California Home Inspectors are Not Licensed and May not be Certified

California home inspectors are not licensed. 

Since inspector's are not licensed, you should choose a properly ASHI certified inspector.

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the industry recognized nonprofit public-benefit organization of real estate inspectors.
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), founded in 1976, is North America's oldest and most respected professional society of home inspectors. ASHI's goals have always been to build customer awareness of the importance of a quality home inspection and enhance the professionalism of home inspectors.
ASHI's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice are recognized by the California Business & Professions Codes and are considered the standard of care by the real estate industry and legal profession.

The California  Business & Professions Code defines a home inspection as a 

“a noninvasive, physical examination, performed for a fee in connection with a 

transfer, as defined in subdivision (e), of real property, of the mechanical, 

electrical, or plumbing systems or the structural and essential components 

of a residential dwelling of one to four units designed to identify material 

defects in those systems, structures and components.” 

California home inspectors are prohibited from performing any repair work 

on a property they have inspected within the prior 12 months. 

The complete text is available at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=bpc&group=07001-08000&file=7195-7199 

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property
Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and
environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your
inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a
result is able to maintain the highest Better Business
Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold,
energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the
most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows
current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and
education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving
his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection
with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased
on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an
environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified
expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire
additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas
of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF,
water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to
offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold
investigation as well, with each home inspection.
.
Please take the time to read
through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so
important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value,
quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any
inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and
qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are
confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

Will Bleach Clean Up Mold and Mildew?

PROPER Mold remediation involves the removal and or clean up and restoration of mold contaminated building materials.

Laundry bleach is not an effective mold killing agent for wood-based building materials and NOT EFFECTIVE  in the mold remediation process. 

Chlorine bleach, commonly referred to as laundry bleach, is generally perceived to be an “accepted and answer-all” biocide to abate mold in the remediation processes. Well-intentioned historical (but retracted) recommendations of health departments and other state and local agencies had perpetuated the belief. Untrained mold remediation real estate professionals, home owners, plumbers, contractors and others continue to recommend bleach to solve a "mildew" problem.  Beware of any mold inspector, mold remediation contractor or other individual that recommends or uses chlorine bleach for mold clean up on wood-based building materials, OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF BIOCIDE FOR THAT MATTER.

Why Chlorine Bleach is NOT Recommended for Mold Clean-up. Clorine bleach is corrosive (not to mention the exposure hazards of dioxins). Yet the properties of chlorine bleach prevent it from “soaking into” wood-based building materials to get at the deeply embedded mycelia (roots) of mold. The object to killing mold is to kill its “roots”. 

Mold remediation involves the need to disinfect or removed wood and wood-based building materials, all of which are porous materials. Chlorine bleach should not be used in mold remediation as confirmed by OSHA’s and EPA's guidelines. The use of bleach as a mold disinfectant is best left to kitchen and bathroom countertops, tubs and shower glass, etc.

Chlorine Bleach Is Active Ingredient in Newer Mold & Mildew Products.
The appearance of newer mold and mildew household products on store shelves is on the rise. Most are dilute solutions of laundry bleach. The labels on these mold and mildew products state that they are for use on hard, non-porous surfaces and not for wood-based materials. 

Before purchasing a mold and mildew product, read and fully understand the advertised purpose of that product — and correctly follow the use instructions of a purchased product. The labeling claims on these new products can be confusing — some say their product is a mold and mildew remover while another says their product is a mildew stain remover and yet others make similar 'ambiguous' claims. 

CAUTION: DO NOT MIX CHLORINE BLEACH WITH OTHER HOUSEHOLD CLEANING AGENTS. DOING SO CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HARM TO HUMAN HEALTH AND EVEN DEATH. For example, mixing chlorine bleach with cleaning products that contain ammonia or acid (vinegar, as one example) releases chlorine or chloramines, gases which are TOXIC.

About Steve Zivolich and

Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
.
Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

Questions Before You Hire a Mold Remediation Professional

1. What does your remediation cover?

The remediation professional should ensure in writing that their mold removal process follows recognized standards of practice, IICRC. You should be able to request and see a copy of these standards ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. Here is a link to those IICRC standards information webpage: http://iicrc.org/standards/iicrc-s520/

2. How long have you been practicing in the mold remediation profession and how many projects have you completed?

The professional should be able to provide his or her history and perhaps even a few names as referrals. 

3. Are you specifically experienced in residential and or commercial areas?

Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of mold removal. If the project is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well.

4. Do you offer to do inspecting and or mold testing based on the project?

All professional associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest. A pre-inspection and post inspection should be completed by a third party mold inspector, preferably one that you choose.

5. How long will the remediation take?

If the area is moist, there will be a drying time of usually 1 to 3 days with dehumidifiers. Most limited area mold removal should not take any longer than 2 to 4 days. If much longer times are estimated, get more quotes and timelines from other companies.

6. How much will it cost?

Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and and types of mold contamination. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. 

7. What type of project report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?

Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. 

8. Do you guarantee your work?

Most companies guarantee to successfully remove the mold contamination in the areas contracted for. If a post remediation test is conducted and the area fails, most companies will re-work the area at no additional cost, and will also pay for the re-inspection costs.

9. Do you maintain certification with a professional remediation association?

There are two industry recognized national certification associations for mold remediation. Request to see their mold  certification document from either IICRC and or ACAC. Accept no substitutes.

10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?

One can never know it all, and the professionals commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases where the project includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
.
Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

Home Inspector Mistakes

Homebuyers and home sellers should know that there may come a rare, but unfortunate time, when you may be dissatisfied with the performance of the professional real estate inspector whom you have retained to report on the conditions of a home. 

Sometimes even the most seasoned of inspectors make a "goof". That is, they fail to report a matter than needed to be brought to the attention of the person requesting the inspection, or perhaps they inadvertently omitted an important finding.

A professional home inspector is there to help find material defects, as defined in the California Business and Professions Code § 7195, but, of course, they cannot "see through walls" or around dense and/or immoveable furnishings. The typical house has more than 60,000 pieces and parts in its construction, and while paying close attention the major components and appliances, such as roofs and furnaces, inspectors typically look at a representative sampling of multiple components, such as electrical receptacles and windows. Notwithstanding this standard procedure, the one nonfunctioning switch in the house may be overlooked.

To best remedy this situation, it is recommended that you contact the inspector directly. A reputable inspector will gladly take a second look at this condition.

If you have found items in your written inspection report that you fail to understand, call the inspector and ask them to thoroughly explain the condition(s) in question. If you fail to find reported conditions listed in your written report that your inspector verbally noted to you during the inspection process, contact the inspector to inquire on the discrepancy. If you get a conflicting opinion from one of the other parties in the transaction, you may want to ask the inspector for the basis for their opinion. If you get a conflicting opinion from a contractor retained to perform corrective work on a defective system or component noted in the inspector's report, call the inspector and ask for further explanation; suggest the inspector speak to the contractor.

If you find that the seller states that a certain item reported as defective or hazardous is not a problem and refuses to negotiate a remedy, it is the seller’s legal right to do so. You may either accept the seller's position or look for another house. If you feel the inspector performed less than a thorough inspection, call the inspector and share your feelings. If the inspector fails to satisfy your feelings, offer to return the inspector's written report, sign a legal waiver of action, and ask for your money back. As with most respectable business professionals, Home Inspectors rely upon client referrals, thus keeping happy clients is simply good business.

About Steve Zivolich and

Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
.
Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.

Should You Have Your Ducts Cleaned? No!

Probably not. I was a consultant on this Dateline NBC news show on duct cleaning scams. Watch these clips and learn how to avoid being a victim of this scam. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCGihXL5GFw

According to the EPA and other indoor air quality professional publications, duct cleaning is typically unnecessary.

The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned except on an as-needed basis because of the continuing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning under most circumstances. EPA does, however, recommend that if you have a fuel burning furnace, stove, or fireplace, they be inspected for proper functioning and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Some research also suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. However, little evidence exists to indicate that simply cleaning the duct system will increase your system's efficiency.

Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts or go down after cleaning. This is because much of the dirt that may accumulate inside air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. It is important to keep in mind that dirty air ducts are only one of many possible sources of particles that are present in homes. Pollutants that enter the home both from outdoors and indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. Moreover, there is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts poses any risk to health.

Suggestions for Choosing a Duct Cleaning Service Provider

To find companies that provide duct cleaning services, check your Yellow Pages under "duct cleaning" or contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) at the address and phone number in the information section located at the end of this guidance. Do not assume that all duct cleaning service providers are equally knowledgeable and responsible. Talk to at least three different service providers and get written estimates before deciding whether to have your ducts cleaned. When the service providers come to your home, ask them to show you the contamination that would justify having your ducts cleaned.

	Do not hire duct cleaners who make sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning — such claims are unsubstantiated. Do not hire duct cleaners who recommend duct cleaning as a routine part of your heating and cooling system maintenance. You should also be wary of duct cleaners who claim to be certified by EPA. Note: EPA neither establishes duct cleaning standards nor certifies, endorses, or approves duct cleaning companies.
	Do not allow the use of chemical biocides or chemical treatments unless you fully understand the pros and the cons (See "Unresolved Issues of Duct Cleaning).
	Check references to be sure other customers were satisfied and did not experience any problems with their heating and cooling system after cleaning.
	Contact your county or city office of consumer affairs or local Better Business Bureau to determine if complaints have been lodged against any of the companies you are considering.
	Interview potential service providers to ensure:   they are experienced in duct cleaning and have worked on systems like yours; they will use procedures to protect you, your pets, and your home from contamination; and they comply with NADCA's air duct cleaning standards and, if your ducts are constructed of fiber glass duct board or insulated internally with fiber glass duct liner, with the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association's (NAIMA) recommendations.
	Ask the service provider whether they hold any relevant state licenses. As of 1996, the following states require air duct cleaners to hold special licenses: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Texas. Other states may require them as well.
	If the service provider charges by the hour, request an estimate of the number of hours or days the job will take, and find out whether there will be interruptions in the work. Make sure the duct cleaner you choose will provide a written agreement outlining the total cost and scope of the job before work begins. About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California. Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+. Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association. Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection. . Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.