Brian's Blog

Steps to take before an infrared thermal inspection!

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:16:09 -0500

Steps prior to an infrared inspection When you do book an infrared inspection with me, I ask that you please have the home prepared in order to alleviate any problems during my thermal inspection. To achieve the maximum benefit of your infrared inspection, please follow these tips below prior to the inspection.

• Plan optimal times of day for your infrared inspection — dawn and dusk. Example...If I’m inspecting a flat roof, the added heat from the strong sunlight beaming onto any flat roof surface will reduce the effectiveness of my thermal scan. I absolutely do not mind early evening inspections, so planning accordingly (in this particular situation) will give you much better infrared results.

• Clear all of the outermost interior walls of any large pictures, furniture and appliances. Also, remove drapes if possible and open all your closet doors in order to condition the closet. Conditioning your closets will assist me in identifying any exterior wall defects. I am unable to move personal belongings due to liability reasons, so please make sure that the majority of your walls are clearly visible to the camera. Any blocked areas could conceal hidden issues.

• IMPORTANT: Please do not wait until I arrive at your house before you decide to move your furniture and bedding away from the walls. I'd like you to get every portion of your walls conditioned for at least one hour, in order locate any concealed defects. Having furniture up against the wall will not allow the entire wall to be conditioned and the infrared readings will be affected. Unconditioned portions of the walls (where your furniture was placed) will always appear to be defective. Conditioned air will not pass through furniture.

• Verify the indoor/outdoor temperature difference. Indoor and outdoor temperatures must vary by at least fifteen to twenty degrees Fahrenheit for optimum infrared results.

• It's crucial to obtain adequate temperature differentials between the outside and inside temperatures, in order to obtain a perfect environment for infrared imaging. I'd like you to make sure that every window and door is completely closed several hours before the infrared inspection takes place.

If the temperature differential is not adequate, this may require you to turn "UP" the heat (in the winter months) or to turn "ON" the A/C in the summer months. If you are unable to obtain an adequate temperature differential inside the building, we will need to re-schedule the infrared inspection accordingly.

MAke sure to visit www.homeinspectoratlanta.com to learn more.

Infrared Thermal Imaging @ Inspections

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:25:25 -0500

Infrared imaging is an older technology, but has a new application that works wonders -

In your home! It's been around for ages and used in applications ranging from transportation, industrial, manufacturing, animal health care, military and building sciences. But now it's used to find defects that are not visible to the naked eye. Does that mean I see through walls? No, not even close. The short and dirty explanation of infrared is that it detects slight temperature differences in materials and gives the user a visual (photo) of the area focused on. Lets use insulation in your home as an example, specifically in your ceiling. In the summer months your attic is "steaming" with heat. Now from the inside of your home looking at the ceiling, you wouldn't even notice an issue. Using an infrared camera we would be able to see a temperature difference due to the heat of the attic, and the coolness of the indoor air. This is key in new home construction, many homes have cathedral ceilings or vaulted ceilings that cannot be seen from the attic. Now there is a way to tell if the builder really added adequate insulation. Below is a great example.

Infrared inspections will detect other defects as well. It will locate active moisture, defective electrical systems, plugged plumbing lines and even active pests in your home or business. We'll also be able to detect energy loss through windows/doors and poor weatherstripping installations. To wrap it up in a nutshell, infrared inspections are a non-invasive method of inspection. Our infrared services are also applied in commercial applications and manufacturing as well.

For your next inspection, get a certified Infrared inspector to investigate your home or business - it could save you thousands.

Visit www.homeinspectoratlanta.com

Thermal Imaging Inspections in Atlanta

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:21:53 -0500

Infrared imaging is an older technology, but has a new application that works wonders - In your home!

It's been around for ages and used in applications ranging from transportation, industrial, manufacturing, animal health care, military and building sciences. But now it's used to find defects that are not visible to the naked eye. Does that mean I see through walls? No, not even close. The short and dirty explanation of infrared is that it detects slight temperature differences in materials and gives the user a visual (photo) of the area focused on. Lets use insulation in your home as an example, specifically in your ceiling. In the summer months your attic is "steaming" with heat. Now from the inside of your home looking at the ceiling, you wouldn't even notice an issue. Using an infrared camera we would be able to see a temperature difference due to the heat of the attic, and the coolness of the indoor air. This is key in new home construction, many homes have cathedral ceilings or vaulted ceilings that cannot be seen from the attic. Now there is a way to tell if the builder really added adequate insulation. Below is a great example.

For your next inspection, get a certified Infrared inspector to investigate your home or business - it could save you thousands.

Make sure to visit www.homeinspectoratlanta.com

Why one Association over another?

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Thu, 01 May 2008 14:14:55 -0500

Below are the most recognized Home Inspector associations in no particular order:

INACHI – International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
ASHI- American Society of Home Inspectors
NAHI – National Association of Home Inspectors
HIF – Housing Inspection Foundation

There are many inspectors that belong to one or multiple associations. Is one association better than the other? The short answer is yes and no. It’s not about membership numbers, or who had the best media exposure, it’s about what it provides to the members. Not in just benefits, but most importantly education and member support.

As an inspector it’s extremely important to continually educate ourselves on new, existing and updated building practices. Building standards are different across the country and change all the time. Many associations have member message boards where inspectors can communicate with inspectors from across the country, some associations are around the world. An inspector in California may have a question about an unusual defect that he/she came across and would like other members input or comments. A simple post of the defect along with a picture will have a “reply” back within literally minutes. Now that is member support.

Many agents and brokers recommend one particular association over another. Not because one is better than the other, but mainly because that’s the only one they know of. Do some quick research and you’ll find which one excels, which one supports its members with many educational benefits.

What does my membership mean to me?

It’s all about education. The more I have, the better inspection I can perform for my clients. INACHI for example has many online courses and even 1-2 day courses throughout the nation. If members don’t take advantage of the education that is put in front of them, being a member is really a waste of time and money. With all the technology available to inspectors, they need to be trained properly. Handing an inexperienced inspector an expensive meter or camera could be costly to the client and yes, the inspector.

Member support is also a key factor in finding the right association. Nobody wants to belong to an association that makes them feel like an idiot for asking a simple question. Research and you’ll quickly learn which associations’ members offer a lending hand at almost any time of the day. Not just online, but many are just a phone call away and are willing to offer help.

So to wrap it up, don’t let association membership be a deciding factor in selecting a home inspector. Make sure to research and interview an inspector prior to signing that contract. Actually finding an inspector well before signing that contract is the best. This way you can take time and talk to several inspectors and not be in a rush to find the cheapest, fastest inspector.

INACHI members aren’t better than ASHI, nor ASHI members better than INACHI and so on. It’s the inspectors ethics, experience, education and best business practices that make the inspector.

Brian Doles

The importance of proper deck construction

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:13:01 -0500

The importance of proper deck construction

Recent TN deck collapse - Link

Recent SC deck accident - Link

Many consumers and home owners don't think it will ever happen to them. When you think about it, most decks aren't used on an everyday basis. But it only takes that one 4th of July gathering of friends and family to have the unfortunate happen to you. Deck construction is an extremely serious issue. Most decks aren't built to the local building codes, but they certainly should be.

This attachment is not adequate.

The most important is how the deck is attached to the structure (home). There are several methods. The best method is using lag bolts to physically attach the head joist to the homes rim joist. View our Deck Construction Guide to learn more about this method. Using nails just isn't enough to support a structure that could possibly weigh thousands of pounds when there is a load on it.

As a home inspector, I see many defects everyday and the majority of them deal with an attached deck.

View a study on deck collapses - Download

Can I come too?

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:58:32 -0500

Can I come too?

That is a question I hear all too frequently. It never fails that a customer asks if they can accompany me on the inspection. My immediate response, "yes". Any inspector that tells you "no", I would strongly recommend interviewing a few other inspectors until you find the right one.

Think of it this way, purchasing a home is a HUGE investment. Wouldn't you want to see and learn everything about that investment before you sink your hard earned money into it? I know I would. If your a first time home buyer you need to be present at the inspection, even if you have to take vacation from work - be there when the inspector is combing through your investment. Sure you'll have a report to look at after the inspection, but nothing beats being onsite with the inspector. This way if you have any questions or concerns about the house, you can ask immediately.

Many people think an inspection passes or fails. That's so far from the truth it's not even funny. A professional inspection is designed to educate you about your new or existing home. Home inspectors complete continuing education classes each year, this keeps them abreast on new building technology and safety issues within the home. I'll use a simple water heater as an example: to many it's the big tank in the basement that supplies hot water to the entire house. To an inspector 9 out of 10 times it's a major safety issue that homeowners are not aware of. If it's a gas unit, is it vented properly? Is there a drip-leg installed on the gas line? Is it installed in a garage? If so, is it 18" off the floor? These along with many, many other safety guidelines are key in water heater safety.

So just think, that's only the water heater. What about all the other systems in a house? How much do you know about them? If you answered "not much", you need to make sure you attend your next home inspection. It could save you financially, and could also save your life. If your inspector isn't very talkative during the inspection, make him talk by asking questions.

With Colby Home Services my past clients can vouch that I encourage their questions during the inspections and long after the inspection. It's very common to answer a question 12 months after they have moved in, it's part of my customer satisfaction. "All my customers are returning customers"

Brian Doles - Atlanta, GA

Colby Home Services

Are your neighbors cooking Meth?

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:21:00 -0500

Unfortunately meth is an increasing problem across the US. Here in Atlanta the trend continues to go up, it's the fastest growing drug problem in Atlanta. But on the upside, the "cooking" of meth locally is decreasing. You might think that most meth "labs" are in the inner city, nothing could be further from the truth. When in fact most labs are out in rural areas and yes in densely populated suburbs. In most cases meth labs are not producing large quantities for distribution, but for personal use. Don't let that fool you, it can still be just as dangerous in small quantities. Once meth has been cooked in a home, the damage can be extremely costly to remedy and if it's not properly "cleaned" from the home serious health concerns arise.

Even though the equipment used for cooking meth can be easily hidden and stored away, there are several warning signs to look for. If you notice that there are weird things going on at your neighbors house, check for these warning signs:

Large quantities of fertilizer at the home. Have you seen them bring bags into the home, garage or outbuilding?
Are people always coming and going from the house?
Can you smell heavy metals coming from the home? This is the most important tell tale sign.
Has the landscaping and upkeep of the property gone downhill? If their cooking meth, yard work usually is the last thing on their mind.
Are the neighbors very protective of their property? If they are cooking meth they usually don't want anyone on their property, at times they take actions by installing "booby traps" to prevent people from finding their lab.

So the next time your looking for a new home, consider that a "lab" just might be in the neighborhood. If you think the home your about to purchase may have been involved with the cooking of meth, make sure to inquire with the Realtor. If your Realtor can't give you a definite answer, contact the authorities.

Brochure on Meth in Georgia

Additional Info

Electrical Wiring Tips at Home

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:15:25 -0500

Electrical safety is many times overlooked. When in fact it's one of the most important safety hazards in your home. With todays technology it seems as though everything needs power. If you own a computer you know what I'm talking about. Go ahead take a peak behind your computer desk and count the number of plugs. Chances are you've got about 6-10 plugs. That's a lot of juice!

Below are some good tips and guidelines to consider for electrical wiring.

Make sure outlets are not overloaded; don't keep adding more extension cords.
Look for the UL mark on the extension cords your using. This means they have been tested for foreseeable safety hazards.
Never, ever run electrical cords under carpet or heavy items.
Never cram or bunch extension cords behind a hot appliance.
Always use outlet plug covers to prevent children from insert objects into them.
Extension cords are really only meant for temporary use.
Do not use extension cords that are damaged or cut. This goes for cords that you might use outdoors as well. We all know how damaged those can get. If it's damaged, don't try to just cover it up, throw it out and get a new UL listed extension cord.

This is not the best idea. Obviously this has been around for awhile, not temporary at all.

Dewinterizing a Home

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:49:25 -0600

Dewinterizing Your Home Guide By Brian K Doles of Colby Handyman Services & Inspections

Definitions:

Winterize – To prepare a homes plumbing system for colder winter months.

De-Winterize – To “charge” the plumbing system for everyday use.

Charge – To fill piping with water.

Many foreclosed homes that remain vacant will be most likely be “winterized”. This is to prevent damage due to freezing pipes in colder months. When the plumbing system is winterized it’s main purpose is to drain all the water from the system including the hot water heater. When you’re purchasing a foreclosed home or a home that has been winterized, it’s very important to have all the utilities turned on prior to a Home Inspection. More importantly the plumbing system should be active and working to inspect for leaks. To download my guide to "Dewinterizing Your Home" click the link below.

http://www.homeinspectoratlanta.com/system/files/userfiles/dewinterizing_checklist.pdf

What happened to being reliable and dependable?

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 13:40:30 -0600

Reliable - that may be relied on; dependable in achievement, accuracy, honesty, etc.: reliable information.

Dependable - capable of being depended on; worthy of trust; reliable: a dependable employee.

It's amazing how many other services out there don't understand the above two definitions. My latest "beef" is with tree services. I have 3 dead pines that I need cut down. I can't even tell you how many tree service companies I have called just to come and give me a quote. Now you would think that would be simple. Some don't return calls or even emails. The ones I've called and actually got to talk to someone said they would send someone out to give me a quote. We arrange the time, and I wait, and wait. Wow, what a surprise a "no show". Not even a call saying "I'm lost and can't find your house", nothing.

It floors me how businesses stay competitive (or even stay in business) when they don't incorporate reliable and dependable into their business ethics. What a shame.

I operate a Home Inspection service as well as a Handyman service. Those two words above are the most important in my business. Knock on wood I have never even been late yet (of course that will change after I submit this), let alone not even show up for an appointment.

It's amazing how many of my handyman customers first comments are "your the only one that would return my call". I love hearing that from them everytime.

Every service minded business owner should most definetely include reliable and dependable in their business plan. For me and my business it's our "mission".

Oh and by the way. My 3 pine trees are still standing! :)

Before or After

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Sun, 27 May 2007 15:54:17 -0500

I'm very interested in knowing how realtors, appraisers, inspectors, lending agents, etc. feel about the comment below.

Our industry standards now warrant an inspection within weeks of the closing. Talk about a few stress filled weeks! I mean you'll need to bite nails till you get the report, then you have to bite them till the buyers make a decision based on the report. Then to top it off you're going to have to either make some negotiations for $$ off the asking price, or wait on the repairs to be made by a tradesmen within a few weeks. Now that's stressful alone!

Well how would it be less stressful? The day or days following a listing have the "sellers" schedule an inspection. Now the buyers have a platform to use to get needed repairs made, well in advance of closing. Plus, think about less liability when it comes to disclosure problems. This way the inspection report will be a "disclosure" of sorts.

To top it off, at Colby Inspections we'll come back out to note and photograph the repairs or updates made. Now the seller has a report that they can show to potential buyers at each showing or even at Open Houses. A quality inspection report should be used as a great marketing tool for a seller.

Now there is no bickering at closing about "why things weren't fixed" or "we agreed on a lesser price".

A possible streamlined improvement??

Are you "flipping"

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:47:09 -0500

How important is Inspecting before "Flipping"?

It's the big money making thing to do, buy a cheap house or foreclosure and fix it up to turn right around and put it back on the market. The idea is great for neighborhoods, but can be a disaster for the person buying the home. Now that can fall under two categories. First would be the investor that is buying the home to "flip". Do you know exactly what lies underneath that home? Is there a swamp in the crawlspace, or the joists so rotted that your first step into the house drops you into the crawlspace. There are way too many hidden defects to even begin listing them. I can't tell you how many investors have came to me after they bought the property, to only tell me how much damage was hidden. Their budget sky rocketed and eventually ate away at their total profit.

Having a home inspection for investment property is just as important has having one for your own personal home. Many investors are out of state and don't get the chance to see the condition of the home first hand. With a home inspection you'll get a complete report of the home along with digital photos. An investor from across the country can see the photos and defects of a home they are investing in giving them a thorough report and completely un-biased inspection makes the investors at ease with their investment.

Some key items to look for in a flip:

• Get in the crawlspace, check for moisture, check for termite damage and check plumbing connections.

• Get in the attic, check for moisture damage from a faulty roof or faulty flashings around vents and chimneys

• Check the electrical system, look at the panel. Is it rusty, any burn marks, any hot spots?

• Look around for cracks, are there large cracks in the foundation or on interior walls.

• Are the interior walls stained, does the house smell like mildew?

• Any signs of past fire or smoke damage, check while your in the attic?

• Adequate insulation in the attic or crawlspace?

• What's the age of the house, could there be lead paint or piping in the home. Could there be asbestos material in the home? (http://www.colbyinspections.com/asbestos.htm)

• House does the roofing material look, curled shingles, missing shingles?

• Is the grading properly sloped away from the foundation?

• What is the condition of the guttering system?

• The list can go on, call us to schedule an inspection for your next "investment".

Visit http://www.colbyinspections.com/ to learn more about home inspections

Home Inspectors crystal ball! Does it exist, NO

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 07:16:21 -0500

When it comes to the question of "how long will that last?" my answer is always the same "it depends".

The life expectancy of any home component such as appliances or even the siding that covers your house can vary so much it's not even funny. There are so many scenarios that impact the life of anything. Your appliances or the flooring in your home should be treated just like you take care of yourself. You probably get a physical or a 1 year check-up with your family doctor, why do you do that? It's called preventive maintenance. You go to find out whats wrong with you and get it fixed. Your heating/cooling system is no different, it needs to be checked every year for routine maitenance by a professional HVAC technician. If you do that every year for as long as you own the home, chances are that system will last longer than expected. But...

There are several factors that could make that change. What about the owner before you, did they maintain everything? Who knows it may not have been installed correctly. If that's the case with your heating/cooling system, chances are your system is working twice as hard as it needs to. So don't expect it to last a lifetime. This goes for almost anything from flooring to decks to plumbing fixtures.

Below is a list of things that could reduce the life of a component:

installed correctly by manufacturing standards
maintained as manufacturer states in manuals
geographic location of component

Click this LINK to download a document provided by the NAHB that gives an estimate of expectancies. But remember, expectancies in the document can vary, all dependant on the items above.

You'll find that most inspectors don't give a life expectancy of an item because of the many conditions that could affect the expectancy. If they do, ask them to see if their crystal ball has been calibrated!

Make sure to visit Colby Inspections to learn more about inspections!

Bats and more bats

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 19:30:19 -0500

Don't let this happen to you. Click on the link below and click on the video.

Bats

Digital Photos & Home Inspections

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 13:56:35 -0500

In todays world, technology plays a very important role in the home inspection industry. A digital camera is my most important source for capturing defects in a home. Often my clients ask "why do you take so many pictures?". My answer is for reference and of course "evidence". Not all the pictures make it into the report, usually just the ones that are in direct relation to the defect found.

As the saying goes "a picture is worth a thousand words". A picture can help me describe a defect to a client especially when it's in a location that they cannot physically get to like in an In todays world, technology plays a very important role in the home inspection industry. A digital camera is my most important source for capturing defects in a home. Often my clients ask "why do you take so many pictures?". My answer is for reference and of course "evidence". Not all the pictures make it into the report, usually just the ones that are in direct relation to the defect found.

As the saying goes "a picture is worth a thousand words". A picture can help me describe a defect to a client especially when it's in a location that they cannot physically get to like in an attic or crawlspace. Photos also capture the fact that an inspection photograph is a snapshot in time. It can prove that "yes" that defect was there prior to closing, and in some cases it can prove "no" there was no defect in that area at the time of the inspection.

Digital photos in my eyes are "priceless".

Visit http://www.colbyinspections.com/ to learn more about home inspections. Make sure to visit our Photos/Defect Photos

Talk about networking at it's best !!

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 20:41:56 -0500

This has got to be the best networking site I've seen in awhile. I've joined groups that have cost me $$ to belong to, now I come across ActiveRain and to beat it all it's free.

There's so much that newbies and veterans alike can learn on this site. I could spend all day on here and not even touch the tip of the iceberg.

Thanks aren't enough ActiveRain !!

www.colbyinspections.com

Pre-Listing Inspections and why they benefit

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 19:00:13 -0500

Eventually your buyers are going to conduct an inspection. You may as well know what they are going to find by getting there first. Having an inspection performed ahead of time helps in many other ways:

It allows you to see your home through the eyes of a critical third-party.
It helps you to price your home realistically.
It permits you to make repairs ahead of time so that ...
a. Defects won't become negotiating stumbling blocks later.
b. There is no delay in obtaining the Use and Occupancy permit.
c. You have the time to get reasonably priced contractors or make the repairs yourself, if qualified.
It may encourage the buyer to waive the inspection contingency.
It may alert you of items of immediate personal concern, such as radon gas or active termite infestation.
It may relieve prospect's concerns and suspicions.
It reduces your liability by adding professional supporting documentation to your disclosure statement.
It may alert you to immediate safety issues before agents and visitors tour your home.

Copies of the inspection report along with receipts for any repairs should be made available to potential buyers.

3 Deadly Mistakes

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 18:22:56 -0600

Deadly Mistake #1: Thinking you can't afford it.

Today, buying the home of your dreams is easier than ever before. Many people who thought that buying the home they wanted was simply out of their reach are now enjoying a new lifestyle in their very own new home.

Buying a home is the smartest financial decision you will ever make. In fact, most American and Canadian home owners would be financially broke at retirement if it weren't for one saving grace - the equity in their home. Furthermore, mortgage rates are more flexible today than ever and tax allowances favor home ownership.

Real estate values have always risen steadily. Of course there are peaks and valleys, but the long term the trend is a consistent increase. This means that every month when you make a mortgage payment the amount that you owe on the home goes down and the value typically increases. This owe less-worth more situation is called equity build-up and is the reason you can't afford not to buy.

Even if you have little money for a down payment or credit problems, chances are that you can still buy that new home. It just comes down to knowing the right strategies, and working with the right people. See below.

Deadly Mistake #2: Not hiring a buyer's agent to represent you.

Buying property is a complex and stressful task. In fact, it is often the biggest single investment you will make in your lifetime. At the same time, real estate transactions have become increasingly complicated. New technology, laws, procedures and competition from other buyers require buyer agents to perform at an ever-increasing level of professionalism. For many homebuyers, the process turns into a terrible, stressful ordeal. In addition, making the wrong decisions can end up costing you thousands of dollars. It does not have to be this way!

Work with a buyer's agent who has a keen understanding of the real estate business and who is on your side. Buyer's agents have a fiduciary duty to you. That means they are loyal to only you and are obligated to look out for your best interests. Buyer's agents can help you find the best home, the best lender and the best inspector. Best of all, in most cases, the buyer's agent is paid out of the seller's commission, even though he/she works for you.

Trying to buy a home without an agent at all is, well... unthinkable.

Deadly Mistake #3: Getting a cheap inspection.

Buying a home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make. This is no time to shop for a cheap inspection. The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the home being inspected. The additional cost of hiring a certified inspector is almost insignificant. As a homebuyer, you have recently been crunching the numbers, negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages and trying to get the best deals. Do not stop now. Do not let your real estate agent, a patty-cake inspector or anyone else talk you into skimping here.

NACHI front-ends its membership requirements. NACHI turns down more than 1/2 the inspectors who want to join because they can't fulfill the membership requirements.

NACHI certified inspectors perform the best inspections by far. NACHI certified inspectors earn their fees many times over. They do more, they deserve more, and yes they generally charge a little more. Do yourself a favor...and pay a little more for the quality inspection you deserve.

To find the best home inspector in your area visit www.InspectorSEEK.com

The Code of Ethics I follow !

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 18:20:15 -0600

NACHI Code of Ethics

The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) promotes a high standard of professionalism, business ethics and inspection procedures. NACHI members subscribe to the following Code of Ethics in the course of their business.

Duty to the Public
1. The NACHI member shall abide by the Code of Ethics and substantially follow the NACHI Standards of Practice.
2. The NACHI member shall not engage in any practices that could be damaging to the public or bring discredit to the home inspection industry.
3. The NACHI member shall be fair, honest, impartial, and act in good faith in dealing with the public.
4. The NACHI member shall not discriminate in any business activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation, or handicap and shall comply with all federal, state and local laws concerning discrimination.
5. The NACHI member shall be truthful regarding his/her services & qualifications.
6. The NACHI member shall have no undisclosed conflict of interest with the client, nor shall the NACHI member accept or offer any undisclosed commissions, rebates, profits or other benefit, nor shall the NACHI member accept or offer any disclosed or undisclosed commissions, rebates, profits or other benefit from from real estate agents, brokers or any third parties having financial interest in the sale of the property nor shall the NACHI member offer or provide any disclosed or undisclosed financial compensation directly or indirectly to any real estate agent, real estate broker or real estate company for referrals or for inclusion on lists of preferred and/or affiliated inspectors or inspection companies.
7. The NACHI member shall not communicate any information about an inspection to anyone except the client without the prior written consent of the client, except where it may affect the safety of others or violates a law or statute.
8. The NACHI member shall always act in the interest of the client, unless doing so violates a law, statute or this Code of Ethics.
9. The NACHI member shall use a written contract that specifies the services to be performed, limitations of services and fees.
10. The NACHI member shall comply with all government rules and licensing requirements of the jurisdiction where he/she conducts business.
11. The NACHI member shall not perform or offer to perform, for an additional fee, any repairs or associated services to structure on which the member or member's company has prepared a home inspection report, for a period of 12 months. This provision shall not include services to components and/or systems which are not included in the NACHI standards of practice.
Duty to Continue Education
1. The NACHI member shall comply with NACHI's current Continuing Education Requirements.
2. The NACHI member shall pass the NACHI's Online Inspector Exam once every calendar year.
Duty to the Profession and NACHI
1. The NACHI member shall strive to improve the Home Inspection Industry by sharing his/her lessons and/or experiences for the benefit of all. This does not preclude the member from copyrighting or marketing his/her expertise to other Inspectors or the public in any manner permitted by law.
2. The NACHI member shall assist the NACHI leadership in disseminating and publicizing the benefits of NACHI membership.
3. The NACHI member shall not engage in any act or practice that could be deemed damaging, seditious or destructive to NACHI, fellow NACHI members, NACHI employees, leadership or directors. Member(s) accused of acting or deemed in violation of such rules shall be reviewed by the Ethics committee for possible sanctions and/or expulsion from NACHI.
4. The NACHI member shall abide by NACHI's current membership requirements.
5. The NACHI member shall abide by NACHI's current message board rules.

Members of other associations are welcome to join NACHI but a requirement of membership is that NACHI must be given equal prominence in your marketing (brochures and websites) as other associations you belong to.

Home Inspection Question and Answers

Brian Doles (Colby Home Services) — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 14:56:22 -0600

As a NACHI-certified professional home inspector, I have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with a thorough and professional, non-intrusive, visual inspection of your home, from roof to foundation.

Outside the home, I will check the exterior walls, roof, driveway, deck, etc., then I will move inside to examine the walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows. The heating, air-conditioning,plumbing, and electrical systems will all be examined to ensure that they function as intended. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms receive a thorough check, along with the attic and basement or crawl space.

Included in the Inspection:

Site Overview
Drainage
Retaining Walls
Fences
Crawl Space
Electrical
Air Conditioning
Walls
Heating
Floors
Foundation
Roof
Plumbing
Insulation
Porches
Patios
Decks
Garage
Water Heaters
Baths
Kitchen

How Long Will it Take?

The average inspection takes two to four hours depending on the size, age, and condition of the property.

Should I be There?

We strongly urge the prospective buyer to be present for the walkthrough at the end of the inspection. By being present, you will have a far greater understanding of your new home and the report.

What If I have a Question?

Give us a call! It's that simple. We are here to serve your needs and answer all your questions. There is no charge for this continued support. A simple call can save you time and trouble.