Showing posts with label home inspection report. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home inspection report. Show all posts

Thursday, November 14, 2013

What Should be in A Home Inspection Report

The Home Inspection Report


 The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) wants homebuyers and home sellers to know that a quality, professional inspector will make known their findings in a written report.
A written inspection report is at the center of every home inspection, and is required by the California Business and Professions Code, and the CREIA Standards of Practice. Although an inspector may provide insight into his or her report language with verbal onsite comments or follow-up explanations, one should rely on the language and finding of the written inspection report.
For a professional home inspector, the written report is the formal, final, and factual declaration of what was discovered about the property on the day of the inspection. This is the standard centerpiece of the home inspection profession. What is written overshadows what anyone might claim to have said. This also includes oral comments by others who challenge a professional inspector’s report but refuse themselves to put it in writing.
There are several variations of professional inspection reports used in California such as field- generated checklist style of report (with follow-up typed compilation or action list); reference book (tear sheet checklists corresponding to items in a reference book); checklist style; written narrative report or other hybrids versions. Many inspectors also use digital photographs to illustrate their findings.
In addition to the written report produced by a professional inspector, sellers and real estate agents also have an obligation to complete a detailed disclosure statement, which lists known conditions that can affect the habitability, desirability, safety or value of the property. Real Estate disclosure has been required in California since the mid-‘80’s Easton case. It’s critical for consumers to carefully examine all of these documents while making final purchase decisions on what is most likely the largest investment they will ever make.
Make sure you retain the services of a professional home inspector. Since 1976, CREIA, a non-profit voluntary membership organization has been providing education, training, and support services to the real estate inspection industry and to the public. Inspectors must adhere to CREIA's Code of Ethics and follow the Standards of Practice developed by the association. These Standards of Practice have been recognized by the State of California, and are considered the source for Home Inspector Standard of Care by the real estate and legal communities. 
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.
.
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.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Safety Tips for the Holidays, Recommendations From a Certified Home Inspector


Safety Tips for the Holidays

The following are a few tips that can keep you and your family safe while enjoying this festive season: Halloween through the New Year.

Electrical Safety

Use only Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved lights.
Avoid overloading the connections.
Do not leave Holiday lights on while unattended inside the home.
Check all light sets prior to use.
Do not use damaged light sets or extension cords.
Replace any worn light systems.
Make sure you have a working smoke detector on every level of your home.

Christmas Tree Safety

Keep your tree away from heat sources, sparks or flames.
Choose a freshly cut tree. LIVE TREES NEED WATER! Check and refill often.
Cut a few inches off the trunk before placing in water.
When your tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
Avoid accidents by using wire or cord to secure your tree to the wall or ceiling (this will prevent it from toppling over by small children or pets).

Holiday Candle Safety

Do Not use candles near combustible materials such as curtains, drapes, bedding and or cabinets.
Do Not leave the house with candles burning.
Do Not leave children or pets unattended with a lit candle.
Do Not use candles on a Christmas tree.
Be sure that candles are in stable holders on a flat stable surface and create a 1-foot circle of safety surrounding them.

Say No To Fireworks

Be Sure Your Main Exterior Entry Way is Well Lit to Avoid Visitor Trip Hazards

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Is Your Home Inspector ASHI Certified?

PICKING A HOME INSPECTOR - BUYER BEWARE
California home inspectors are not licensed and most are not properly certified. 

Since inspector's are not licensed, and many are not properly certified, you should make 
sure your inspector is a certified inspector by the American Society of Home Inspectors 
(ASHI).

If your realtor has recommended an inspector, this does not mean they are ASHI certified, 
rather it means that they work well with your realtor (not you). You want the best trained 
and experience inspector available, and an ASHI inspector typically meets those demands.

  • The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the industry recognized nonprofit public-benefit organization of real estate inspectors.
  • The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), founded in 1976, is North America's oldest and most respected professional society of home inspectors. ASHI's goals have always been to build customer awareness of the importance of a quality home inspection and enhance the professionalism of home inspectors.
  • ASHI's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice are recognized by the California Business & Professions Codes and are considered the standard of care by the real estate industry and legal profession.
The California  Business & Professions Code defines a home inspection as a 
“a noninvasive, physical examination, performed for a fee in connection with a 
transfer, as defined in subdivision (e), of real property, of the mechanical, 
electrical, or plumbing systems or the structural and essential components 
of a residential dwelling of one to four units designed to identify material 
defects in those systems, structures and components.” 

California home inspectors are prohibited from performing any repair work 
on a property they have inspected within the prior 12 months. 

The complete text is available at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=bpc&group=07001-08000&file=7195-7199 

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.
.
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.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Home Inspector Certification

BEWARE THE CHEAP HOME INSPECTOR

ASHI CERTIFIED INSPECTORS ARE THE ONLY HOME INSPECTORS
who have completed a RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATION PROCESS.

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is approved by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) as a recognized accrediting association for its profession leading CERTIFIED INSPECTOR program.

ASHI is the only accredited home inspection organization whose members have completed a recognized third party certification process. ASHI standards for certification are substantially more stringent than other home inspector groups. ASHI home inspectors must pass the National Home Inspector's Examination, adhere to the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, have  250 reviewed inspections and completed 20 hours of education (each year).

ASHI sets the national professional standard for home inspectors. In the California environment, where home inspector regulation is essentially non-existent, this national certification by ASHI denotes a more advanced level of knowledge, skill and ethical practice.

Be sure your inspector is ASHI certified by visiting the ASHI website at: http://www.ashi.org.


  • The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the industry recognized nonprofit public-benefit organization of real estate inspectors.
  • The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), founded in 1976, is North America's oldest and most respected professional society of home inspectors. ASHI's goals have always been to build customer awareness of the importance of a quality home inspection and enhance the professionalism of home inspectors.
  • ASHI's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice are recognized by the California Business & Professions Codes and are considered the standard of care by the real estate industry and legal profession.



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 7,000 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, radon, EMF/RF and environmental inspections,  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.

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 limited 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. www.gpinspect.com

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.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Secrets of a Solid Home Inspection

CHOOSE YOUR INSPECTOR WISELY
Selling, buying or just putting a house on the market may raise many questions.
Can I get a good price? 
Are there any problems I should fix prior to listing my house?
If I buy this house, will I encounter problems that may make me regret my decision?

The sale price of a house depends on many factors, including the market, location, size of the property, age of the house, condition of the structure, what appliances might be included in the sale and even how nicely the property and building were landscaped and decorated – just to name a few.
Having a qualified professional inspect your house prior to putting it on the market – or for prospective buyers, before closing on a sale – can help guide your decision. But many homeowners and prospective buyers are unsure what's included in a standard home inspection, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
A qualified home inspector will review these aspects of a property:
* Roof, attic and visible insulation
* Foundation, basement and structural components
* Walls, ceilings and floors
* Heating and central air conditioning systems
* Windows and doors
* Water fixtures and faucets
* Decks

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 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 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.

Not all home inspectors are certified and licensed. 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. It's important for homeowners to do their homework before hiring an inspector; 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.
The following elements are not included in a standard home inspection:
* Septic system
* 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
* Compliance with local codes
* Appraisal to determine market value

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.

Hiring a certified 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.


  • The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the industry recognized nonprofit public-benefit organization of real estate inspectors.
  • The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), founded in 1976, is North America's oldest and most respected professional society of home inspectors. ASHI's goals have always been to build customer awareness of the importance of a quality home inspection and enhance the professionalism of home inspectors.
  • ASHI's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice are recognized by the California Business & Professions Codes and are considered the standard of care by the real estate industry and legal profession.



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 7,000 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, radon, EMF/RF and environmental inspections,  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.

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 limited 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. www.gpinspect.com

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.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

How Much Should a Home Inspection Cost?

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR
Home inspection fees
"How much do you charge?" is normally the first question I am asked as a home inspector, when you should be asking about qualifications, experience, insurance, if I want you at the inspection, what do I inspect, what do I not inspect, am I a certified inspector with CREIA and or ASHI and how I get most of my business! The size and age of homes vary which means that some homes can be inspected in 2 to 3 hours while older, larger homes can take 4 or more hours. Some inspection reports might take an hour or two to complete, while others might take 4 hours or more. Inspectors quote inspection fees using different criteria or methods. Some charge a flat rate, others charge by the square foot of living area. The average rate for home inspection is around $330 in the Southern California area. Some inspectors can charge up to $800 or more.   
Home inspection fees - extras
Be aware that if you have other items such as a swimming pool or spa, you may be charged extra for inspection of those items. Some might charge for mileage to the home. TIP: Most home inspectors will charge a "base price" - but then as they ask questions like how large the home is, what year it was built, age of the home, etc., their "base price" gets much higher. Be aware the "real" price isn't the base price you'll be quoted right off the bat.
Money Well Spent
While you may pay a few hundred dollars for each home you have inspected (if you are a home buyer), keep in mind the amount of money you can save if you hire a good, qualified, and certified inspector that finds the big issues. For example, if your inspector determines the home needs a new roof, that's around $3,000 (or more!) that the inspector found for you, or foundation damage or safety hazards - the inspection just paid for itself. As part of my home inspections, I also conduct and energy audit that typically saves my client my inspection fee in energy savings in the first year. This will help the home buyer make educated choices. If you are selling your home, these are items that you can take care of before selling so that you might be able to increase your asking price or you won't have to worry about decreasing your asking price because of issues found.


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 7,000 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, radon, EMF/RF and environmental inspections,  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.

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 limited 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. www.gpinspect.com

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.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

California Home Inspectors are Not Licensed and May not be Certified


California home inspectors are not licensed. 

Since inspector's are not licensed, you should choose a properly ASHI certified inspector.

  • The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is the industry recognized nonprofit public-benefit organization of real estate inspectors.
  • The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), founded in 1976, is North America's oldest and most respected professional society of home inspectors. ASHI's goals have always been to build customer awareness of the importance of a quality home inspection and enhance the professionalism of home inspectors.
  • ASHI's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice are recognized by the California Business & Professions Codes and are considered the standard of care by the real estate industry and legal profession.

The California  Business & Professions Code defines a home inspection as a 
“a noninvasive, physical examination, performed for a fee in connection with a 
transfer, as defined in subdivision (e), of real property, of the mechanical, 
electrical, or plumbing systems or the structural and essential components 
of a residential dwelling of one to four units designed to identify material 
defects in those systems, structures and components.” 

California home inspectors are prohibited from performing any repair work 
on a property they have inspected within the prior 12 months. 

The complete text is available at: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=bpc&group=07001-08000&file=7195-7199 

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.
.
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.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Home Inspector Mistakes


Homebuyers and home sellers should know that there may come a rare, but unfortunate time, when you may be dissatisfied with the performance of the professional real estate inspector whom you have retained to report on the conditions of a home. 
Sometimes even the most seasoned of inspectors make a "goof". That is, they fail to report a matter than needed to be brought to the attention of the person requesting the inspection, or perhaps they inadvertently omitted an important finding.
A professional home inspector is there to help find material defects, as defined in the California Business and Professions Code § 7195, but, of course, they cannot "see through walls" or around dense and/or immoveable furnishings. The typical house has more than 60,000 pieces and parts in its construction, and while paying close attention the major components and appliances, such as roofs and furnaces, inspectors typically look at a representative sampling of multiple components, such as electrical receptacles and windows. Notwithstanding this standard procedure, the one nonfunctioning switch in the house may be overlooked.
To best remedy this situation, it is recommended that you contact the inspector directly. A reputable inspector will gladly take a second look at this condition.
If you have found items in your written inspection report that you fail to understand, call the inspector and ask them to thoroughly explain the condition(s) in question. If you fail to find reported conditions listed in your written report that your inspector verbally noted to you during the inspection process, contact the inspector to inquire on the discrepancy. If you get a conflicting opinion from one of the other parties in the transaction, you may want to ask the inspector for the basis for their opinion. If you get a conflicting opinion from a contractor retained to perform corrective work on a defective system or component noted in the inspector's report, call the inspector and ask for further explanation; suggest the inspector speak to the contractor.
If you find that the seller states that a certain item reported as defective or hazardous is not a problem and refuses to negotiate a remedy, it is the seller’s legal right to do so. You may either accept the seller's position or look for another house. If you feel the inspector performed less than a thorough inspection, call the inspector and share your feelings. If the inspector fails to satisfy your feelings, offer to return the inspector's written report, sign a legal waiver of action, and ask for your money back. As with most respectable business professionals, Home Inspectors rely upon client referrals, thus keeping happy clients is simply good business.
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.
.
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.


Friday, February 22, 2013

The Home Inspection Report


 The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) wants homebuyers and home sellers to know that a quality, professional inspector will make known their findings in a written report.
A written inspection report is at the center of every home inspection, and is required by the California Business and Professions Code, and the CREIA Standards of Practice. Although an inspector may provide insight into his or her report language with verbal onsite comments or follow-up explanations, one should rely on the language and finding of the written inspection report.
For a professional home inspector, the written report is the formal, final, and factual declaration of what was discovered about the property on the day of the inspection. This is the standard centerpiece of the home inspection profession. What is written overshadows what anyone might claim to have said. This also includes oral comments by others who challenge a professional inspector’s report but refuse themselves to put it in writing.
There are several variations of professional inspection reports used in California such as field- generated checklist style of report (with follow-up typed compilation or action list); reference book (tear sheet checklists corresponding to items in a reference book); checklist style; written narrative report or other hybrids versions. Many inspectors also use digital photographs to illustrate their findings.
In addition to the written report produced by a professional inspector, sellers and real estate agents also have an obligation to complete a detailed disclosure statement, which lists known conditions that can affect the habitability, desirability, safety or value of the property. Real Estate disclosure has been required in California since the mid-‘80’s Easton case. It’s critical for consumers to carefully examine all of these documents while making final purchase decisions on what is most likely the largest investment they will ever make.
Make sure you retain the services of a professional home inspector. Since 1976, CREIA, a non-profit voluntary membership organization has been providing education, training, and support services to the real estate inspection industry and to the public. Inspectors must adhere to CREIA's Code of Ethics and follow the Standards of Practice developed by the association. These Standards of Practice have been recognized by the State of California, and are considered the source for Home Inspector Standard of Care by the real estate and legal communities. 
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.
.
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.