the best possible results.
Visual Inspection
We preform an extensive interior and exterior visual inspection for an signs of a UST (Vent pipes, fuel lines, oil stains, etc...).
GPR
Once potential UST locations are identified, GPR is used to verify the presence of a UST.
Pipe & Cable Line Tracing
If any vent pipes or fuel lines are identified, we connect out pipe & cable locating equipment to trace the lines back to the potential UST.
Data Collection
Using GPR, we are able to collect data to identify the approximate location, size and depth of the potential UST.
Metal Detection
A TW-6 EM metal detector is used around the property to pinpoint any potential hot spots for a UST.
Reporting
Within 48hrs, we will turnaround a complete report along with site photos, GPR data and a GPS site map to ensure that your client has all of the information they need.
Our Methods
How EPI Geophysics Helps Realtors
01
Pre-Sale Assessments
Ensure the property is free of hidden risks, such as underground storage tanks, that could delay or complicate the sale process. If a potential underground tank is identified, we will provide you and your client with all of the necessary information you need.
02
Buyer Confidence
Offer your clients peace of mind with precise, clear reports that provide them with the full picture of any subsurface conditions, strengthening your reputation as a trusted advisor and helping your clients feel confident in their purchase.
03
Faster Closings
By scheduling a GPR survey early in the home-buying process, realtors can help avoid last-minute delays, keeping the transaction on track and within the inspection contingency period. We will provide you with a report within 48hrs of the inspection.
04
Reduced Client Costs
Avoid the need for repeated inspections when you bypass the traditional "tank sweep". With EPI Geophysics’ precise technology, your clients only pay once for a thorough investigation, saving them money and time.
Why Choose EPI Geophysics for Your Real Estate Clients?
1
Industry
Expertise
Our experienced team understands the challenges that realtors and their clients face during the inspection process. We ensure your clients receive the most accurate data to make an informed decision on their home purchase.
2
Commitment
to Accuracy
We leverage advanced technology to detect even the most hard-to-find subsurface elements, providing you with a level of accuracy that traditional "tank sweep" methods can't match.
3
Comprehensive
Support
From the moment you request a scan, through the delivery of reports, we provide full support and communication to help you meet your clients' needs.
When Should Realtors Use GPR?
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning is invaluable in real estate transactions when assessing subsurface risks like underground storage tanks, fuel lines, or other hidden hazards.
Below are four key scenarios where GPR is essential:
When Preparing a Property for Sale
Before listing a property, conduct a GPR survey to check for hidden risks like USTs, fuel lines, old septic systems or other hazards that could lead to costly issues after the sale.
When Planning Renovations or Expansions
For properties undergoing renovations or expansions a GPR survey ensures no underground utilities, USTs or structures are damaged during construction, keeping the project on schedule.
When Buyers Are in the Contingency Period
During the inspection contingency period, a GPR survey can quickly identify any underground hazards such as USTs, helping buyers make informed decisions and preventing delays in the closing process.
When Addressing Environmental Concerns
Older properties may have environmental hazards like buried oil tanks. GPR scanning helps identify these risks, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and protecting property value.