I hear a lot of the same home inspection myths repeated over and over.
I've blogged about most of these, but here they are in one blog.
I've blogged about most of these, but here they are in one blog.
10. The seller needs to fix this.
The seller is not required to fix much, but is required to have functioning smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and have their water heater seismically strapped properly. Home buyers can ask sellers to fix other things or pay for things to be fixed. As a home inspector, I make a point of letting my client know what items are safety issues, or expensive fixes.
9. Radon is not a problem in this area.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. It is found throughout the country. The EPA, WHO, the California Department of Health and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that you test your new home for radon. Realtors are not an authority on this subject.
8. Buyers should only attend the end of the inspection.
Buyers will probably get the most out of the inspection if they attend the entire inspection, but I leave that up to my clients. If your inspector does not want you there, you need a different inspector.
7. New construction homes don't need inspections.
When I inspect new construction homes, I do find defects, you should at least have it inspected in the 11th month before your warranty runs out with the builder.
6. Mold and other indoor air quality are no big deal.
The California Department of Public Health (2011) has concluded that the presence of water damage, dampness, visible mold, or mold odor in schools, workplaces, residences, and other indoor environments is unhealthy. Realtors are not an authority on this subject.
5. A small air conditioner might not cool the house properly.
The physical size of that thing at the outside of the house won't tell you anything about the cooling capacity. It has a lot more to do with the efficiency of the unit; larger units = more surface area = higher efficiency. The cooling capacity is measured in tons. To figure out how many tons your unit is, look at the model number and find a number usually between 18 and 60 that's a multiple of 6. Divide that number by 12, and you have the number of tons your unit is.
For example, the unit pictured below is a 2-½ ton unit.
4. A backdrafting water heater should be replaced.
Replacing a water heater won't correct the problem. If a water heater backdrafts, there's a problem outside the water heater. Sometimes it's a problem with the vent, sometimes the vent connector, and sometimes it's a more complicated problem that requires evaluation by a plumber.
3. Old stucco is a concern.
Old stucco is usually fine. But I recommend sealing any cracks.
2. I can use the cheapest inspector.
In the current housing market, with the low inventory, buyers are advised to use extra caution, particularly when making an offer on any property being sold “as is”. Whether it is a resale property or brand new construction, a poor inspection can cost the buyer many times the difference in the fees of a good inspection, and place the buyer in danger of undiscovered safety issues missed by the "cheap" inspector that is typically inexperienced and un-certified by CREIA or ASHI. Even if the seller appears to be very diligent in disclosing all know conditions, there can be significant safety conditions of which the seller is not aware.
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.
1. I can use the inspector picked by my realtor.
The home inspector is often the only person involved in a real estate purchase that considers you to be their sole client; Your real estate agent may have a financial bias in their recommendation for a "good inspector"; that might mean they do not find many problems, that could get in the way of a sale. Be sure to use an ASHI or CREIA independent inspector, to find one visit ASHI.org or CREIA.org.
Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 15 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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