How to Pick a Home Inspector.

Selling, buying or just putting a house on the market may raise many questions.
Are there any problems I should fix prior to listing or buying a house?
If I buy this house, will I encounter problems that may make me regret my decision?
If I sell my house, and there a problems not disclosed to the buyer, can I have legal problems?

BEWARE! The majority of home inspectors in California are not certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors in California (ASHI). ASHI's "Find an Inspector" tool allows homeowners to locate a QUALIFIED AND CERTIFIED inspector in their area. Further, most realtors are not even aware of the ASHI certification, which is the only national certification body for home inspectors in the U.S. Several other home inspector groups claim a certification process that is not recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

CAREFUL! THERE IS NO LICENSING PROCESS FOR HOME INSPECTORS IN CALIFORNIA, as a result the primary consumer process is making sure your inspector has a proper certification by ASHI.

"It's important for homeowners to do their homework before hiring an inspector," says Kurt Salomon, ASHI president. "Look for a home inspector certified through the ASHI Certified Inspector Program, which is the only home inspection association program approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies." ASHI's "Find an Inspector" tool allows homeowners to locate an inspector in their area. Always check with your local inspector for a complete list of services provided.

But many homeowners, prospective buyers and even realtors are unsure what's included in a standard home inspection, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

A qualified ASHI home inspector will review these aspects of a property:

* Roof, attic and visible insulation

* Foundation, basement and structural components
• Grounds and exterior
• Exterior walls

* Walls, ceilings and floors

* Heating and central air conditioning systems
• Electrical

* Windows and doors

* Water fixtures, drainage and faucets

* Decks
• Interior
• Built-in Appliances
• Safety hazards

Nearly two out of three homeowners recently surveyed by ASHI reported they saved a lot of money as a result of having a home inspection by an ASHI inspector during the selling/buying of a house.

Sellers use inspections to help determine potential problems that can be repaired or replaced prior to listing– potentially getting them a higher sale price, and reducing repair costs. And buyers use the inspections to determine if they want to invest in the property, or help negotiate for a better price that would include the repair and replacement of potential problems.

The following elements are typically not included in a standard home inspection:
(However, some items can be added for an additional fee; check with your ASHI inspector to see if they have additional certification in optional areas. Before hiring a home inspector, inquire about what is covered in the inspection and ask to see a sample report. Although some inspectors provide ancillary services, it may be necessary to consult a specialist for concerns that extend beyond a standard inspection. Often your inspector will help you make this determination).

* Radon (the number 1 cause of mortality in homes)

* Electrical wiring and plumbing that is not readily accessible (for example, behind drywall or plaster.)

* Water conditioning or softening system

* Swimming pool

* Backyard fences

* Lawn irrigation system

* Household appliances
• Mold
• Environmental hazards: e.g. lead paint and asbestos
• Indoor air quality
• Termites (a separate inspector in CA)

* Compliance with local codes (this can only be done by local city officials)

* Appraisal to determine market value
• Septic

Hiring a certified ASHI home inspector and having questions answered before putting your house up for sale – or before finalizing a purchase price -- can not only help save money, but also allow you to go through the process with more peace of mind.

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 6,500 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.

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.