Electrical and Residential Building Inspector in Ohio

Doing the math! Make Money!

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:15:03 -0500

I decided to charge for looking at my profile.

This is my reason why.

"Your profile has been viewed 5390 times." As of 17 Oct. 2009.

If I charged just $10.00 per view that would have made me $53,900.00.

Not to bad for just pecking on the computer.

Just think how much that I would have made if they paid me my hourly rate?

Ohio Certified Home Inspectors?????

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:40:45 -0500

Most advertising for Home Inspections in Ohio is very misleading.

Some facts about Ohio licenses and certifications that you may want to consider when getting a Home Inspection or recommend a Home Inspector to you clients.

Ohio does not regulate Home Inspectors. This law is still pending, and pending and pending.

To do residential 1, 2, and 3 family electric, plumbing, HVAC, etc. work there is no license available or required in The State of Ohio. Some registration may be required. WE DO NOT LICENSE RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTORS NOR DO WE LICENSE GENERAL CONTRACTORS.

The State of Ohio only licenses Commercial Specialty Contractors.

http://www.com.state.oh.us/dico/OCILB.aspx

Regarding Electrical Inspectors you can find a certified inspector here:

https://www.comapps.ohio.gov/dic/dico_apps/bbst/ElectricalSafetyInspectors/

Regarding Professional Engineers go here:

http://www.peps.ohio.gov/

Regarding Architects go here:

http://www.arc.ohio.gov/

Regarding Well and Septic go here:

http://www.odh.ohio.gov/localHealthDistricts/localHealthDistricts.aspx

Some municipalities do license contractors. General, remodeling, roofing, etc.

Some areas require permits and inspections and some do not.

Before you buy do your homework. Ask to see that Certification.

Craigslist - Contractors

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:23:36 -0500

How many of you use craigslist to find contractors?

Here is one that I found in Columbus Ohio: http://columbus.craigslist.org/sks/1422816285.html

"I do all types of residential, service changes, remodel work, room additions
ceiling fans, add lights and outlets
-code violations corrected
-phone,cable,computer wiring
-no job to small
-Best rates in town!
-call (614)XXX-XXXX or XXX-XXXX

Location: all of central ohio
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
License info: OH #6338739"

What is wrong or misleading in this post is that Ohio license #'s are 5 digits. And they have to be as follows: OH.Lic. #XXXXX. Any real contractor would know this.

How is this handled in your state?

You may want to tell your clients after they buy a home to get good (qualified) references from you and not settle for a good deal.

HI or PE?

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:27:43 -0500

When do you use a Professional Engineer rather than a Home Inspector?

Here is an email that I just recieved:

"Hello I was wondering how much you charge for home inspections? I am refinancing my home and I need an inspection of the foundation. Could you let me know?"

Here is what I said:

"Inspections start at $XXX.00 (whole house). If you think that you have a problem with your foundation then you need a P.E. (professional engineer)."

That same thing holds true for an Electrical Inspection. You need a ESI (Electrical Safety Inspector).

You need to know who to call or who to recommend for specific inspections in your state.

FPE -- The 'Bad' Panel?

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:28:24 -0500

I just ran across this post that I received from Google Alerts: http://www.nachi.org/forum/f19/federal-pacific-definitive-answer-44106/

There is no good information there yet (Saturday, October 10th) but I thought that everyone might want to watch this post.

Hopefully it will produce some good information and facts regarding Federal Pacific Panels.

This is what I received from Google:

Federal Pacific - The definitive answer - InterNACHI Message Board
By jfarsetta
By having insurance companies demand a inspection that identifies the problem. Then the insurance company sends a letter to the homeowner demanding that they upgrade or lose their coverage. ...I hate coming across a FP panel. I called out one and the electrician told the homeowner nothing was wrong with it. So now I'm hesitant. The home owner was not happy having to pay a electrician when according to the electrician nothing was wrong with it. ...
InterNACHI Message Board - http://www.nachi.org/forum/

Until then what do you say about FPE panels?

Inspect the Inspector

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:04:52 -0500

I just ran across this article and would like to share with those of you that are in states that do not require the licensing of Home Inspectors.

Here is the link: http://www.canada.com/life/inspect+your+home+inspector/2050469/story.html

Again this is for the states that have no regulations. Not for those who have qualified Home Inspectors.

Is Mike Holmes out of line in what he says or does he bring up good points?

Anyone who knows me knows my opinions.

I would like to here your opinions.

Will you be allowed to write these contracts?

I am not an attorney so any help in understanding this would be appreciated.

What is your credibility worth?

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:12:42 -0500

What is your credibility worth?

Have you ever thought about the home inspector (his credentials) that you recommend?

I do not believe that all inspectors are bad, just enough are to be problematic. I happen to work in a state with no regulations. Most are incompetent yet I know a handful that I WOULD use for a home that I was purchasing.

If he, the home inspector, calls out things that he has read on the internet, that may or may not be correct, then puts this information in his report how do you ‘un-plant' that seed?

It does not matter that you bring in a real expert, one who has state certifications or licenses; the bad info is still in the buyer's head.

Again what is your credibility worth?

Here is an example of an inspection report (only a small part of the report is posted here) that I was asked to review: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1225687/bad-home-inspection-info-electrical

Notice how I am attacked so what I have said has no credibility? Please read the whole post and you will not find any credible information that contradicts me.

When those who do not know what they are doing hurt your deals how do you respond?

Electrical Safety - Removing panel covers

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:30:59 -0500

I am often asked why I am so concerned about individuals removing the cover from an energized electrical panel.

I have seen what an arc flash can do. I also know that most people think that it will never happen to them.

This includes Electrical Inspector, Electricians, Home Inspectors and homeowners.

Take the time to watch a video from Square D. http://www.schneider-electric.us/products-services/services/square-d-services/solving-the-puzzle-of-electrical-safety-compliance/

I hope that this will safe someones life someday. If you like this please pass it on.

Bad Home Inspection Info - Electrical

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 06:42:24 -0500

The following is from a Home Inspection Report that I was asked to review. Please note that there are many good Home Inspectors out there. The problem is that there also many bad Home Inspectors out there. These are the ones that I take issue with. The ones who perform inspections that they are not competent to do.

Home Inspector Problem 1. Double wired circuits at the main panel (doorbell transformer).

Home Inspector Solution: Properly separate and rewire circuits .Reroute one of them to a new breaker in the panel. Thus providing a single circuit for each breaker.

My response: The doorbell wires were properly installed, are safe and code compliant.

Home Inspector Problem 2. Double lugged neutral and ground wires at the neutral bus bar inside the main panel.

Home Inspector Solution: Properly separate the neutral wires from the ground wires so that each neutral wire is secured by a single terminal screw at the neutral bus bar.

My response: The grounded conductors and the equipment grounding conductors were properly installed are safe and code compliant

Home Inspector Problem 3. Exposed light bulb under basement stairs,

Home Inspector Solution: Properly install a globe or replace the light fixture.

My response: The light under the stairs was properly install, is safe and code compliant.

Home Inspector Problem4. Missing grounds at the corrugated stainless-steel tubing (CSST) gas lines. Proper grounding/bonding of CSST gas lines is required to ensure the gas lines do not catch fire in the event lighting strikes the dwelling.

Home Inspector Solution: Properly ground the (CSST) gas lines.

My response: The gas line (CSST) was properly installed, is safe and code compliant.

I also added: It should be noted that this installation was approved by The City of XXXXXX Electrical Safety Inspector.

In the above example this inspector was acting as an electrical expert and was performing an electrical inspection. If these had been defects they would be code violations.

In Ohio only an Electrical Safety Inspector can tell you if your electrical installation was/is installed to code.

Learn the facts and do not let bad information ruin your real estate deals.

GFCI's --- where required

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 07:38:52 -0500

Many home inspection reports call out the lack of GFCI receptacles. Many of these areas are 'grandfathered' in so far as having to install these devices.

Using the 2008 NEC here are the locations that are now required.

1.) Bathrooms.

2.) Garages: This includes GDO's (garage door openers), freezer, whole house vacuums, basically all receptacles.

3.) Outdoors.

4.)Crawl spaces. at or below grade.

5.) Unfinished basements.

6.) Kitchens. All counter-top surfaces.

7.) Laundry,utility, and wet bars. Within 6' of the outside edge of a sink. This could mean the washing machine.

8.) Boathouses.

A more detailed explanation can be found in Article 210.8.

This is important if you are agreeing to add GFCI protection as part of a request to remedy. This could add a few hundred dollars to your clients.

Electrical Certifications

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:34:47 -0500

I was recently asked if I could perform an electrical certification for a home. What most Realtors do not know is that only an Electrical Safety Inspector can inspect the electrical installation and determine if it has been properly installed.

Why can't an electrician do this? I am a Licensed Electrical Contractor. As such I could hire (you) and send you out to do electrical work. Now do you think that someone who has little experience and has never passed a test should be able to certify your electric? No.

That is why the State of Ohio only allows Electrical Safety Inspectors to do these inspections.

If you need an electrical inspection call me.

Is your electrician qualified?

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:10:56 -0500

I know this will 'spark' some controversy. You may be surprised to learn that the electrician that you use is NOT qualified to remove the electrical panel in your or your clients home.

What did he just say? Yes this is very possible. Here is a link to the article: http://ohsonline.com/Articles/2009/06/01/Qualified-or-Just-Experienced.aspx

I was not aware of this until just a couple of months ago. Since then I have received that required training.

Removing a panel cover from an electrical panel unless it is de-energized (the power off) IS working on live equipment. There are 5 to 10 arc flash accidents a day in this county and the costs are $8 -$10,000,000 per accident.

Something to think about????

Signs---What kind?

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:02:46 -0500

During your travels what kind of signs do you see?

Me, I see signs like the one above. I know that others have seen many a funny sign. If so would you please share them with the rest of us? Saw a "this road is not maintained" sign once did not think to take a picture of it. The road looked like a 4 wheeler could not have transversed it.

What is a Home Inspection?

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:45:54 -0500

"A home inspection is a non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home." From Wikipedia.

Nothing more nothing less. Please note the word condition.

That said many Home Inspectors choose to offer opinions on the structure and/or it's components. And that is OK. The problem is that some Home Inspectors feel that there opinions trump what code officials have already approved. Whether that was 50 years ago or today.

There is nothing wrong with trying to inform the buyer (client) about what is the current standard today. But to make those opinions part of the Real Estate transaction is wrong.

A request to remedy should include defects NOT recommendations as to what the standard is today!

Safety issues should always be addressed. Upgrades to today standards should be recommendations that the buyer should perform after the purchase.

Is it a code violation?

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 06:07:24 -0500

EXAMPLE:

My home inspector says that my 'xxxx' system has a problem with it. The city inspector says it is OK. Who is correct?

What you have to remember that at times 'we' as code officials have to use our judgement in existing structures. Not meeting code does not mean unsafe. It is up to the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdition) to determine what is safe and/or code compliant.

Example: Inspectors use to allow two wires under a single breaker. While this may violate 'a' code it is not necessarily unsafe. So, if approved it is no longer a code violation or a defect.

In other words it is OK.

Basic Electric Info

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:44:53 -0500

I would like to share some basic electrical information with you.

Click here

This is one reason why a home inspection, which should include the electrical system, is necessary for all older homes.

As stated in the video most people assume that the electrical system with always operate as new and never needs to be examined. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Remember that this just some basic information.

2 Prong outlets

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:30:16 -0600

Recently I was ask if you had to rewire to install 3 prong outlets.

Yes you can but you do not need to do so. The reason for this question was because some home improvement experts and some Home Inspectors claim that you must rewire to install these outlets (receptacles). 406.3(D)(3) of The NEC® (National Electrical Code®).

Rewiring could run into the $1000's of dollars. This can be remedied for under $15.00.

Very simply you install a GFCI 'outlet' at the first point (outlet) on the circuit. Then you can install the 3 prong 'outlets' down stream. You must also add to the 'outlets' the sticker that says "No Equipment Ground" to the cover plate.

If you do not understand this then please contact a licensed electrical contractor! This is meant for general information and not for the do-it-yourselfer.

Remember how something is called out and how you put it in a request to remedy could make or break your deal!!!!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/927114/CSST-Revisited-in-Ohio

http://activerain.com/blogsview/871331/Why-electrical-inspections-are-needed

http://activerain.com/blogsview/935595/Is-your-new-home-built-properly

http://activerain.com/blogsview/874120/Understanding-Trusses

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

Best Home Inspector in Ohio

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:40:18 -0600

How do you find the best Home Inspector around? Do your own homework! Anyone can claim to be certified or having attended a school or having XXX years of experience.

While Ohio does not regulate Home Inspectors there are certifications that the State of Ohio offers. These certifications come from The Board of Building Standards of Ohio.

Anyone can inspect your new home. But are they really inspecting that it is built correctly? Do the use the states standards? Do they hide behind being a generalist while acting as an expert?

Our certifications are verifiable. You can view them here: http://www.yourhomesok.com/why_us.htm .

Ask your Realtor® if they have ever checked to see if the company that they recommend is competent to inspect your home are they just recommending someone that they like?

Anyone can become certified by The State of Ohio if they are willing to take the time. The problem is it takes to much time to get these certifications. Anywhere between 9-15 years. It is a lot easier for them to join a club and get their certifications, not recognized by the state, and go directly into business.

Remember how something is called out and how you put it in a request to remedy could make or break your deal!!!!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/927114/CSST-Revisited-in-Ohio

http://activerain.com/blogsview/871331/Why-electrical-inspections-are-needed

http://activerain.com/blogsview/935595/Is-your-new-home-built-properly

http://activerain.com/blogsview/874120/Understanding-Trusses

Recently Rehabbed

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 11:00:49 -0600

This is just one example of why you want to have any home that was 'Recently Remodeled" inspected by a professional. This rehab was done by a Realtor. You would think that a Realtor would have know that permits were required and that the would was required to be performed by a licensed contractor(s).

Walls were moved, electric added, and plumbing added. The washer and new tub did not have vents for the drains. No pictures because they were missing.

But here is one of a plumbing fitting installed upside down. I know other violations are here but the upside down fitting is the one that the amateur can see.

Small people toilet

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:50:11 -0600

Is that politically correct? Just wanted to share this with those of you that may have small children. Plus I'll bet that most people are not aware that these toilets are availible. Now if you have guest over you may want to let them see this before they get up in the middle of the night to use it.

PS Guys you think that we get in trouble now imagine??????

Chicken Little

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:04:58 -0600

One of the best compliments that I have ever received was from a Realtor.

He said "Mike is NOT like Chicken Little". I guess what he was saying was that when I report something and /or explain something to a client, I do not make it sound like the sky is falling.

That is one of the advantages of have a good construction background. It allows me to explain things that most HI would defer to another trade or professional. Get as much education as you can!

What is the best compliment that you have received?

Bad drywall in your home

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:25:21 -0600

Before you jump the gun and start looking for the bad drywall called out in these article:

http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/11946/chinese-drywall-toxic-2.html

http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/case/chinese-drywall-problems.html?ref=article11946

http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/stories/2009/02/02/daily75.html

I suggest that you do your homework.

This is the first that I have heard of this and have not had the time to review any of the information about this product.

Realtors be advised that this may be another hurdle to clear.

Anyone knowing anything about this product please share the information here. I will try to research this on my own and will post updates should I find any.

Again anyone who has knowledge about this please post it here.

Remember how something is called out and how you put it in a request to remedy could make or break your deal!!!!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/927114/CSST-Revisited-in-Ohio

http://activerain.com/blogsview/871331/Why-electrical-inspections-are-needed

http://activerain.com/blogsview/935595/Is-your-new-home-built-properly

http://activerain.com/blogsview/874120/Understanding-Trusses

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

When is a defect not a defect?

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:38:05 -0600

Home inspection ‘defects' may not necessarily be so. Some of the time those defect should be listed as recommendations rather than defects.

One important thing that most individuals that perform home inspections, Home Inspectors, Architects, Professional Engineers, etc., forget is that an installation may have been approved by the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

The AHJ may have deemed something safe at the time of construction. Example: two wires under a single lug on a breaker. This is not necessarily unsafe. Yes it may be but it may also be safe. Not following the manufactures specifications may or may not be a problem. Calling it out IS recommended. How it is called out is what is important.

If nothing was codified at the time of construction then the AHJ would effectively be the ‘code'.

So everyone involved in a real estate transaction should take care as to what may or may not be a defect.

Here in Ohio we did not have a statewide standard until 27 May 2006 so there are many different codes that may apply. And that may be true in your state also.

It is very important that Realtors® surround themselves with individuals that can explain these differences in opinions.

Remember how something is called out and how you put it in a request to remedy could make or break your deal!!!!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/927114/CSST-Revisited-in-Ohio

http://activerain.com/blogsview/871331/Why-electrical-inspections-are-needed

http://activerain.com/blogsview/935595/Is-your-new-home-built-properly

http://activerain.com/blogsview/874120/Understanding-Trusses

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