Electrical and Residential Building Inspector in Ohio

Code Inspections where there is no local authority.

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:13:43 -0600

Building or buying a new home in an area that has no local inspections? You better get an inspection.

I do not mean a Home Inspection I mean an inspection by someone who knows the code. The code that I am referring to is The 2006 Residential Code of Ohio. All new construction must meet these requirements.

While Home Inspectors are good at finding defects in existing structures they do not have the training, the knowledge or the certifications to provide a quality inspection.

If you are a Realtor selling a new construction home in an area with no local inspections you need to give me a call. You do not want your client buying a lemon do you?

For true Americans only!

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:01:55 -0600

When it comes to my writing skills I am closer to Forrest Gump than I am to the writers of The Constitution of The United States.

My oral skills are excellent but you need to hear someone like former New Jersey Superior Court Judge Andrew P. Napolitano talk about health care and our government. And the Patriot Act.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n2m-X7OIuY Listen about want happened to the 87 year old woman. It starts about 2 minutes in. SCARY!

Please no I am a Dem. or a Rep. here. Just tell me if what he says makes sense.

BTW GOD BLESS AMERICA MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A HAPPY AND GREAT NEW YEAR

How to verify a Licensed Contractor - Ohio

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:08:00 -0600

This is for Ohio only but maybe your state may have this also.

Many Realtors, Mortgage Companies, Insurance Agents and others ask me how can I verify a persons license?

Follow these instructions:

How to verify a Specialty Contractors License in Ohio

First go to the State of Ohio website's license lookup:

http://elicense1-lookup.com.ohio.gov/SearchCriteria.asp

In the first box pick the trade. In this example we will use my Electrical Contractor's License #. It is OH. Lic. #26286. Why I listed it.

Then you should see something like this:

If not it is probably not a good license #.

Note: This is the business address.

The license holder can work anywhere in The State of Ohio.

Patent and latent defects - flooded basement

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:35:20 -0600

Just ran across a case where the buyer did not take the agents advice for a Home Inspection. It looks like the court used common sense in this case.

It also looks like the "as is" phrasing was discussed in this case.

http://www.leagle.com/unsecure/page.htm?shortname=inohco20091207240

"However, it is significant to note that Pissini, a real estate professional, was concerned about this disclosure and specifically advised Goddard to have the matter examined"

Glad to see that the agent did (his) job.

No city inspections for new homes?

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:02:11 -0600

Most Realtors and home buyers do not know that many areas of Ohio have NO inspections when building a new home. This means no one checks the builder to see if the home is built properly.

To find out if your area has inspections you can look at the list here: http://www.com.ohio.gov/dico/docs/bbst_ResBldgDeptMasterList.pdf

If not you may want to consider us to look at your new home. We are one of the few companies in Ohio quailified to perfrom these inspections.

Home Inspectors are not qualified to perform these inspections.

Protect your clients interests and yours.

Not all Realtors read active rain so pass this along if you would like to help a Realtor or home buyer that you know.

Request to Remedy Inspections - Ohio

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:19:23 -0600

After repairs have been made how many of you recommend to your clients to have the repairs inspected?

In my opinion this is very important. Here is why to hire me:

I know that most people out there have no idea what these credentials mean and that is sad. Realtors® need to now about the credentials of the individuals that they recommend. Not knowing the limitations of those who you recommend could come back to ‘bite' you in the future.

At least in Ohio there are some components of a home that you are not allowed to inspect unless you taken and passed tests given by The State of Ohio.

What you would have to do to get the licenses and certifications that I hold?

Licensed Electrical Contractor: "To Qualify To Sit For The Exam"

"five (5) years working experience in that trade with no breaks in that five year history immediately prior to completing the application"

http://www.com.ohio.gov/dico/OCILB.aspx#Qualify

Licensed Plumbing Contractor: "The same as above."

Electrical Safety Inspector:

http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3783

(1) Has been a journeyman electrician or equivalent for four years, two years of which were as an electrician foreman, and has had two years experience as a building inspector trainee of electrical systems;

(2) Has been a journeyman electrician or equivalent for four years and has had three years experience as a building inspector trainee of electrical systems;

(3) Has had four years experience as a building inspector trainee of electrical systems;

(4) Has been a journeyman electrician or equivalent for six years;

(5) Is a graduate electrical engineer and registered by the state of Ohio.

Examination modules: 2A, 2B

NOTE 8. Applicants for Electrical Safety Inspector must be authorized by the Board prior to taking the required examinations.

Applicants for the Electrical Safety Inspector who fail the examinations twice must enter the Electrical Safety Inspector Training Program.

http://www.com.ohio.gov/dico/docs/100.pdf

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING OFFICIAL

Ohio registration as an architect or professional engineer.

Five years of experience as a residential or nonresidential contractor or superintendent or experience specified in section 103.3.9 of the Residential Code of Ohio.

Examination modules: 1A, 4A and: 2A or 5A

http://www.com.ohio.gov/dico/docs/150.pdf

RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING INSPECTOR

1. Seven years experience as a plumbing contractor;

2. At least seven year experience as a skilled tradesman for plumbing subject to inspection.

Examination module: 5A

http://www.com.ohio.gov/dico/docs/150.pdf

RESIDENTIAL INDUSTRIALIZED UNIT INSPECTOR

Three years experience as a construction contractor or supervisor or as a skilled tradesman for work subject to inspection.

Examination modules: 1A, 2A, 4A, 5A

http://www.com.ohio.gov/dico/docs/150.pdf

Plus I hold a Manufactured Housing Inspectors License.

http://www.omhc.ohio.gov/

Compare the credentials of others in the Home Inspection industry with mine and I doubt if you find anyone one who has invested this much time to best represent your clients.

It really boils down to what level of service that you offer your clients.

Backup email accounts

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:20:51 -0600

Do any of you have backup email accounts?

I do and I will tell you why.

Last week for some reason a report that I was sending to a mortgage company would not go through.

Lucky I was able to send the report from my regular email to my Blackberry account and forward it to the mortgage company.

Time was of the essence in this case becuase it needed to close that day.

I do not know why the first email did not go through but I was glad to have a backup. Maybe some type of spam protection.

Just something to think about.

Should Ohio license Home Inspectors?

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:04:53 -0600

I have been following attempts to regulate the Home Inspection industry since 1999. Still we have no standards here in Ohio.

Anyone involved in real estate knows that this is a problem. We all have seen deals 'killed' because of bad home inspections.

I believe in testing for this industry.

Can anyone tell me why it is so hard to have this industry regulated?

Who is stopping this?

For those of you who have regulations in your state did it help regulating Home Inspectors? I would like your thoughts.

Collecting Rent for a Landlord? You May Need To Be Licensed

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:19:55 -0600

If it is not hard enough to be in any profession regarding real estate they, the government, keep making it harder.

Here is a blog that I just came across. I think that this is a must read.

http://blog.josephandjoseph.com/2009/06/collecting_rent_for_a_landlord.html

Pass this along to anyone that you know that may be in the management of real estate.

Is a new construction Home Inspection necessary?

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:17:00 -0600

When a buyer asks your opinion on whether they should have a home inspection on a ‘new’ home do you say yes?

Maybe you should reconsider this advice.

Would it be fair to say that your client is expecting that the inspector is there to verify that the home has been properly constructed? If the answer is yes then what your client really wants (needs) is a ‘code’ inspection not a home inspection.

Home Inspectors do not do code inspections, just ask them.

Every home in Ohio is required to be built to The 2006 Residential Code of Ohio (RCO). If someone is inspecting a home using the RCO, the only way to perform a new construction inspection, there are some components of the home that require the inspector to be certified by The State of Ohio. Very few Home Inspectors have this.

If you would like to learn more about this please contact me. 614-214-1487

Before you buy a rehabbed home!

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:15:47 -0600

Before you buy a rehabbed home you should read this article: http://www.local12.com/news/local/story/Home-Buyers-Find-Big-Problems/oSEo6nDWm0e5_QdE_sC2NA.cspx

Home inspectors are not regulated in Ohio and most have no idea about what is required when rehabbing a property.

You should hire someone, like us, who is knowledgeable with what is required.

We are certified and knowledgeable to inspect your home.

Motorcycles

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:43:01 -0600

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE put down your cell phones and other distracting devices. I just heard that a friend of mine, the second friend this year, that was hit on a bike. Yes we are still out there.

Put a picture of a loved one in your car and every-time that the phone rings look at that picture.

You do not want to be the one that hits or kills a kid or anyone else.

Is anything that we do that damn important?

He is a fireman and his neck is broken.

Please pray that he is going to be able to walk again.

COMMENTS ARE DISABLED SINCE I WANT NO POINTS FOR THIS!

Please pass this one to anyone you think would benefit from reading this.

Dirty Little Secrets Of Home Inspections

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:11:51 -0600

I just ran across this article and would like to hear the opinion of others involved in the Real Estate industry.

http://www.bankaholic.com/finance/dirty-little-secrets-of-home-inspections/

Sounds like a hate article on Home Inspectors, and I am one, but I always like to learn so that I can improve myself.

Start with telling me if your state has regulations regarding Home Inspectors. I think that I know how this will play out but still whould like your input.

Are you buying a new construction home?

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:19:25 -0600

If so don't you want it inspected by someone who is certified to inspect every component to insure that it is properly installed? Home Inspectors are not but we are. In fact there are some components that they are not allowed (prohibited) to inspect. Check our State certifications against those have received theirs via the Internet. http://www.yourhomesok.com/why_us.htm You need to hire the best. 614-214-1487

There is a difference between taking proctored tests and receiving hand-out certifications.

Outside outlets not working.

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:42:35 -0600

This is the time of year that many homeowners needlessly call an electrician to find an easy electrical fix.

What happens is that the outside Christmas lights stop working. Extension cords left out to the weather get wet and trip the GFCI feeding the outside outlets.

To repair this problem first unplug the cords and dry the connections. Now the hard part finding the GFCI feeding these outlets.

The GFCI could be outside, in the garage, the basement, or in a bathroom. When you find it simply reset it.

Simple easy fix and you saved $75.00.

You know too much!

Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio (Residential Building Inspectors) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:57:38 -0600

Had a Realtor tell me that the reason that she would not use me is because I know too much and would find too many problems with the house.

I guess that this is the only profession where you are penalized for being the best.

Sad but true. I wonder who her client would want inspecting their home? Her hand picked inspector or one that is looking out for their interests.

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 and Residential Building Inspector in Ohio

Code Inspections where there is no local authority.

For true Americans only!

How to verify a Licensed Contractor - Ohio

Patent and latent defects - flooded basement

No city inspections for new homes?

Request to Remedy Inspections - Ohio

Backup email accounts

Should Ohio license Home Inspectors?

Collecting Rent for a Landlord? You May Need To Be Licensed

Is a new construction Home Inspection necessary?

Before you buy a rehabbed home!

Motorcycles

Dirty Little Secrets Of Home Inspections

Are you buying a new construction home?

Outside outlets not working.

You know too much!

Doing the math! Make Money!

Ohio Certified Home Inspectors?????

Craigslist - Contractors

HI or PE?

FPE -- The 'Bad' Panel?

Inspect the Inspector

Recently updated-Are you sure?

H. B. No. 145 "Land installment contract"

What is your credibility worth?