Electrical and Residential Building Inspector in Ohio

Expert Witness New Construction in Ohio

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:23:41 -0700

Do you have a problem with the new home that you purchased?

Do you have a problem with your remodeling contractor?

Did your Home Inspector miss something important?

Then call the inspection expert.

I am certified in all residential construction.

Very few are certified in all areas of The Residential Code of Ohio.

http://www.yourhomesok.com/why_us.htm

Blacklisted Home Inspectors

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:49:46 -0700

Have you been 'blacklisted' by Real Estate Agents and Brokers for doing your job?

I have. I would like to hear from you if this has happened to you.

Include any information that you think would be helpful to the general public on this post.

Here is something that they are doing in my area.

"402 Qualified Inspector Clause

The inspection and/or tests provided for in the paragraph titled: "Inspections and Tests", shall be conducted by a qualified inspector who is either a registered architect, qualified engineer or a certified inspector who is a member of either the American Society of Home Inspection (ASHI) or the National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (NAHI). Radon inspections must be conducted by a state and/or EPA licensed inspector. The elections available under the paragraph titled: "Inspections and Tests", are not available to the Buyer unless the inspection and/or tests are conducted by a qualified inspector."

Some of us do not belong to any 'clubs' so we are being exclude from being recommended to the public.

Two weeks ago I had a Real Estate Agent try this:

"4735.61 Prohibiting false information.

No licensee shall knowingly give false information to any party in a real estate transaction."

She had a electrician buddy state this about the electrical system "this property has a very safe and code worthy electrical system."

Nothing was further from the truth.

Should I report her to the Real Estate Commission?

Tell me some of your stories.

Buyers beware of your contract.

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:57:53 -0700

If you live in the central Ohio area be careful that you do not agree to the following part of a real estate contract. If you do you will not be able to hire me.

"402 Qualified Inspector Clause

From: http://columbusrealtors.com/UserUploads/UserDocuments/Standard%20Forms/StandardForms_White%20Paper%20Contract%20Clauses.pdf

If you have concerns about your electric, plumbing, etc. or anything code related I can not help you.

Will experts be able to help you with concerns you have about the property that you are buying? I do not know.

This is very scary to me. Seems like a tricky way to eliminate your right to inspect the property.

New Constuction Inspector in Ohio

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:31:30 -0700

Do you have to be certified to do an inspection on a new construction home?

Well it depends. There is nothing that says that you can not walk around a home and give your opinion on how it is built (workmanship).

The question is do you want to know if it is built (code) properly. Then the answer is yes if you want all the components inspected.

One example of having to be certified would be inspecting the electrical system.

Inspector Mike is certified, by the State of Ohio, in the following:

Building

Mechanical

Plumbing

Electrical

If someone tells you that they do new construction inspection ask them if they are using the code as the reference. The code is the minimum standard. If they are not using the minimum standard what standard are they claiming to use? Do not hire a fake.

Call Inspector Mike 'The Proven Inspector'.

CYA Inspections

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:45:57 -0700

Stop overpaying for Inspections!

Inspector Mike offers Inspections by the Hour.

After reviewing the rates of many Inspection companies Inspector Mike discovered that many home buyers are overpaying for a Home Inspection. In addition many of these inspections do nothing more than recommend that another expert be consulted. Inspector Mike calls these CYA Inspections.

This is an example that Inspector Mike sees all the time:

Have Electrician examine the electrical panel.
Have Plumber inspect the plumbing.

Say that your client paid $350.00 for the inspection and then has to pay $125.00 for an Electrical Inspection and another $125.00 for a Plumbing Inspection; your client has paid $600.00 for an Inspection that with Inspector Mike would have been around $300.00. That's a $300.00 savings to your client.

How can Inspector Mike do this? Very simple Inspector Mike is State Certified in the following areas:

Building

Mechanical

Electrical

Plumbing

These are proctored tests, not Internet procured Certification.

Inspector Mike can give your clients the facts, in a clear and calm way, at the time of the inspection. No longer will the clients go home and wait to find out the facts. CYA Inspections cost time, money and sometimes ‘KILL' the deal.

The choice is, do you want a CYA Inspection or do you want an Inspection by someone who is State Certified.

Call Inspector Mike at 614-214-1487

Do not open my panel!

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:43:12 -0700

Please Mr. Home Inspector do not remove the cover from my electrical panel. If you do the warranty that I offer on my work is no longer valid because my insurance stops when someone else removes the cover.

If you believe that you need to inspect the inside of this panel for your clients you need to schedule an appointment with me. If you remove the cover you assume all liability for that panel.

County Codes

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:02:35 -0700

This is for Ohio only.

Weekly I am asked about local codes. Here is an article that may help you understand local codes.

http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2009/03/30/story8.html

As you can see the article refers to The RCO (Residential Code of Ohio).

It is important to know what rules apply when you inspect a home. I understand those rules.

So when you need an expert give me a call.

Ohio Home Inspector

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:07:35 -0700

Home Inspections Explained

Home Inspections fall into two categories. Homes built before 27 May 2006 and homes built or remodeled after that date.

For a home built prior to the adoption of The Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) anyone can claim to be qualified to inspect that home. No testing is required in Ohio.

Homes built or remodeled after the effective date must meet the requirements of The RCO. Inspectors (anyone) can apply to the state and test to be certified to inspect these homes.

Most Inspectors claim that they have the qualification to inspect these homes. Inspector Mike has the certifications to inspect these homes.

It has been 4 years since Inspectors could have achieved certification. Why would an Inspector not get certified?

If you are looking for the best Inspector to recommend to your clients then: Call Inspector Mike at 614-214-1487

“Those who are young know the rules---Those who are old know the exceptions”

New Home Inspections in Ohio

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:14:05 -0700

Many individuals claim to know how to inspect a new home's construction.

When you recommend someone to inspect your clients new home do you ask if they are qualified to do so?

Well I can PROVE that I am qualified to do so. Tested by The State of Ohio.

If this is important to your credibility then contact me. If not then continue to recommend less qualified companies.

Snow! No Real Estate meeting! I'll just stay home!

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:02:51 -0800

I know that when we have 10" of snow people may want to stay home.

People are looking to buy homes, get mortgages, get inspections all year long.

Should you close you business because you think that no one will be out to buy your product?

I say NO.

If it is raining to you not show a home?

Tell me what would cause you to not go to work!

One Out of Four Homeowners Never Check for Electrical Hazards

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:25:50 -0800

Since it is snowing here in Ohio, 6" so far and more coming, I decided to review some old information that I have.

While this article maybe five years old it is one that I thought that I would share with you:

http://www.iaei.org/magazine/?p=2388

This article may be a good way to stay in touch with your clients plus provide them with helpful information.

We very seldom thing about the electric in our homes.

I may have to build a snowman, or is snowwoman the PC thing today?

NEW LAW 10 days required to test for lead paint

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:28:50 -0800

I just came across this new federal law that goes into effect in April.

PART 745-LEAD-BASED PAINT POISONING PREVENTION IN CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES

"§ 745.61 Scope and applicability.

(a) This subpart identifies lead-based paint hazards.

(b) The standards for lead-based paint hazards apply to target housing and child-occupied facilities.

(c) Nothing in this subpart requires the owner of property(ies) subject to these standards to evaluate the property(ies) for the presence of lead-based paint hazards or take any action to control these conditions if one or more of them is identified."

Does this apply to everyone or only "target housing and child-occupied facilities".

Here is one of many parts that I do not understand about this new law:

"§ 745.110 Opportunity to conduct an evaluation.

(a) Before a purchaser is obligated under any contract to purchase target housing, the seller shall permit the purchaser a 10-day period (unless the parties mutually agree, in writing, upon a different period of time) to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards."

There is a lot of information in this new law.

I hope an attorney will jump in here and give us his views.

City Inspecting vacant homes

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:33:46 -0800

Let me be one of the first to tell you that I believe that this will be common place in just a few years.

http://blog.cleveland.com/sunmessenger/2010/02/south_euclid_city_counci_consi.html

I have no first hand knowledge of this. So why do I say this?

There is a section of The Residential Code of Ohio that very few people are aware of.

That is:

115.2 Maintenance.

Residential buildings, structures and the building equipment shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition and in accordance with the condition(s) established in current and any previous plan approvals and certificates of occupancy. Devices or safeguards which are required by this code shall be maintained in conformance with the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance.

This will (in my non-legal opinion) give the city the ability to do these inspections.

Now does the last sentence apply to Realtors?

"The owner or the owner's designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance."

I do not know. This is something you should ask your attorney.

Are you GFCI protected?

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 07:52:23 -0800

Most individuals believe that once you install a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) that you are protected and you need do nothing more.

GFCI's should be checked periodically as recommended by the manufacturer. Test these monthly. (Reference UL 943, Page SA16, Figure 6, Item 8d and Clauses 8.2.7 through 8.2.9.)

Out door locations and those around pools are more likely to fail if not installed properly.

Now these receptacles are required to be WR (weather resistant).

As a member of the IAEI I would like to share a recent article here.

Do not assume that your GFCI's will last forever.

Important electric info - No homeowner repairs

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:55:12 -0800

Here is another reason why you should not let the homeowners make repairs to a home that they are selling.

This is the second book(s) that has been recalled because it has BAD electrical information in it.

Yes many states allow you to do your OWN wiring but you should never let this happen to your buyers.

Here is the book: Oxmoor House on Friday recalled nearly 1 million home improvement books

Flipping homes in Ohio

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:25:33 -0800

This is for Ohio but you may have some of the same rules in your area.

Many people are rehabbing properties in Ohio. Many people make repairs, changes, to the property and do not get permits or inspections.

Here are a couple of rules that Realtors should know about rehabs and what requires a permit and inspection by a building department.

Fines are heavy in some cities. Also you should check for permits if you tell your buyer that the property has been recently updated.

105.2 Work exempt from approval.

Two examples:

The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and an approval shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code."
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

105.2.1 Emergency repairs.

105.2.2 Repairs.

ASHI an NAHI should combine

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:17:26 -0800

Another good article on why Home Inspectors need one good organization like Real Estate agents have (NAR).

What were those home inspectors smoking?

I doubt if this will happen as soon as it should but can I still not hope?

In may areas we are looked down upon. And that bothers me and I know it bothers the other good Home Inspectors out there.

If there was one good and credibile organzation I would join it. No offense meant ASHI and NAHI members.

We need to get together and do this SOON.

Electrical and Plumbing Certifications - Ohio

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:07:11 -0800

Have a request to remedy that calls for a licensed electrician to inspect the electrical system?

Have a request to remedy that calls for a licensed plumber to inspect the plumbing system?

We provide both electrical certifications and plumbing certifications.

These inspections are from a State Certified Electrical and Plumbing Inspector.

Sorry Central Ohio only.

Counterfeit QO breakers

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:26:21 -0800

I do not know if this topic has been mentioned before so I will do so now.

Below is an example of a good Square D breaker and a counterfeit breaker.

One source for more information on this topic can be found at: http://www.inspectapedia.com/electric/SquareDRecalls.htm#bannertop

You may want to make a copy of the picture to carry with you. You should also copy the written information that is provided on the link above.

How to become Certified as a Home Inspector!

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:50:50 -0800

Just had a friend of mine take an online test to become 'Certified' as a Home Inspector.

40 minutes later:

Test #1 Congratulations! You've passed this exam with a final score of 86!

Test #2 Took the second test, which you can not fail, "Please register your successful completion"

Test #3 Answered none of the questions and it said: "You mark completioned 63.87% of the statements correctly."

"Please note that the grading of this Standard of Practice Quiz is offered for your own benefit. There is no required "passing" grade. The following statements are true and required, but were left unmarked by you. Please review this list carefully, as you are required to follow the statements below."

"Congratulations! At this point, you are a Certified ******* member.

You have got to be kidding me!!!

Now all he has to do is: "mailing, faxing, or submitting online a completed application."

And send in $2**.00

There are many of these 'certifications' out there. This is just one.

Just do a Google search and take the test(s) for yourself.

I hope you research the Home Inspectors that you recommend!

11 Month Home Inspection or 1 Year Home Inspection

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:37:34 -0800

Now that your home is approaching 1 year old you may want to have it re-inspected or if it was never inspected, inspected now.

You could hire a Home Inspector to look for cracks or leaking pipes but you could do that yourself.

What you really need is to have it inspected by someone who can also tell you if it was built properly. This is commonly referred to as a code inspection.

When choosing someone to do this inspection ask them if they do 'code' inspections. Better yet ask them if they are certified to perform this inspection for you.

If you want to see how complicated a new construction inspection is just look here: http://publicecodes.citation.com/st/oh/st/b4v06/index.htm?bu=OH-P-2005-000004&bu2=undefined

We are one of the few companies in the central Ohio area that is certified to inspect all the components of your home. If you doubt this just do some checking on your own.

Double Tapped Breakers

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:01:49 -0800

This is why Realtors® need to know a little about what Home Inspectors are putting in the report.

An inspector (in Ohio) call this panel out as having a double tap. Here is what he said.

"M Marginal Item is not fully functional and requires repair or servicing."

He even stated that this was a Square D panel in his report.

This is Home Inspector Electrical training 101 that this is NOT a defect. Most Home Inspectors know this but enough do not.

You need to know things like this so that incorrect information does not kill your deals.

Do any of you consult an electrician or an electrical inspector before you show these 'defects' to the seller's agent? An experienced seller's agent would know that this is bad information and may dismiss other parts of the report that you present.

What is your credibility worth?

Tamper Resistant Receptacles - Important Read

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:39:07 -0800

One of the easiest ways to protect your children or grandchildren is to add TR (Tamper Resistant) Receptacles.

Here is a video that explains these receptacles. http://www.childoutletsafety.org/video.html

Here in central Ohio Northwest Electric and Plumbing (OH. Lic. #26286) installs these for as little as $10.00 each. Yes there is a minimum charge. Or you can replace these yourself if you have a working knowledge of residential electric.

You could as a Realtor offer to have these replace for your client to help make a sale. As you can see it is not pricey.

You can reach Northwest Electric and Plumbing at 614-214-1487.

Licensed Home Inspector in Ohio

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:58:02 -0800

There is no such thing in Ohio. So why do I see so many Home Inspectors claiming to be either licensed or certified. In my opinion this is very deceptive. Just do a Google search and see.

There is licensing legislation being debated but still no regulation. See: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=128_SB_14 . It needs improvement but it is a start.

I believe in licensing and testing for this profession. I also believe that the grandfathering should be for one year only and that a test should be passed within that year.

I doubt if many, if any, inspectors agree with me on this. Why? I do not know.

It is time to get this law passed to protect the public and the real estate industry.

I'll probably get more hate mail on this.

New Construction Defects in Ohio

Inspector Mike Parks (Residential Building Inspectors) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:26:43 -0800

Problems with your new home?

Did you buy a new home and not have it inspected? Or did you hire a Home Inspector or use one that your Realtor recommended, and he missed a lot of new construction defects. Maybe before it is too late you should hire a new home construction expert to look at your home.

We have the expertise to inspect your home. There are only a hand full of companies in Ohio that have the qualifications to help you and we are one of them.

Just compare our state certifications with the others claiming to be able to inspect your new home.