The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) cautions home buyers not to misunderstand the purpose of a professional inspection report. The inspector’s role is not to identify a complete repair list for the home, nor is it the sellers obligation to repair most problems discovered by the home inspector (other than water heater seismic strapping, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors).
Potential home buyers often incorrectly view an inspection report as a mandatory repair list for the seller. The fact is sellers are not required to produce a flawless house. They have no such obligation by law or by contract.
With a home inspection, most repairs are subject to negotiation between the parties of a sale. Typically, buyers will request that various conditions be repaired before the close of escrow, and sellers will usually acquiesce to some of these demands. But with most building defects, sellers make repairs as a matter of choice, not obligation; to foster good will or to facilitate consummation of the sale. Sellers maintain the legal right to refuse repair demands, except where requirements are set forth by state law, local ordinance, or the real estate purchase contract. Legal obligations include earthquake straps for water heaters, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in specified locations. Contracts usually stipulate that fixtures be in working condition at the close of escrow, that windows not be broken, and that there be no existing leaks in the roof or plumbing.
Before you make any demands of the seller, try to evaluate the inspection report with an eye toward problems of greatest significance. Look for conditions that compromise health and safety or involve active leakage. Most sellers will address problems affecting sensitive areas such as the roof, fireplace, gas burning fixtures, or electrical wiring. The purpose of a home inspection is not to corner the seller with a repair list. The primary objective is to know what you are buying before you buy it. All homes have defects; it's not possible to acquire one that is perfect. What you want is a working knowledge of significant defects before you close escrow.
An inspection consists of a thorough visual examination of a home’s structural components including the foundation, superstructure, and roofing systems, where accessible. The heating and cooling equipment is activated along with operating plumbing fixtures, testing accessible electrical outlets and fixtures, and operating a representative sampling of doors and windows. For the current CREIA inspector standard of practice, visit my website link at: http://www.gpinspect.com/irvine-home-inspection/Standards-Of-Practice.php
Make sure you hire a qualified, professional inspector. Since 1976, the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA), a non-profit corporation has been providing education, training, and support services to the real estate inspection industry and to the public. CREIA Inspectors must adhere to the Code of Ethics and follow the Standards of Practice developed by the association. CREIA requires its members to successfully pass a written test of property systems and complete 30 hours of education each year. Members can accumulate credits through various sources of education including monthly chapter meetings, conferences, and other approved activities. CREIA keeps records to ensure that members are complying with the requirements. Educational topics cover a variety of technical subjects including updates and advances that affect property inspection and the business of real estate inspection.
About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property
Inspections:
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.
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