Should I Use the Home Inspector Recommended from My Real Estate Agent

Sometimes Yes, sometimes maybe not.

If you confirm that the home inspector is certified by CREIA or ASHI, you are likely in good hands. These certified inspectors are fully qualified and experience in home inspections. You can confirm their certification by going to CREIA.org or ASHI.org.

If however they are not certified by one or both of these groups, then you should probably pass on your realtors recommendation, and find a CREIA or ASHI certificate in your area. Both websites above have a zip code finder for your use.

Do not be fooled by other agency so called certifications, they are not accredited certifications.

ASHI Home Inspector, the only Accredited Certification by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has been approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) as a recognized accrediting association for its profession-leading Certified Inspector Program.  

ASHI is now the only accredited home inspection association whose full members have completed a recognized third-party certification process.  All current, full ASHI members have met there quirements for this new certification.  

"The accreditation and certification of ASHI's processes by are cognized third party is an affirmation of the status we hold in the home inspection profession," said Jeff Arnold, executive director,ASHI.  "Our members are recognized as leaders in home inspection by those in and out of the profession and by government entities.  And,achieving certification further validates ASHI member qualifications and professional competence."

ASHI standards for certification are more stringent than other home inspection organizations.  New home inspector members join ASHI as Associates and must accomplish several tasks to become ASHI Certified Inspectors.  Associate members must pass the National Home Inspector's Examination; complete the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics education module, undergo an inspection report verification process and conduct 250 paid home inspections.  To remain active in the organization, all members must complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education each year. 

"ASHI sets the professional standard on a national level," said Bill Richardson, 2009 ASHI president.  "In an environment where home inspection regulation and licensing are typically performed at a state level and have been at times granted for meeting minimal professional requirements, this national certification denotes a more advanced level of knowledge and practice skill required to become an ASHI Certified Inspector." Richardson added, "It also helps consumers make informed buying decisions and gives them peace of mind when they choose to hire an ASHI Certified Home Inspector."  

ASHI's organizational structure and membership process was thoroughly evaluated by the NCCA Board for compliance with what it requires of a responsible professional accrediting society.

According to Brendan Ryan, ASHI Certified Inspector and Certification Committee chair, "This evaluation process has taken other types of associations up to five years to complete. Due to ASHI's existing structure, standards and ethics, the process was completed in less than two years." 

The NCCA is the professional services accreditation arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.  ASHI chose the organization because it is a recognized leader in setting quality standards for credentialing organizations.  The NCCA requires compliance with 21Standards, each of which has multiple components, in order to grant accreditation status to any association.

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.
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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.

Best Home Inspection Award

Steve Zivolich, Guaranteed Property and Mold Inspections, Inc.,  Receives 2015 Best of Irvine Award

IRVINE August 19, 2015 -- Steve Zivolich, MA, ACI, CMC, CCI has been selected for the 2015 Best of Irvine Award in the Building Inspection Services category by the Irvine Award Program.
Each year, the Irvine Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Irvine area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2015 Irvine Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Irvine Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Irvine Award Program

The Irvine Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Irvine area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The Irvine Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

Smart questions to ask before hiring your home inspector.

1. 
   Are you certified? Make sure they belong to the American Society of Home Inspectors. This shows they can be trusted and are professional.
2. 
   
3. What will the inspection cover? Every inspection is different, ask for copies of previous home inspections so you can see what will be inspected inside the home. Let them know if you have concerns in certain areas.
4. 
   
5. How long will the inspection take? The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is two to three hours for a typical single-family house; anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection.
6. 
   
7. Will I be able to attend the inspection? This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector’s refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.
8. 
   
9. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed? The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. Newer inspectors can be very qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection.

Let the Buyer Beware: Finding A Good Home Inspector

You've found your dream home in the perfect neighborhood. The neighbors are friendly, as are their kids and dogs, the schools are nearby and the price is even below what you were expecting. You can practically picture the fireplace mantel inside covered with family photos and smell the apple pie baking in the state-of-the-art kitchen. But wait, you have one more major hurdle: the home inspection, for which the Latin saying "Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware)" was invented.

Every house has its surprises...

Common "surprises" inspections uncover include: poor exterior grading, which can lead to basement flooding or leaking; roof leaks; improper wiring; plumbing issues; and heating system malfunctions.

Most of the issues inspectors encounter are relatively simple and can be easily dealt with. But sometimes the cost of fixing these small things can be major. One way the potential buyer can protect him or herself is to make sure, when making an offer on a house, the contract includes a home inspection contingency. This is to ensure, if a costly problem is found, you can require the seller make the repair before the deal closes, negotiate a price reduction to make up for the cost of making the repair yourself, or go look at some different houses altogether.

If a potential buyer balks at the cost of hiring a professional inspector, they should realize that it's a small price to pay, considering what you're gaining. Inspectors tend to base their fee on the square footage of the home being inspected, as well as how complicated the job is. According to Vento, the national average runs $300-$500, but can top $1,000 if the job is a big one.

Buyers can find a certified inspector through their real estate agent, although many consumers prefer to find one themselves, so they can be assured of total objectivity in their inspection. In addition to friends, neighbors and relatives, prospective home buyers can contact national organizations, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

Berkeley enacts balcony safety requirements

A Smart Idea for Sonoma County

BERKELEY -- Starting July, several thousand properties are now subject to periodic inspections of decks and other exposed structures under new rules crafted in response to the June 16 collapse of a fifth-floor balcony at a downtown apartment complex that killed six young adults and injured seven more.

The City Council on Tuesday approved urgency ordinances that require property owners to hire a licensed expert to inspect and certify the structural integrity of decks, balconies, staircases, landings and other weather-exposed areas within six months, and thereafter every three years. The ordinances apply to any residential building with more than three units.

Industry representatives warned that acting prematurely and hastily and without input from experts could have unanticipated and adverse outcomes. But a sense of urgency that the city must take firm action in response to the disaster and do something to protect the public against the possibility of similar ones occurring prevailed throughout the night's often-passionate debate.

The mandated inspections would be performed by a licensed general contractor, structural pest control specialist, architect or engineer. Several residents questioned how the city staff would be able to oversee the program given its current resources. Councilman Laurie Capitelli suggested enlisting the help of the American Society of Home Inspectors, noting that it had done private inspections of 14 balconies in the city's Elmwood section since the accident and had recommended two of those balconies for closure. NEW RULES New inspection rules: Existing decks, balconies, landings and other weather-exposed areas must be inspected and certified by a licensed expert within six months, and thereafter every three years New building standards: set standards for ventilation of weather-exposed structures such as balconies, landings, decks and stairs. require balconies, landings, decks and stairs to be constructed of naturally durable or preservative-treated wood, corrosion-resistant steel or similar approved materials. require wood members that support the floors be separated from them by an impervious moisture barrier. apply to any residential building with more than three units.