Inspector Differences

January 7, 2014

Question: When should I hire a home inspector?

stock photo 01Answer: A home inspection is usually performed in connection with the purchase of a property, however there are times when a home inspector can be hired by a homeowner who wants to sell his or her house in the near future.  A home inspector’s services can also be used in connection with purchases of foreclosures or bank-owned houses. Radon testing and water analysis testing is commonly performed in many of these kinds of inspections. (To learn about foreclosure in your state, check your own state’s foreclosure laws.)

Question: Are there differences among home inspectors?

Answer: Yes. A homeowner who searches for the the least expensive inspector could be taking a risk on a report, since he may not be qualified to perform a thorough inspection. Make sure the home inspector you hire has a thorough check list and the experience needed for a solid inspection report.

Question: What kind of questions should we ask when deciding who to hire as our home inspector?

Answer: How long has the inspector been doing residential home inspections? Does he have a referral? (this could be buyers agent or former customers, etc.) How extensive is his inspection report? What inspections is he qualified to perform (such as radon? water? general?)

For more research and reading on home inspectors I’ll recommend this article 5 Biggest Home Inspection Mistakes to Avoid.

Please don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions regarding home inspection reports.

Aaron

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Posted by Aaron Branem

Mold…should you worry?

December 27, 2012
signs of attic mold

signs of attic mold

There are so many kinds of mold species – too many for the average homeowner to keep track of. But when I have to check that box called “Mold” on a home inspection report, the home buyer may find it hard to stay calm. The questions start flying about how to handle the potential sale once mold is found.

To review, here’s what I’ve been explaining to my home buyers:

a) Mold is present just about everywhere…both outside and indoors. Chances are you’ve seen mold in your own home or place of work, and just don’t notice it, or know what it looks like. Mold is most always visible although many times you can smell the existence of it which is distinctly musty. You’ll notice mold in a variety of colors such as brown, gray, black and green.

b) Since mold is always “hanging around,” it’s important to try to find the mold that you can’t always see. Since my inspection requires me to actively search for it, I will look for clues like peeling paint, bulging or discolored walls, or plumbing leaks behind a wall. It’s not always possible to find it all, but experience counts when searching for moisture and mold.

c) Common causes of excessive mold/moisture include previous or on-going problems such as flooding; leaky plumbing; leaky roofs, windows or doors; no ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens or laundry areas; and faulty air conditioning or heating equipment.

d) Nine out of ten times, I find mold or moisture in attics because of either non-existent ventilation or improper venting.

In my area, I will recommend that a homebuyer or homeowner call Nick Biondo at PuroClean in Brunswick, Ohio. For mold remediation call Nick at 330-931-9527 or email nick@puroclean.com or visit his website Puroclean.com

Please don’t hesitate to call me with any “house” questions at 216-276-3702. Don’t forget that if you are planning on putting your own home up for sale in 2013, a “Pre-Inspection” report may be a smart move.

Happy house hunting in 2013!

Aaron

All Points Inspection
www.allpointsinspection.net

2 Comments | damp basements, home inspection, mold, pre-inspection reports, water analysis | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Aaron Branem