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.

American Society of Home Inspectors Supports Protection of Home Mortgage Interest Rate Deduction

 The American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI) opposes strategies that would diminish the value of the homeownership incentives provided by the home mortgage interest rate deduction (HMID), that are currently allowed under the U.S. tax code. 

Homebuyers who benefit from the HMID are a large segment of the total consumer marketplace. A recent evaluation prepared by the congressional Joint Committee of Taxation for consideration by the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance found that approximately 36.5 million tax returns filed in 2009 took advantage of the itemized deduction for home mortgage interest, claiming deductions for $420.8 billion of home mortgage interest. This amount is likely to be substantially reduced over the next five years as the result of an unprecedented wave of foreclosures and short sales. It will also adversely affect the millions of homeowners who have recently refinanced to take advantage of low interest rates. The HMID is a motivation to buy and helps to support the real estate market. Removal would adversely affect decisions to buy and put the housing market into a stagnant position. 

Home sales and refinancing have multiple economic effects. Homeowners make significant expenditures when purchasing or improving a home. They buy appliances, furniture, home equipment as well as pay thousands of small businesses for home improvements and related transaction expenses. ASHI encourages President Obama as well as the policymakers on Capitol Hill to fully support the current tax treatment of the HMID and to fully consider the unintended consequences that will occur from a focused tax action on homeowners. 

• 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.

Mold Inspectors are not Regulated

Mold inspectors are not regulated in California. 

As a result of a lack of regulation, the majority of mold inspectors are not properly certified, trained or experienced to provide adequate indoor air quality services that they are selling. Most of these inspectors have completed a one day class, and say they are certified based on a class attendance certificate. They are not their for you, but for the money.

THE CONSUMER MUST BEWARE.

As a nationally recognized expert in property and mold investigations, I have reviewed several mold inspection reports from other inspectors  that lack current industry standards. Many of these inspectors have been referred by real estate agents, that are not aware of recommended certifications and experience required of a competent mold inspector. 

Here are some tips on making sure your mold inspector is properly qualified.

1. What should a mold inspection cover?

The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable standards of a mold inspection: This typically includes a visual inspection of all accessible areas, moisture meter testing, and relative humidity measurements. It may or may not include a scope of work to explain how to stop the mold and remove the mold safely. In addition, your inspector should also be experienced in other indoor air quality issues that may be a potential health problems: Radon, allergens, VOC's, lead and asbestos. You should be able to request and see a copy of a sample report 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. For a sample report visit my website at: SAMPLE MOLD REPORT.

2. State of the Art Mold Testing:
Current state of the art mold testing should be available for your consideration; such as DNA analysis of the property condition e.g. Environmental Relative Mold Index (ERMI), that has been in field for more than 7 years. The cost of this test has been decreased to the point that it is similar to the older and less reliable approach of air testing. Recent research has also determined that even the best mold inspectors miss 52% of mold problems without the ERMI test. For more information on the ERMI test process visit a description at my website: ERMI

If your mold inspector is not familiar or negative about the ERMI, or other DNA based mold testing techniques, this should be a warning sign to you.

Note that do it yourself mold tests sold at retailers or on-line are not valid or reliable.

3. Experience in the mold inspection profession.

The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. This is a profession where experience counts; mold investigation is an ongoing scientific work in progress.

4. Experienced in residential and or commecial inspection.

Related experience in property inspection and certification by ASHI and or CREIA is a must. Accept no substitutes or excuses. To confirm ASHI or CREIA inspection certification visit: www.ashi.org or www.creia.org.

5. Repairs or remediation based on the inspection.

This is considered at code of ethics violation to offer both inspection and mold remediation. Your inspector should only inspect, that way there is no incentive to find a problem. If you want a referral from the inspector for a remediation company to remove the mold, make sure there is no formal business relationship or kick back.

6. Cost.

Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the project site, scope of services and other factors. Consider the value of the inspection in terms of the investment being made and or health concerns. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. FREE does not mean free, these are offers from vendors who also want to make money on the back end with over priced testing and remediation.

7. The inspection report.

Ask to see report 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 24-48 hours of the inspection or lab sample results. SAMPLE MOLD REPORT

8. 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 indoor air quality issues through the eyes of an expert.

9. Certification in Mold Investigation.

There are many questionable "certifications" for mold inspectors. The only nationally recognized true certification group is ACAC; visit www.acac.org to verify that your inspector is a Certified Microbial Consultant (CMC). My experience in California indicates that the overwhelming majority of mold inspectors are not ACAC certified and are poorly trained and qualified for the work they are offering; buyer beware; there is no license or government over site of inspectors or remediators.

10. 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 that involve health concerns. For example the ACAC certification requires at least 40 hours of approved education every 24 months.

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.

Questions to Ask Your Potential Home Inspector.

Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

BE CAREFUL WHEN CHOOSING YOUR HOME INSPECTOR

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 ASHI or CREIA 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 profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. Newer inspectors can be very qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection.

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. REPAIRS ARE 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. Some realtors recommend that you come at the end of the inspection for a summary; do not take this advise, attend the full inspection.

9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?

The only industry recognized certifications in California are CREIA and or ASHI; accept no substitutes. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate.

• 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.

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.

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.

9 out of 10 Smoke Alarms Need Replacement, A Safety Update

Over 90% of U.S. homes have ionization sensor smoke alarms installed. Around 5% of U.S. homes have photoelectric sensor alarms installed. Approximately 4% have no alarm of any kind installed. 

Under UL test conditions, ionization alarms consistently respond about 30 to 90 seconds faster to open or “fast-flame” fires than photoelectric smoke alarms. However, the vast majority of residential fire fatalities are due to smoke inhalation, not the actual flames. Nearly 2/3’s of fire fatalities occur at night while you sleep. Ionization alarms respond on average between 15 to 50 minutes slower in a smoldering fire than photoelectric alarms.

A Texas A&M study concluded that, during smoldering fires, the probability of a fatality was 55.8% with ionization alarms but only 4.06% with photoelectric alarms. The study also concluded that, in fast-flame fires, the probability of a fatality was 19.8% with ionization alarms but only 3.99% with photoelectric alarms.  The Texas A&M research clearly demonstrates that when all factors are taken into account, such as how often each alarm gets disabled due to nuisance alarm problems, to how they respond in actual testing across the full spectrum of fires, photoelectric alarms have a clear advantage.

The issue with ionization alarms is far more than just the slow response to deadly smoldering fires. Ionization alarms are notorious for nuisance tripping. They frequently go off when you cook, burn toast, shower, etc. When alarms nuisance trip, people become frustrated and intentionally disable them. This leaves their families completely unprotected. Several CPSC and NFPA studies report that 97% of all nuisance alarm activations are from ionization alarms.9 An Alaskan Public Housing Study shows that about 19% of ionization alarms were disabled within six months of installation; 10 other studies indicate that the percentage may be higher. 

Considering photoelectric smoke alarms are determined by industry experts to be significantly less prone to nuisance alarm and potential disabling of the batteries by consumers, I strongly support changing out your current smoke alarms to PHOTOELECTRIC.

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) is the largest firefighters union in the U.S. and Canada, with nearly 300,000 members. During the IAFF 2008 conference, they adopted an official position recommending that only photoelectric smoke alarms be installed.

The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) became the first home inspection organization to take a stand when it adopted a position mirroring the IAFF position.

WHICH TYPE OF TECHNOLOGY DO I HAVE? It is not always possible to know. In general, if the label says anything about radioactive material, Americium-241 or the model number has an “I,”—then it is almost certainly an ionization alarm. If you have any doubt, there is over a 90% chance that the alarm you have is an ionization unit. Photoelectric models often have the word “photoelectric” or the capital letter P printed or embossed on them. To be safe, simply replace any unknown units with photoelectric-only alarms. Any smoke alarm that is 10 years old or older should be replaced regardless of type. 

Photoelectric alarms are available today, and they cost only a few dollars more than ionization alarms. Do not allow your family, friends, neighbors and clients to become one of these statistics. This year, don’t just replace your smoke alarm batteries – replace your alarms with photoelectric alarms and recommend that everyone you know do the same!

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.

California Carbon Monoxide Alarms for Homes

California final provisions for Carbon Monoxide Alarms in homes takes final effect on July 1, 2013. Beginning July 1, 2011, at least one CO alarm was required in all existing single-family dwellings with either a fuel-burning heater, fuel-burning appliance, fireplaces or an attached garage. All other single-family dwellings will now be required to have at least one CO alarm installed by July 1, 2013. The new law was referred to as the California Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010. 

The new rules required CO alarms/detectors in new construction and alterations/remodels with a permit value of $1,000 or more.  CO alarms are required outside sleeping areas, there should be at least one alarm per level including finished basements, etc. 

The initial requirements took effect July 1, 2011. Only dwellings that were single family dwellings with either a fuel-burning burning heater, a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage were required to have CO alarms starting July 1, 2011. All other dwellings must have a CO alarm installed by July 1, 2013: e.g. condos, apartments, and town homes.

CBC 2010 - R315 Carbon Monoxide Alarms

R315.1 Carbon monoxide alarms. For new construction, an approved carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed in dwelling units and in sleeping units within which fuel-burning appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.

R315.1.1 Power supply. For new construction required carbon monoxide alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is servedfrom a commercial source and shall be equipped with a battery back-up. Alarm wiring shall be directly connected to the permanent building wiring without a disconnecting switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.

Exceptions:

1. In dwelling units where there is no commercial power supply the carbon monoxide alarm may be solely battery operated.

2. In existing dwelling units a carbon monoxide alarm is permitted to be solely battery operated where repairs or alterations do not result in the removal of wall and ceiling finishes or there is no access by means of attic, basement or crawl space.

R315.1.2 Interconnection. Where more than one carbon monoxide alarm is required to be installed within the dwelling unit or within a sleeping unit the alarm shall be interconnected in a manner that activation of one alarm shall activate all of the alarms in the individual unit.

Exception:

1. Interconnection is not required in existing dwelling units where repairs do not result in the removal of wall and ceiling finishes, there is no access by means of attic, basement or crawl space, and no previous method for interconnection existed.

R315.2 Where required in existing dwellings. Where a permit is required for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), existing dwellings or sleeping units that have attached garages or fuel-burning appliances shall be provided with a carbon monoxide alarm in accordance with Section R315.1. Carbon monoxide alarms shall only be required in the specific dwelling unit or sleeping unit for which the permit was obtained.

R315.3 Alarm requirements. Single and multiple-station carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed as complying with the requirements of UL 2034. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be listed as complying with the requirements of UL 2075. Carbon monoxide alarms and carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed in accordance with this code, the current edition of NFPA 720 "Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment" and the manufacturer's installation instructions. Other carbon monoxide alarm and detection devices as recognized in NFPA 720 are also acceptable.

Carbon monoxide alarms required by Sections R315.1 and R315.2 shall be installed in the following locations:

1. Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom( s).

2. On every level of a dwelling unit including basements.

3. R315.3.1 Multiple-purpose alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms combined with smoke alarms shall comply with Section R315, all applicable standards, and requirements for listing and approval by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, for smoke alarms.

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.

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 
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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.
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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. 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.