Ron Rittiner's (darnifino) Blog

Answer:  This opinion is based on information obtained during the walk-through survey, document review and key personnel interviews.  This estimate is for material deficiencies and improvements as specified by our Client.  The opinion may be based on various sources.  Examples include property hi...

Answer:  The document review is designed to augment the walk-through survey so as to assist the Inspector's and the Client understanding of the property and any material physical deficiencies. The documents to be reviewed may include the certificate of occupancy, maintenance records, permits for ...

Answer:  The walk-through survey is a non-intrusive visual observation of the readily accessible and easily visible components and systems of the subject property.  The objective of the walk-through survey is to provide a representative visual observation of the site and structure(s) so as to obt...

Answer:  Costs vary depending on the services requested by the Client.  The services available for a Commercial Building Inspection are offered on an ala carte basis.  Costs are then computed based on either a square foot basis or an hourly basis.

ANSWER:  A reputable Commercial Building Inspector will offer the following services:  a visual walk-through survey, a document review, key personnel interviews, an opinion of probable costs (estimate) to repair or upgrade, an abbreviated Tier II ADA survey, and environmental services.

Answer:  Again the 1 hour per thousand square foot rule is a reasonable estimate.  Like Home Inspections, the time to complete a Commercial Building Inspection will vary depending on the services requested, the age of the structure, occupancy, etc.

Answer:  Hopefully they follow the ASTM International Standard E 2018-01.  This is an industry standard that is well developed and offers sound guidance for Commercial Building Inspections.  If your Commercial Building Inspector does not follow this standard, ask them what they are using. 

Answer:  Maybe.  In some states Home Inspectors and/or Commercial Building Inspectors are licensed by the State.  If licensed, Inspectors will be required to follow the standards set by the State.  It is frequently the case that these standards will be different for a Home Inspection versus a Com...

Answer:  Home Inspection rules apply to structures that have (or are intended to have) people living in them but have no more than 4 family dwelling units.  For instance, a 4 unit quad-home is a "home" that should be Inspected, individually or as a group, using the rules of a Home Inspection.  On...

A STORY ABOUT RADONBy Richard AcreePresidentHABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLCThe US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated January is the National Radon Action Month.  This is a story about radon that everyone should read.  First a brief review.Radon is an odorless and invi...