Why
Home Buyers need a Professional Inspection
The purchase of a home is usually
the largest investment the average family makes. You need to
know what to expect in terms of possible repair work and
maintenance that may be needed. A fresh coat of paint could be
hiding serious neglect. Subtle hard to see stains may indicate
a chronic roof leak, a leaky pipe, or just a single incident.
My job is to make a complete visual inspection and report on the
condition of the structure and systems as observed on the day of
the inspection. I work for you, my sole concern is that you
know about any visible deficiencies and safety issues related
to your new home. While sellers and real estate agents are
required by law to disclose all known problems in a home, it
is still important to thoroughly assess the condition of the
home and its related systems within the time frame specified in
your purchase offer. Sellers can become so accustom to a
problem in their home that they forget it, or regard it as
insignificant.
The Inspection:
I will check and evaluate the visual
condition and function of all major components and systems of
the home per the Standards of Practice set forth by the
California Real Estate Inspection Association. Including the
attic, attic framing, ductwork, visible structure, roof,
foundation, exterior, garage, fire separation, patio, drainage,
heating system, air conditioning, plumbing system, water heater,
electrical system, walls, insulation, windows, ceilings, floors,
doors, kitchen and bath systems.
The Report:
Computer
generated, site specific, narrative, with digital photographs
completely combined together to understand defects accurately.
Reports are available via E-Mail, or delivered to all parties
involved the same day. We also ship next day via Priority
Mail if you are out of the area and do not have access to
e-mail. Click on the link below to view a sample of my report.
You will need
Adobe Acrobat to view these files.
I am often
asked about "ON-SITE" reports. I typically do not
offer them, I have the
proper software and equipment, and I actually did them for a few
months when I began doing inspections. I also tried the generic checklist report, they simply
did not meet my needs, expectations or standards I have set
for myself and my business. (I go over all my findings and
explain the operation of major systems and utility
locations while on site and in my photo filled
dialogued report.
Here are my
major reasons:
1. Most on
site reporting is done with a generic checklist type report with
no capability of inserting photos, and any added narrative has
to be hand written. I can't read my own dang handwriting, and I
would never expect you to read it. Frankly, I see the generic
checklist as nothing more that a shortcut for those inspectors
who are unwilling or unable to go the extra mile, and expense,
to put together a comprehensive site specific document that
covers all the systems without leaving three-quarters of the
document blank (un-marked) because it does not apply to the
property being inspected, and then mail you some photos later or
not offer them at all.
2. The
available computer narrative reports take a fair amount of extra
time at the inspection site, anywhere from one to two additional
hours. (My report takes nearly 2 hours to type) your time is too valuable for that.
3. I
believe you deserve a report that has been fully thought-out,
formatted, and detailed; that takes time and organization that
on-site reporting simply does not allow for. My written report
is the very best.
Please take the time to read over the report attached and I
think you will agree.
You normally
have 17 days for your due diligence; don't waste a minute of it,
but don't be rushed into anything either... I GUARANTEE, that
when you sit down and READ my written report, it will have a
much greater impact on you than anything during your Real Estate
purchase.
My name is Derek A. Porter, I am a
