1. What does your inspection cover?
The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state if applicable and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront.
2. 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 professionand perhaps even a few names as referrals.
3. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?
Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well.
4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?
Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest. e.g. Not allowed in California.
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. How much will it cost?
Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the house, scope of services and other factors. Consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the investment being made. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality.
7. What type of inspection 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 the inspector's reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection by email.
8. 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.
9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?
There are many state and national associations for home inspectors. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate. In California the inspector should be a member of CREIA or ASHI. Do not accept any substitutes or excuses. Also ask about other certifications: e.g. Mold, asbestos, lead, energy, etc.
10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?
One can never know it all, and the inspector's 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 home is much older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.
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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