My answers to the "10 Big Questions:"
1: How much time will you spend inspecting my house?
Answer:
I will be spending approximately 3-5 hours (or more if needed)
inspecting and documenting all findings.
This is considerably longer than the industry standard,
which is normally 2-3 hours for the average size house.
2: Will you report all defects that you find, or just “major” defects
valued as a preset monetary value?
Answer:
I do my best to "report it all". From loose cabinet hinges,
to holes in a window screen, if I see it, it gets documented.
The reason I inspect to this level of detail is because if I were the customer,
I would want to know as much as possible going into a purchase as large as this.
There are some in the industry that feel this is unnecessary, and will, for example,
only report defects that will cost $500 or more to repair.
3: Do you inspect and load test all accessible electrical outlets,
or do you just perform a “survey”?
Answer:
I inspect and load test ALL "accessible outlets", meaning that if I
can access it in a reasonable manner, I test it.
Outlets are inspected for physical damage, visible arc damage, and wear.
Outlet circuits are analyzed using an "Ideal® SureTest Circuit Analyzer,
Model 61-164".
This analyzer checks for a number of defects including incorrect wiring,
false(bootleg)grounds, and excessive voltage drop during load. It also tests
GFCI and AFCI circuits for proper operation.
The present industry standard is to perform a "survey" of the electrical outlets.
As the Customer, it is in your best interest to get the most complete electrical
inspection possible.
4: Do you operate all conveying appliances for normal operation?
Answer:
All conveying appliances will be operated for normal operation.
Washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, will be operated through their normal cycle.
Microwave ovens will be operated and tested for radiation leakage.
Ranges are operated, all burners are tested.
Refrigerator accessories, such as ice and water dispensers are tested for
normal operation.
5: Do you report measured temperatures of hot water, refrigerator,
freezer, and oven @ 350° setting?
Answer:
Hot Water Temperature is measured and recorded.
Remember, if it is over 120° you may want to
lower it for child safety and to reduce the risk of scalding.
Refrigerators and freezers are inspected for normal operation and the actual temperatures
are recorded.
The oven will be brought up to the 350° setting and measured for actual temperature.
6: Do you perform an actual smoke test on all smoke detectors?
(Vs. just pushing the test button)
Answer:
Smoke Detectors are tested using a UL Listed aerosol based test spray that conforms to
testing the alarms function per NFPA(National Fire Protection Association) #72 standard.
7: Do you monitor for Carbon Monoxide and Combustible Gasses
during the inspection?
Answer:
Yes.
On all homes that have natural gas or propane service and any gas appliances,
I monitor for combustible gasses and CO using a Mannix® model # DCO1001 Digital CO Detector
and a model #PNG2000 Gas Detector.
Unlike "home-use" CO alarms which use "elevated levels
over time" algorithms to avoid nuisance alarms, these detectors will instantly alarm us of
elevated levels.
8: Will you provide a complete detailed “on-site” inspection review
with me, and take the time to show and explain all findings,
and answer all my questions?
Answer:
Yes.
I will take as much time as you need to review and understand all findings, "on-site".
For clients who cannot make it to an "on-site" review, digital photos will be taken of all
areas of concern and e-mailed to you along with an electronic copy of the report. We can
then review the report together over the phone. (You will also be sent a hard copy of the report.)
This works quite successfully with my out-of-state clients.
9: Will you allow me 30 days to pay for this inspection, and /or allow
me to “roll” fees in the closing costs?
Answer:
Yes.
I have never not been paid, so I don't worry about this too much.
Many customers enjoy the
convenience of having my fees included in the closing costs. It's fine with me as long its OK
with your agent.
I do ask that you let me know at the time of inspection if you intend on having
fees included in closing costs.
10: After I move into my home, I may find undiscovered problems.
Will you be available to me after the inspection to answer any
questions or concerns that may come up?
Answer:
Absolutely!
I am always available for my clients. If you have a question or concern about your home, just call.
Thank you for checking out my site!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call.
I am here to help, and to provide the best service possible!
Inspected Once - Inspected Right
Answer:
Yes.
I will take as much time as you need to review and understand all findings, "on-site". For clients who cannot make it to an "on-site" review, digital photos will be taken of all areas of concern and e-mailed to you along with an electronic copy of the report. We can then review the report together over the phone. (You will also be sent a hard copy of the report.) This works quite successfully with my out-of-state clients.
Answer:
Yes.
I have never not been paid, so I don't worry about this too much.
Many customers enjoy the convenience of having my fees included in the closing costs. It's fine with me as long its OK with your agent.
I do ask that you let me know at the time of inspection if you intend on having fees included in closing costs.
Answer:
Absolutely!
I am always available for my clients. If you have a question or concern about your home, just call.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call.
I am here to help, and to provide the best service possible!