Replies

1. 
   calvin_ | Jan 12, 2002 05:59am | #1

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   Email Bob Walker. Catch him in New Orleans or on that thread.

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   Randy_Rogers | Jan 30, 2002 06:30pm | #2

   *I don't specifically know about Cleveland but in general be aware of home inspector touted by the Realtor - with some of those inspections is hard to decide if report was an inspection or was written by the realtor. Many inspectors seem to rubber stamp the home as tradeoff for more business from realtor. ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) should be first stop as they are required to maintain "arms length relationship with other real estate professionals".

1. 
   Scott_R | Jan 31, 2002 02:06am | #3

   *I will probably get flamed for this. Forget a home inspector. Find a reputable remodeling contractor to inspect the property for you. In other words use somebody that actually gets their hands dirty and KNOWS what a problem looks like. I made a sizeable amount of money on a repair that went un-notice by no less than 5 inspectors in about as many years (long story how this property kept changing hands). I was contracted for another job when I pointed this serious problem out to the owner. Thats not the only time I've heard from a homeowner "the home inspector never said anything about that".Let the flaming begin. Scott R.

1. 
   Bob_Walker | Jan 31, 2002 04:38am | #4

   *Scott,There are good ones and not so good ones and crappy ones. (Question: am I talking about home inspectors or remodlers? Both, of course.)The best inspection would probably include a licensed person from each trade and a "coordinator."Each trade has its strengths and its limitations, so even with all them licensed people running around, you need someone who'll take an overview.Of course, you'd pay an arm and a leg for that level of service.In the last 4 1/2 years, since I've been doing home inspections exclusively (remodelling before that) I've inspected about 1,400 houses.I know a heck of a lot more now than I did then, and am much more efficient. (I can do in 3 hours what it took me a day or so to do before, when I was a remodeler.) I also bring a perspective that a remodeler lacks.If my client is in a certain market and price range, I can compare the house s/he's considering to hundreds of other houses in the same market and price range. FWIW, a lot of the significant problems I see are the result of homeowner DIY. The rest are "professional" work, much done by remodelers.I carry E&O insurance as a home inspector. I don't know of any remodelers who carry that for their inspections.A good remodeler may do as good a job as a good home inspector, but will take a heck of a lot longer and might lack the breadth of experiecne a home inspector has.Also as a home inspector, I have a lot more experience in dealing with (i) nervous clients (ii) outraged owners, (iii) off the wall realtors, etc.Randi:"but in general be aware of home inspector touted by the Realtor - with some of those inspections is hard to decide if report was an inspection or was written by the realtor."It's true some inspectors shade their reports to curry favor. They generally don't stay in business long.Some inspectors refuse to market thru real estate agents. Some are good, some are blowhards.I can't suggest a foolproof method of picking an inspector, but some suggestions:Professional association: ASHI is the oldest and largest and probably has the most respected. Memebership requires passing some tests and a minumum # of inspections. It also requires continuing ed. NAHI is another national assoc. but I don't know much about it. (4-5 years ago you paid your money and became a member. I've heard they've addded a testing requirement since then.)I'd presume any other association is a school sponsored effort ("pay our school for some tapes and become a Certifed Inspector!" I get such solicitations regularly.) Note, however, that there may be some other good assoc.s, but I'd make them prove their bona fides.Look for an inspector with experience, 500 plus or so. E&O insurance. Communication skills.Ask about the report. Some inspectors use a 10 -12 page check list which is pretty minimal. Some of those checklists key into a printed book. Others use a three ring binder of several hundred pages with checklists and cross referenced material.More and more inspectors are using computer generated reports of varying quality.Quality of reports varies, of course.

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   Randy_Rogers | Feb 05, 2002 07:13pm | #5

   *Gary: As thread is still running I couldn't resist one more comment. In Michigan anyone can call themselves a home inspector as there are absolutely no prerequisites and no licensing. I don't know about Ohio. I'd much rather have a good home inspector look over a home for me rather than a single contractor (in a perfect world, as mentioned, someone from each craft would accompany you). ASHI is best place to look, in my opinion. To become a member an individual must have performed at least 250 ASHI approved inspections and passed the National Home Inspection exam (about 4 hours). I took my contractors exam in Michigan about 25 years ago - was so easy I thought I blew it. I took the ASHI exam about a year ago - no way I could even have come close to passing it 25 years ago. ASHI also requires (yes, requires)substantial continuing education over the course of a year. I certainly don't agree with these one week courses that make someone a home inspector. I firmly believe that coming up through the trades is best - can't beat the experience of tearing apart and building. I've also done follow-up inspections on one local inspector (not ASHI member) who works closely with realtors - hard to say who he really works for by reading the report. My clients have no doubt that I am working for them.Just some thoughts. Randy

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   gary_weiss | Feb 05, 2002 07:13pm | #6

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   Hi gang,

   I'm moving at the end of February and need a good home inspector in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Anyone outh there know of someone who does a really great job?? Many thanks!!!

   Gary