Home Inspections

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. We primarily inspect residential properties for potential buyers. We are seeing more and more sellers having an inspection prior to listing, to allow them to disclose or address many issues ahead of time. In the end this is helpful to everyone. We strive to inspect the property as if we were purchasing it. We would want an inspector who takes their time. We would not want a rush inspection that fails to catch the details. The small details sometimes add up to BIG problems. If at all possible we want to help our clients avoid this. We provide a clear picture, of the conditions of the property, on the day we do the inspection. Our clients are then asked to evaluate the information and make an informed decision based on the information provided.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Ask each inspector how long he or she takes to complete a typical inspection. A proper inspection on an average home can not be completed in an hour. The other guy may be less expensive, however quality may also be compromised.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. All home inspections are not the same.

There are different philosophies on inspections. Some believe that meeting the minimum standards and cramming 2-3 inspections into a single day is the best way. Is this what you want from your inspector?

Would you rather have an inspection that costs a few dollars more, but is more thorough and gives you more information, upon which you can base your decision?

I know I definitely would opt to pay a few dollars more, and get the clearer picture of what I am thinking of buying. No one wants to purchase "The Money Pit".

So think about all the factors don't simply make your decision based of being inexpensive. Often the least expensive is not the best quality.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Has your contract been accepted and signed by the seller? If this is a lender owned property does your agent have the actual accepted offer in hand. Unless you have this we are technically not authorized to inspect a lender owned property. Another big question is "Are ALL Utilities activated including Natural Gas if equipped?" Often we find that properties may have electric and water, but no gas. This causes the need for an additional trip to the property for us, and it also delays receipt of the results for the client. Often times additional inspection time is not granted when this happens. So do your homework before you schedule a definite inspection date. Call each utility to verify, often this is the easiest way to get the answer. Once you know this let us work with you to schedule a definite date. This will save many headaches for you.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. We inspect each property as if we were purchasing it ourselves. We take the time to be as thorough as possible and pay attention to detail.

We recognize that our clients are entrusting us with quite possibly the largest purchase of their lives. We do not take this duty lightly. We work hard for our clients and strive to provide as much information as we can for them.

Putting yourself in your customer's shoes seems to go a long way. Keeping that perspective and asking yourself "What kind of home inspection would I want?" Helps keep us focused and committed to our customers.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. We enjoy helping people, by providing additional information about properties. We also enjoy a good puzzle. Inspecting a home is a bit of a puzzle, and its very stimulating to put the pieces together.

Allowing clients to make informed decisions also makes us feel good. No one wants to make a bad investment. Nor do we want our clients to do so.

We are here to advocate for them in many ways, and we take it very seriously. It's hard for anyone to know everything about anything it seems. We do the best we can to help our clients make informed decisions. This is a huge responsibility that we do not take lightly.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Customers always like to ask "would you buy this house". Ethically I can not answer this, but I can tell them to review the report and go with their hearts. If there are many more repairs that will take more time and money than they are willing, or can dedicate this will be the ultimate decision maker.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. A couple of years ago we were asked to inspect a newly built home. We made an appointment with the builder for the buyer's day of closing. It was a hot summer day in Phoenix, when Mark entered the attic he discovered there was no insulation at all, and the gas was not connected to the furnace. The client, a Realtor has recommended us since. This was a potentially costly oversight by the builder. Luckily it was caught before the first electric bill, or the need for heat. She still tells this story to her clients, five years later.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. Though Home Inspectors, are licensed by the State of Arizona, there are many different philosophies on what a good inspection consists of. The state has set "minimum standards" many inspectors are happy with meeting these. We adhere to higher standards set by our trade group, INTERNACHI. We go a step further by inspecting each home as if we were buying them. This is a service to our clients, which they may never be aware of. Often the greatest compliment clients can give is not needing to call you back. Usually frequent call backs from clients indicate problems with the inspection. We are happy to say we rarely hear back from a customer, unless they are referring us to friends or family or have decided to purchase another home.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Yes we are required to do so in order to keep our State License active. Our trade group also requires additional training above and beyond the minimum requirements set by the State of Arizona.

In addition we also constantly gather information on new products. Gathering information helps us to identify new products and understand proper installation guidelines, etc. This helps make us better for our customers. They deserve no less for their money.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. We base our inspection pricing on Square Footage of the home, amenities included i.e. pool, spa, etc, and age of the property.

Larger homes cost more because they take more time, pools, spas, and the like also take more time. Older homes tend to have more issues and take more expertise and time to thoroughly inspect them. All of these things are factored in to come up with the final price of the inspection.

We also offer discounts such as 5% off the base price for AAA customers. As we are an official AAA Show Your Card and Save business. From time to time we may offer other promotions as well. So the pricing may vary a bit, when in doubt we are just a phone call or email away. We are always happy to help you.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. I would definitely suggest they research it very well. They need to weigh the pros and cons. This field is very competitive. Sometimes the inspector who does the better job, will not get the work, as uninformed clients want to choose the lowest cost. The lowest cost inspection may not be the best. Sure it may meet "minimum" standards. Do you want to be the minimum standard inspector? Are you prepared to lose work because you pride yourself in a good job? Sometimes you have to charge a little more to accomplish this and as a result you may not get many jobs? Are you prepared to work in a "feast or famine" environment? Sometimes it's insanely busy and hectic. Other times its slow and you are sitting at home with a lot of time on your hands. Weigh everything carefully. It may not be something you want to do. However if you like helping people, and enjoy a challenge this could be a good fit for you. In the end this career will be "what you make of it" just like life in general.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. Q: Do the utilities really need to be turned on to do
the inspection?

A: Yes Not having the utilities active for the inspection
will not allow you to make an informed decision.
Things may look OK, but you will not know about
leaks ie gas or water. You may also not be able to
properly detect electrical issues. It's always best to
have ALL utilities on for the day of inspection.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. Q: Do I need to be there for the inspection?


A: Yes You should at least make time to meet with
your inspector to walk thru and review his or her
findings. This will also give an opportunity for you
to ask questions. Also seeing the things first hand
is often easier than simply reading a report. You
will have a greater understanding of where things
are located that a written report and photos just
can't allow. The first hand experience of the walk
thru is invaluable.