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St.Louis Metro East-Madison-St.Clair-Jersey-Clinton-Macoupin-County-Home Inspector
Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make. This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection. The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the home being inspected. I am determined to perform inspections of the upmost quality, with integrity.
Anytime that you are purchasing a property, I understand that it is a HUGE investment. I take pride in providing Home Inspection services. The majority of my business is from client referrals. I work directly for the client.
I am here to assist you in making a confident decision about your property. Whether you're buying a new property and want to be sure of what you're getting... or selling a property and want to eliminate possible problems that could delay or lose a sale. Or just want a professional to inspect and advise you on the condition and maintenance or safety recommendations of your current home, I am here to help... "How To Sell Your Home For More".
My objective is not to discourage you of buying the home you have chose, it is to help reduce the "fear of unknown". Using the knowledge I have of over 20 years experience in complete home renovation and as a professional home inspector I am able to help you determine the positive and negative aspects of a home with a thorough home inspection, so you will have a much clearer picture of the present condition, as well as know the periodic maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good condition. At the conclusion of the inspection, you will be significantly more educated of the home you have chosen to purchase.
Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector 1. What does your inspection cover? The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state if applicable and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront. 2. How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed? The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. Newer inspectors can be very qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection. 3. Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection? Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well. 4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection? Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest. 5. How long will the inspection take? The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is two to three hours for a typical single-family house; anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection. Additional inspectors may be brought in for very large properties and buildings. 6. How much will it cost? Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the house, scope of services and other factors. A typical range might be $300-$500, but consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the investment being made. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. HUD Does not regulate home inspection fees. 7. What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report? Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector's reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection. 8. Will I be able to attend the inspection? This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert. 9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association? There are many state and national associations for home inspectors. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate. 10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date? One can never know it all, and the inspector's commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases where the home is much older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.
All of my inspections conform with the Illinois Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, ( Illinois License # 450.0003704) and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors SOP and Code of Ethics ( InterNachi ID. 07020906 ). With both of these I practice their continuing education policy.
Most inspections take between 2 1/2 to 4 hours for me to examine and record all of the information needed. A full written report will be available within 24 to 48 hours, either viewable from a secure website, email, USPS, or hand delivered within 20 miles.
A written summary report will focus on safety, future maintenance and major items that require immediate attention. This will help you to be prepared and budget accordingly. You will get a comprehensive report that is easy to understand. Everything identified during the inspection will be included in the report.
I love my profession and inspect each property as if I were purchasing it myself. When YOU hire me, YOU are the one I am working for. I strongly encourage all of my clients to accompany me during the inspection. You should feel free to ask me any questions you may have during the inspection process I will point out the visible problems and explain the seriousness they represent at the time of inspection.
Unfortunately home foreclosures are escalating to an all time high, putting thousands of homes on the market, many with unknown deficiencies. Do not buy a foreclosure without a home inspection. Even though you may believe you are making a good investment, it could evolve into a money pit with many unforeseen problems that could have been prevented by having a certified home inspection completed first. At some foreclosure sales the home cannot be entered prior to the sale. With permission from the lending institution you may be able to get a complete inspection. At minimum have an exterior inspection, which can reveal many negative defects and inform you of the construction quality of the home as well as future preventative aspects and key conditions of major (expensive) items such as the roof, foundation, windows, siding, and landscaping. Don't let your dream investment turn into another foreclosure.
"I will make you this guarantee. If you will attend the inspection and be there with me, I will promise you that when it has ended...if you are not totally satisfied with the quality of the inspection, tell me before you receive your report and if I cannot make it right, your inspection will be absolutely free with no questions asked."
With the information my report will provide, you can make your decision with confidence.
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