FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am required to have 12 hours of continuing education by the State of Illinois every 2 years and 24 hours by the InterNational Association of Certified Home Inspectors (INACHI) every year. The fire department requires training every shift day on a multitude of topics that includes building construction, egress issues, fire alarms and sprinkler systems as well as natural gas and electrical safety.
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I inspected a 7000+ sq foot house worth 1.3 million for a client who had the summary from another inspector who had inspected it for a different client (they shared the same attorney). He couldn't believe all of the things the other inspector missed, mainly about $80,000 in wood windows that were rotted but freshly painted over and a significant roof leak only visible from a small knee wall access scuttle in a closet.
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
When it comes to mold testing, some inspectors play on the fear factor, that mold can be harmful to your health. In doing so they charge astronomical rates for testing and remediation. We all use the same equipment and testing materials and pay lab fees that are in the same ballpark. My rates are reasonable because I want you to test more areas to ensure your home is safe for you and your family. If I charge $50 per sample and the other guy charges $100 (which they do) you can test double the area for the same price. Most clients appreciate the fact that I don't do the remediation (fix the problem) becaue then all I am concerned with is identifying the cause of the problem and testing for mold. Then the best part happens - I educate you on how the problem should be fixed and whether or not you can do it yourself or need a professional. If you need a professional you're now an eductated consumer and won't be taken to the cleaners!