What to Expect from a Home Inspection

The outcome of a home inspection is often not what a homebuyer expects. Recognized Standards of Practice provide guidelines for inspectors, but consumers and agents often make assumptions leading to disappointment.

FACT: (Error #1) Not understanding the role of the home inspector, and the purpose of the inspection, commonly results in report information being other than the buyer wanted or needed. Not knowing in advance the scope of a home inspection can cause problems with contingency time-frame periods when a home inspector recommends a specialist, and such services were presumed included.

REALITY: The services of a home inspector are those of an inspection generalist, who is not acting as an expert in any craft, trade or professional discipline for which state licensure, certification or registration may be required. While a properly trained, experienced and seasoned professional will render an opinion on the condition of the building, and its systems and components, the home inspection contract does not provide for specialist investigations such as geotechnical or any form of engineering analysis, any hazardous materials or mold, intrusive (video) sewer and fireplace/chimney or other specialist examination.

Confusing the generalist home inspection with that of a code compliance inspection performed by public sector building and safety inspectors can lead to issues with home warranty insurance coverage.

FACT: (Error #2) Prospective homebuyers (and sellers) often mistakenly assume the home inspector will verify compliance (or non-compliance) with local building and safety, zoning or other authorities having jurisdiction. Beyond life or health safety concerns, buyers neglect in verifying public record permits and inspections can lead to home warranty claim denials on the basis of non-compliance.

REALITY: Recognized Standards of Practice for California home inspectors specifically exclude public record or any other third party research, such exclusion being reflected in the language of the inspection agreement. Requesting or expecting such information to be provided is to be in breach of that part of the contract. Where any question might arise as to the permitted nature of any building, system or component, pursuit of that compliance information from either the seller or appropriate government agencies falls to the buyer’s due diligence.

To request cost estimates to repair or correct any defect, aside from being beyond the scope of the inspection, is to place reliance on the wrong party, and may give the appearance of impropriety with respect to state law.

FACT: (Error #3) Proceeding to final closing negotiations on a home sale/purchase transaction without all necessary information can result in financial disaster. Failure to secure firm bids, or at least cost estimates on any defect identified in an inspection report from someone qualified and prepared to perform such work can result in unexpected expense upon taking possession of the home.

REALITY: If market conditions allow, buyers prepared with properly researched and substantiated costs may be able to negotiate closing with concessions depending on the amenability of the seller. Even if qualified, an inspector offering to perform repair work on any reported defect is in contravention of state administrative law if such offer is made within one year of the inspection date. Timely pursuit of such information (in writing) from properly licensed contractors benefits buyers whether or not negotiated concessions are possible.

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.