Estate Home Inspection

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

A. I offer home inspections on three levels:
1. Basic which covers primary components for life expectancy in accordance with Florida Statute 468.8323 and also meets the insurance criteria for a 4-Point Inspection.
2. A complete whole house inspection of all components, detailed electric/HVAC, structure and roof.
3. A House As A System inspection which adds radon, Indoor Air Quality, grounds, sprinklers, energy and weatherization and ducts. This is a most comprehensive inspection.

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

A. Don't be fooled by low-ball prices. A thorough home inspection on a typical 3/2 should take about 2.5 hours plus report preparation. Consider the qualifications of the inspector - almost anyone can get a basic home inspection license but that does not mean they have any knowledge of a home. So you pay $200 instead of $350 - what did you get?

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

A. There are many recent home inspectors due to the economy who are really not qualified to protect your interest. In addition to a home inspector license, do they have any other licenses such as general contractor, weatherization contractor, or advanced technical training in the components of the home.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. 1. What are your qualifications?
2. Are you insured?
3. How will you properly inspect the A/C, electric, plumbing and electric?
4. What qualifies you to properly inspect the roof other than a home inspector license? Do you have Haag Engineering roof certification?
5. If your price is at the top of the local scale, why? If your price is at the bottom of the local scale, why?

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

A. Do I know what the indoor air quality is in this home? If a home has been vacant for some time, this should be a concern, especially if you have children or allergies. Will this home qualify for any insurance credits or is it easily insurable at all? How energy efficient is this home? How much life is left in the roof?

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

A. I have over 34 years of building and inspection experience. I am qualified to analyze the whole house as a system and its overall performance. I am a licensed general contractor, licensed home inspector and licensed radon inspector. I am Indoor Air Quality certified. I hold additional certification for wind mitigation inspection, roof certification, asbestos, lead and EIFS/stucco inspection.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Helping my clients understand the true condition of the home and what they should expect in repairs and operating costs.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. The addition and refinement of thermal imaging for diagnostic inspection of walls, ceilings, HVAC, electrical and roofing offers great promise to a competent inspector. Training in energy analysis and scoring is upcoming from the DOE.