Call up and ask about their credentials and experience. If for some reason you don't feel comfortable asking this of the inspector when speaking with them on the phone then how will you feel asking questions at the inspection. You must feel that the inspector is qualified, experienced and attentive of your needs.
Most Inspections take about three to four hours. These times may vary depending on the size, age & condition of the home.
We recommend that you be present at the site of the inspection, from start to finish.
The purchase of a new home is one of the single most costly investments that a family will make. Along with the extra stresses this will add, there is also the fear factor of, "Will This Home Stand The Test of Time?" It is also important to know what YOU, as the primary investor, are getting for your money. A home inspection is an excellent tool for you, the home buyer, to help determine not only the condition of the home, but to also help foresee any immediate unnecessary additional cost that may go unnoticed without the help of a home inspection. Home inspections are not a prediction of future performance, but can pinpoint existing problem areas.
This is the biggest mistake many potential new homeowners make when purchasing a home. Although the person you are considering may be very skilled, they are not trained or experienced at professional home inspections. Professional home inspection is a unique skill like no other. Professional inspectors get what we call an inspector's instinct for problems. That instinct takes extensive training and lots of experience doing inspections to develop. Many contractors, and other trades professionals hire a professional home inspector to inspect their homes when they make a purchase.
The California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) is a voluntary, nonprofit public-benefit organization of real estate inspectors. Founded in 1976, CREIA provides education, training and support services to its members and the real estate community. CREIA's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice are recognized by the California Business and Professions Codes and are considered the standard of care by the real estate industry and legal profession in the state. CREIA Inspector Members have successfully passed the proctored comprehensive written California Home Inspector Exam on the myriad of systems and components in the construction and maintenance of residential dwellings. CREIA's educational mission is to expand the technical knowledge of its members through continuing education. Certified CREIA Inspectors (CCI), Master CREIA Inspectors (MCI) and CREIA New Construction Specialist (CNCS) members must complete a minimum 30 hours of continuing education annually. Educational credits are obtained through monthly chapter educational meetings, chapter toolbox seminars, CREIA Advanced Mentoring Program (CAMP), state conferences in the spring and fall, and other CREIA approved sources. CREIA membership activities and programs encourage the sharing of experience and knowledge resulting in betterment of the real estate profession and the consumer public, which it serves. If you are buying, selling, building, remodeling, upgrading or repairing a property; CREIA members provide a variety of impartial inspection services for almost every need and purpose, from a generalist inspection of an entire property to an in-depth inspection of a specific system or component.
One of the more common places people are exposed to asbestos is in older homes. Few are aware of this hazard, and as a result, unnecessary exposure to asbestos occurs throughout the country. Asbestos exposure is known to cause a variety of illnesses, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma cancer. Every year, approximately 10,000 Americans die from asbestos-related diseases. Knowing what products to look for, how to avoid exposure to microscopic asbestos fibers, and knowing where to find local abatement companies is essential in protecting yourself and your family from asbestos exposure. Resources such as these can be found at The Asbestos and Mesothelioma Center, the web’s leading source of information about asbestos and the diseases associated with this hazardous material.