John's Blog

Infrared Thermal Imaging Home Inspections

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Thu, 14 May 2009 05:44:41 -0500

Infrared scans of interior ceiling and wall surfaces are now included with all of my home inspections. The imager is an amazing tool with proper training. I completed a 32 hour on site Level 1 thermographer training course in April. With the imager, I have already discovered several hidden water issues from a leaking flat roof and 2nd floor bathroom. Also confirmed moisture problems in a few finished basements.

My clients are very impressed with the infrared service and many agents have shown a strong interest in the use of this advanced technology. The clients feel more secure with their decision to purchase a property that has been inspected with the use of the imager and of course our normal inspection procedures. We also offer additional imaging services including full exterior wall scans and energy loss.

Thermal Imaging Inspections

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 09:30:00 -0500

I plan to begin offering thermal imaging services by May 1st. The infra red imager is an amazing tool, your clients will be very impressed with the capabilities of this technology. We plan to include a limited scan of interior surfaces with the home inspection. Exterior wall scans and energy evaluations will be considered add-on services for an additional fee. I strongle believe the thermal scans will provide an additional layer of protection for all parties involved with the real estate transfer. Look for an updated post in a few weeks, I will be in a week long training program the end of this month.

Move In Certified Listing Program

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:58:51 -0600

I realize there is some resistance to pre-listing home inspections. However, when you consider the current market conditions, listing agents may want to consider a "different approach". As a member of the Inter National Association of Certified Home Inspectors, I have access to their pre-listing program, Move In Certified. We provide flyers for the agents and a great looking yard sign. The program basically involves a full home inspection with a full report. The seller is also asked to disclose any known issues, which is typically part of any listing process. I really believe when buyers see the move-in-ready sign with the inspection report including applicable repair receipts, it will make a very good first impression.

One local agent is offering a "free inspection" when a listing contract is signed. The agent is paying the inspection fee as part of the overall marketing plan.

Please consider this approach to improve your client's chances to sell their home and for you to receive a paycheck!!

John Evans

AIM Home Inspection, Inc.

Baltimore County Rental Inspection Deadline

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:54:49 -0500

The Baltimore County rental inspection registration deadline is Jan. 1, 2009. AIM Home Inspection, Inc. provides the required property inspection and documentation for a very reasonable fee. Call 410-893-1218 to schedule your inspection. Additional information available @ www.baltocountyrentalinspections.com & www.aimhomeinspection.com

Home Inspection Report

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:06:45 -0500

The quality of the home inspection report is a very important consideration when choosing or recommending a home inspector. The now old hand written checkbox style report without photographs is not nearly as effective as a well written narrative computer based report with digital photos. I utilize a narrative reporting system that clearly identifies problems discovered during the inspection. As I procedd through the inspection, I take many photographs of components that will be discussed within the report. I also voice record various notes during the inspection. The report is then compiled back at my office following the inspection which allows me to completely review the entire report prior to publishing. When I first started using the computer system, i would complete the report on site with the use of a tablet PC. However, I soon realized that I was taking too much time and still was not able to completely review and edit the report. The average report will take two hours to complete at my office. I then upload the completed report to a password protected web site. The client and realtor are provided with the access information during the inspection. Everyone involved appreciates this method of accessing the report. I do give the client a report cover and pre-punched printing paper to download and print their report.

During your home inspector selection process, please inquire about the type of reporting system used. Everyone involved will greatly appreciate a high quality report with easy access.

New Web Site

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:51:57 -0500

Just released my new web site. We offer home inspection services in the Baltimore area. Please browse the site and offer any opinions. www.aimhomeinspection.com

Thank you.

John Evans

Harford County Home Inspection Services

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:57:16 -0500

AIM Home Inspection, Inc. provides complete home inspection services for Maryland home buyers and sellers. Our inspections are very detailed and the report is computer based with digital photos. The report is uploaded to a password protected web site the same day. Radon and lead testing is also available upon request. We are licensed in Maryland and are completely insured for your protection. Additional information is available @ www.aimhomeinspection.com Call to schedule your inspection 410-893-1218.

BRAC Home Inspection Services

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 10:21:10 -0500

Welcome to Maryland! AIM Home Inspection, Inc. is offering a $25.00 discount to all BRAC related relocations to Maryland. We provide comprehensive home inspection services including Radon testing with an electronic monitor. Oue reporting system is the very best available, uploaded to a password protected web site the same day as the inspection. We are fully insured and licensed in Maryland. Contact our office @ 410-893-1218 or john@aimhomeinspection.com , additional information www.aimhomeinspection.com .

Harford County Home Inspection Services

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:41:28 -0500

Call AIM Home Inspection, Inc when you need a professional home inspection. Our inspections are very detailed and the report is computer based including digital photos that will be posted on a password protected web site the same day. Radon testing with the use of an electronic monitor is also available. We are fully insured and licensed in Maryland. Additional information @ www.aimhomeinspection.com . Office number 410-893-1218.

Baltimore County Rental Property Inspections

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 07:40:59 -0500

The deadline for Baltimore County rental property registration is rapidly approaching. All rental properties are required to be registered prior to Jan. 1, 2009. Properties must be inspected by a licensed home inspector. AIM Home Inspection, Inc. provides Baltimore County rental property inspection services. We are a full service inspection company, and have completed many required rental property inspections. Our fee starts as low as $149.00. Please contact our office @ 410-893-1218 to schedule your inspection. Additional information @ www.baltocountyrentalinspections.com & www.aimhomeinspection.com

Baltimore County Home Inspection Services

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Sat, 24 May 2008 07:46:51 -0500

AIM Home Inspection,Inc. provides complete home inspection services for buyers, sellers and rental property owners. Our inspections are very detailed and the reporting system is the best available, posted on a password protected web site the same day. We are fully insured and licensed in Maryland. Also offer specialized rental property inspections. Radon testing is avaliable. More information at www.aimhomeinspection.com and www.baltocountyrentalinspections.com . Office #410-893-1218.

Baltimore County Rental Property Inspections

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Sun, 11 May 2008 08:27:39 -0500

AIM Home Inspection,Inc. will provide inspection services for Baltimore County rental property owners. All rental properties located in Baltimore County must be registered by January 1, 2009. These properties must be inspected for specific items by a licensed home inspector. We offer this service for a fee as low as $149.00. Multiple unit discounts are available. Contact our office @ 410-893-1218 to schedule your inspection. Additional information available @ www.baltocountyrentalinspections.com & www.aimhomeinspection.com

Baltimore County Rental Property Inspection

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Sun, 04 May 2008 18:41:59 -0500

AIM Home Inspection, Inc. will provide the required Baltimore County rental property inspections. These inspections are required to be completed by July 1, 2008 and apply to all rental property owners. Our fee for this service starts at $149.00 with multiple unit discounts available. Please contact our office at 410-893-1218. Additional information may be found @ www.baltocountyrentalinspections.com & www.aimhomeinspection.com .

Baltimore County Rental Property Inspections

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:38:38 -0500

AIM Home Inspection, Inc. will provide required inspection services for Baltimore County rental properties. Inspection of all rental properties in Baltimore County must be completed by a licensed Maryland home inspector prior to July 1,2008 and every 3 years thereafter. The fee for this special service is as low as $149.00. Contact our office at 410-893-1218 to schedule your inspection. We also provide complete home inspection services for buyers, sellers and investors.

Baltimore County Rental Property Inspections

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:37:59 -0500

Home Inspection Fees

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 09:25:13 -0500

Regarding home inspection fees, I inform my clients that the fee should be considered an investment, not an expense. Number one, they are protecting their largest investment, the home about to be purchased. And, as a result of the inspection findings, the required repairs will exceed the fee in most cases. As we know, it doesn't take much of a repair to exceed the average inspection fee. Too many buyers still shop for the lowest or cheapest inspector. We attempt to educate them about protecting this very large investment during the initial phone call, but some still believe all inspectors are the same, so why pay more for the same inspection. When you really think about it, what difference should it make to initially pay a little more. The end result will be a better inspection and peace of mind for the buyers. In fact, why should the inspector make less than the appraiser? Certainly the appraiser is a very important component of the process, but no more so than the inspector. In addition, I have never seen an appraiser climb ladders to the roof, inspect crawlspaces or attics.

Happy Easter!

John Evans

Pre-Listing Inspections

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:23:14 -0500

As a home inspector, the great majority of my inspection work involves inspecting homes for buyers. Buyers inspections will continue to be our core business, but there is another way to accomplish the home inspection process. Real Estate agents should consider having their listing clients home inspected prior to placing the home on the market. I know this is not a popular concept with many agents, mostly due to disclosure issues. However, if a buyers inspection reveals a number of defects and the buyer walks away, all defects must then be disclosed to potential buyers. Would you rather know of any defects in advance, or wait until the buyers inspection that may delay or cancel the contract.

With the pre-listing inspection, the computer based report with digital photos included, would be available for potential buyers to review along with relevant repair receipts. The home could be marketed as "Inspected by Certified Licensed Home Inspector". This would certainly give you an advantage over competing properties. Most buyers of pre-inspected properties do not contract another inspection. The entire process would certainly progress much easier, the "unknown" factor would be eliminated. For a relatively small inspection fee, agents maight consider this as part of the marketing expenses. If the home sells quicker because of the inspection, the agent and client will save a lot more than the inspection fee. TRY IT!!

John Evans

Chiminea Fireplace in Master Bedroom Plus............

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:41:33 -0500

Recently inspected a city town home with some interesting features that were proudly advertised by the listing agent. An "outdoor" clay chiminea fireplace was installed in the master bedroom. The sellers installed a flue pipe that vented through the roof. Of course, this type of fireplace CANNOT be installed indoors. There is a real carbon monoxide issue along with the potential for fire. There are two color photos of this fireplace on the listing ad.

The home was listed as having two bedrooms. The second "bedroom" did not have any windows or direct external egress from the room. There is a photo of this "second" bedroom on the ad.

Would like to receive comments from real estate agents regarding these problems, and any other comments about the accuracy of listing ads and brochures. Thank you.

John Evans

Number of Bedrooms Advertised on the Listing

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 21:20:57 -0500

I recently inspected a home that was listed as 4 bedrooms. One of the "bedrooms" was located in the lower level of the home and the only window in the room did not meet required code for safe egress in the event of an emergency. I described this condition to my client and included the information in the inspection report. The appraiser noted the same condition, which reduced the appraised value of the home below the contract price. The sellers were forced to accept less money due to this over sight.

Realtors, please make sure all listed bedrooms meet or exceed egress requirements. I am sure the sellers were not too pleased with their realtor in this case.

John Evans

AIM Home Inspection, Inc.

On Site Inspection Report or Web Posted?

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Fri, 25 May 2007 16:19:07 -0500

I use a greatly detailed computer based home inspection reporting system. When I first started using this report, I would always print on site. The biggest issue I discovered while trying to print on site is that I really do not have enough time to fully review the report. And the printing and assembly added at least 20 minutes to the inspection time. Imagine attempting to produce a finely detailed report while the agent and clients are impatiently pacing the floor!

Now, I complete the report at my quiet office and upload to a special pass word protected web site the same day as the inspection, (Sometimes late evening). I give the clients and the realtor access information at the inspection. The report remains posted for 90 days. This does work so much better, and the report is much more complete. Many reports actually take 1 to 2 hours to complete at the office.

Do the realtors reading this post agree with receiving the report several hours after the inspection?

John Evans

AIM Home Inspection, Inc.

I AM NOT PICKING ON AGENTS, BUT-

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Wed, 23 May 2007 19:10:12 -0500

During a recent home inspection I discovered extensive termite damage behind the basement paneled walls. Most of the studs and associated components were virtually destroyed. The sellers did disclose "some" previous termite infestation. It was obvious that an effort was made to conceal the damage. Also found active moisture behind one wall. Other issues including defective water heater and moisture behind the shower wall tiles.

Well, the buyer broke the contract because the sellers refused to make the necessary repairs. The buyer later told me that the listing agent accused me of being a non professional home inspector. Quite to the contrary, I am always very professional during every inspection. I am very respectful of the sellers and their property. This agent probably knew that the termite damage was present, but suddenly I get blamed for the deal falling apart!

Most agents understand when serious issues are uncovered during an inspection, but some should probably find a new career!

John Evans

AIM Home Inspection, Inc.

Agent Reaction

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 20:28:40 -0500

While performing a recent home inspection, I informed the listing agent that the dishwasher is under manufacturer recall due to a potential fire hazard. His reaction was; "What do you want me to do about it"?

There are some agents who dislike home inspectors because the "deal" may fall apart. I work very hard to protect my clients during the inspection process. Safety is always my number one priority. I only report what is found during the inspection, certainly nothing is fabricated. I do work with many agents that understand and appreciate the inspection process. They continue to refer me to their clients, because of my dedication and detail. For the few that do not appreciate inspectors, remember we are also protecting you from possible litigation if some major defect is discovered after move in. You may want to reconsider before using the "Easy inspector list".

John Evans

AIM Home Inspection, Inc.

HOME INSPECTORS ARE NOT CREATED EQUALLY

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 19:19:03 -0500

There seems to be a general misconception among home buyers and a few agents. Just scroll through the internet or phone book, call some inspection firms, and choose the one with the lowest fee. How could one inspector charge $329.00 and another $195.00 for the same inspection request? After all, it is the same job, they must all perform the required tasks to completely inspect this huge investment, right? Well, the answer is absolutely NO, there are many differences that may not be apparent until it is too late for the buyer.

Has the inspector received quality formal training, and does he or she continue their education annualy?
Did the inspector work with an experienced home inspection professional prior to starting their own business?
Membership in a respected national home inspection organization?
Complete insurance coverage including; errors & omissions, liability and bonded?
Three hours inspection time on an average home?
Carry a 28' ladder to reach most roof lines for the very important roof evaluation?
Willing to enter most crawl spaces and attics?
Remove the electrical panel cover and check for proper wiring within?
Remove the covers from furnaces to provide the best possible evaluation of this potential carbon monoxide producer?
Produce a computer based report including descriptive digital images available the same day?
Encourage the clients to stay with the inspector during the complete inspection?
Always provide wonderful follow-up service, for the client and realtor?

All of the information detailed above is my profile, I never approach any inspection differently. I am sure many realtors have witnessed the 30 minute inspection with the 2 page written report. Too many "inspectors" book 4 or more inspections daily, carry no insurance and really could care less about the home buyer. Yes, there are a lot of quality inspectors available to provide good inspections. As you search for the best possible inspector, consider all of the points above as a guide, and please do not book the cheapest guy in town! It is worth spending a little more now, than to be surprised later when undiscovered defects may considerably impact your budget. Many defects found during a quality home inspection may be covered by the sellers prior to settlement, but certainly not after.

I really like my job, receiving many compliments really does mean a lot to me and encourages me to always do my best on every home inspection!

PRE - LISTING HOME INSPECTION

John Evans (AIM Home Inspection, Inc.) — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 16:56:14 -0500

A great marketing idea for listing agents. Before you list the home, convince the sellers to have a pre-listing home inspection. In fact, it may be beneficial to even split the inspection fee with the sellers. Advantages: Any surprise defects will be exposed and taken care of before a buyers contract is submitted. I produce a computer based report with descriptive digital images. The report can be displayed at open houses and to potential buyers and their agent. Any relevant repair/replacement receipts will be displayed with the report. The inspection also confirms the disclosure statement. When the sellers balk at the idea, explain to them that they will most likely pay for repairs when the buyer has the home inspected. Why run the risk of losing a buyer if inspection related items invalidate the contract? 80% of buyers that purchase pre-inspected homes will not have a buyers inspection.

Post a Pre- Inspected sign with your real estate sign, I believe you will be a step ahead of the competition.

John Evans

AIM Home Inspection, Inc.

Serving; Harford, Cecil, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Howard Counties and Balto. City, Maryland