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Q• 1.
What kind of formal INSPECTION training have you had?
A• I am certified by the
American Institute of Inspectors and National Home Inspectors an
independent examination organization. This
certification requires both
classroom and field training and written and inspection testing. I have
also done a special training for Mobil Homes. This is a great
advantage as a Home
Inspector.
Q• 2.
Are you a member of any inspector's trade
associations?
A• Since there is no state
licensing required in California to become a Home Inspector, the buyer
must beware of those without proper credentials. Be sure to ask them
for the name and phone number of their Association, then call and
verify. I am a member in good standing of
the American Institute of
Inspectors, AII, and Foundation of
Real Estate Appriasers, FREA.
AII • 1-800-877-4770
FREA •1-800-
882-4410
Q• 3.
Can you make repairs if they are needed?
A• If they say "yes"-- BEWARE!
They may have a vested interest in the outcome of their report. I don't
do repairs and I don't make estimates. I follow a strict Code of Ethics
which forbids any actions that could be interpreted as a conflict of
interest. California law now prohibits this conflict of interest.
Q• 4.
How long does your inspection take?
A• My structured
inspection takes 2 1/2 to 4 hours to complete. I strictly adhere to the
Standards of
Practice outlined by AII, FREA and California and the extra
investment of time assures you of not only the
highest quality inspection but the same thorough inspection every time.
Q• 5.
Do you have a written guarantee that your
report is accurate?
A• Most home inspectors
have nothing but disclaimers, or they are simply unaware of the
liability they are assuming. I have a service agreement which clearly
outlines my responsibilities. I perform a visual inspection and
evaluate the condition of the components of the home based upon the
simple criteria of durability and serviceability. The standards that I
am responsible to report are contained in the Standards
of Practice as published by AII, FREA and California.
Q• 6. What
happens if you honestly miss something?
A• I strive to do my very
best, yet realize that I am only human and prone to occasionally making
mistakes. Therefore I stand by my work. I am insured for Errors and
Omissions, but strive to never make a claim. I have built my business
on performing the highest quality Home Inspections and I have a very
long list of satisfied buyers, sellers and agents, one of which
probably referred you to my service.
Q• 7. Do
you go over the report in person with the buyer?
A• I prefer to walk the
property with the buyer at the conclusion of the inspection to show
them firsthand anything discovered during the inspection. I have found
that this is the key to giving a buyer peace of mind about their
property. When the buyer is out of the area, I go through the report
with them over the phone.
Q• 8. What
kind of report do you use?
A• I have a
state-of-the-art computer generated report. I am able to take advantage
of the latest technology to create a report that is easy to understand
and quite comprehensive. This type of report points out the strengths
and weaknesses of the home.
Q• 9. When
do I get the report?
A• I usually will fax the
report to the buyer and agent, followed with mailing the hard copy to
the buyer. The option of e-mailing reports is also available. Most
reports go out the next day. I recognize that time is of the essence
and next-day delivery allows the transaction to go forward.
Q• 10. How
much is your fee?
A• This is sometimes the
first question asked and yet it tells the least about the inspector. It
has never been my goal to be the cheapest inspector in town--only the
best. I have always felt that the buyer deserves the highest value for
his investment dollar. I set my fees according to the size, age and
components of the home. My inspection fees generally range from $335 to
$450. A quality inspection backed by years of experience may require a
higher investment, but it will save you both money and time by
eliminating unnecessary headaches later on down the line.
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