<![CDATA[David Home Inspection Service A Professional Home Inspector Serving Los Angeles to San Bernardino - Home Inspection Blog]]>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:29:03 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[How Much For A Home Inspection ? The Anwser Is]]>Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:14:44 -0800http://www.homeinspectionservices.org/2/post/2010/06/how-much-for-a-home-inspection-the-anwser-is.html
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Price Shopping Or Inspector Shopping
How much do you charge for a basic home inspection? This is often the first question prospective First time home buyers ask me when they call. Most first time home buyers spend 3 to 6 months shopping for a new home and  3 to 6 min choosing a home inspector. Seems like as soon as a perspective client  hears a price even $25 higher than the previous home inspector they just called, the conversation is over. The client then states " Well I'm just getting quotes right now" The answer is they are just price shopping . The focus should be on inspector shopping.

Do you really want the cheapest, most inexperienced person to inspect one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make?  Will the owner of the business conduct the inspection, or a employee making 30% of the inspection fee? What are the inspector's qualifications, educational levels, and experience?  Is the inspector "part time" (as are many) or is this his full-time business?  What kind of testing equipment will the inspector be using?  What kind of report will they provide?  Have you viewed a sample report?  Does it include photo documentation?  Does he have good references?

Many inspectors belong to associations, clubs or organizations. They are a dime a dozen. When looking for the best inspector find a Certified Master Inspector or CMI. Right now there is only 20 in the state of  California. And only 6 in Los Angels County. Have you verified  the inspectors credentials? ? Do they have any complaints on record with the Better Business Bureau?
  
Assuming you have thought through and inquired about all of the above, now the question about the home inspection fee can be asked.  However, there are many factors involved when it comes to how an inspection firm calculates the fee. This includes the inspector's level of experience and qualifications.  The type of report produced and the time taken to produce it must be considered. (Some inspection reports from some firms may be whipped out in pencil on site, while ours will be digital, include photographs, and might take 4 hours or more to complete.)  The size, design, age and condition of the property are also factors that relate to the time it takes to perform a thorough inspection. (Some homes / condos might take 2 hours or less to inspect; older, larger homes might take 4 or more hours.) 

Will the inspector climb the roof?  Can the inspector enter low crawl spaces ( The older the Inspector is chances are, probably not)?  Will the inspector traverse the attic when it's 150 degrees Fahrenheit, or just pop his head inside for a quick peek?  Will he?  Can he?  Is he physically able to do these things?

Some real estate  offices and web sites state that home inspection fees run from $199 to $250 or $250 to $300.  For a complete home inspection. This is sometimes done on purpose! The Realtor would love for you to select a home inspector quoting such low rates. They are the least experienced and tend to completing on-the-spot checklist type reports.  The client gets brain washed into thinking that anything over $250 or $300 is too much and they go with the least experienced inspector.

You can get a 3 page report or a 20 page report.
How much experience  are you willing to pay for.

David Home Inspection Services
626 629-8499

Free Inspection Quote


]]><![CDATA[Why Do Nail Heads Pop On A Roof / Shingles]]>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:43:06 -0800http://www.homeinspectionservices.org/2/post/2010/03/why-do-nail-heads-pop-on-a-roof-shingles.html
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There have been several inspectors reporting nails popping on asphalt roof system these days. Take a look at the pictures above. You can see just below one shingle a nail that is working it's way back out.

Is this the work of aliens working to conspire against home sellers? Or is it something more sinister?



Not really it's just old fashion science.The wood will swell if given enough moisture in the air or under the shingles and it will swell around the nail head. The sun comes up and rapidly heats the nail head drying out the moisture around it. This can dislodge the nail and causing it to become loose in the nail hole. As the sun heat the roof shingles it expands in thickness sometimes vary rapidly. This will cause the loosened nail to rise slightly. This proses is repeated many many times. Giving you nail pops! Now you know

Our Main Goal As Home Inspectors Is To Make The Buyer An Informed Buyer. We Hope Our Findings Help You Understand The Value And Importance Of A Professional Home Inspection.


 

David Home Inspection Services

626-629-8499

We Proudly Serve The Areas Of


San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside County California  
]]><![CDATA[Some Tips To Getting The Best Home Inspection]]>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:24:37 -0800http://www.homeinspectionservices.org/2/post/2010/02/some-tips-to-getting-the-best-home-inspection.htmlWhen you need to get the very most for your home it  is important to be prepared. Here are some key points to getting  the best  inspection results  for your home.

Exterior
  • Trim all vegetation 12 inches away from home or garage.
  • Keep earth 6 inches below/away from siding, foundation vents, stucco weep screed while maintaining a gentle slope away from the home.
  • Check and re-caulk any failed/missing caulking around exterior windows, doors and siding joints.
Roof Structure
  • Remove debris from roof left by trees.
  • Extend downspouts that drain above ground, 6 feet away from structure.
  • Clean gutters. (Even small amounts of debris can clog downspouts.)
  • Keep trees and branches trimmed 6 to 8 feet from roof and off power lines.
  • Chimney owners should have a chimney sweep. (Keep all maintenance records)
Crawl Space
  • Be sure no water or moisture is present.
  • All cellulose debris (loose wood, insulation, cardboard and other debris) large enough to be picked up by a standard garden rake should be removed.
  • All foundation vents to crawl space should be open and unobstructed for proper ventilation.
  • Check for any plumbing leaks. Repair as needed.
Attic
  • Be sure all bathroom and kitchen exhaust vents are still attached and lead to exterior of the home.
  • Keep insulation clear of soffit vents and can lights.
  • Check for leaks and repair as needed.
Furnace
  • All  furnaces should be serviced on an annual basis.
    (Keep maintenance records.)
  • Change the filter and clean all vents.
  • Make sure the unit is responding to controls and heating as it should.
Air conditioner
  • Make sure the unit is responding to controls and cooling the way it should.
  • If not call for service. (Keep maintenance records)
Bathrooms
  • Correct slow-draining sinks and tubs.
  • Check and repair any failed caulk along tub/shower surrounds and at floor joint to reduce water intrusion and subsequent damage. 
  • Fill sink then drain. Checking for any leaks around the P-trap while draining.
  • Test and or Install GFCI outlets for safety in bathrooms
Kitchen
  • Correct slow-draining sinks and tubs.
  • Check and repair any failed caulk along sink. 
  • Fill sink then drain. Checking for any leaks around the P-trap while draining.
  • Test and or Install GFCI outlets for safety near sink
  • Test garbage disposal and check for missing cord connector 
  • Test dishwasher for leaks
  • Clean or replace vent hood filter
  • Repair any damaged cabinet components
Garage
  • Test the garage door opener. Service as needed. ( Keep service records )
  • Remove any extension cords used to feed outlets
  • Install GFCI outlet for safety.
  • Make sure you have a self closing fire rated door, from the house to garage. It's required.
Hot Water Heater
  • Make sure the heater has two approved water heater straps.
  • Insure that the unit is vented, Contact a HVAC contractor if needed. ( Keep service records )
  • The discharge from the tube must discharge to a safe place such as the floor, outside the building, or an indirect waste receptor.
The T&P Valve discharge tube needs to be installed in a manner that does not cause personal injury to occupants in the immediate area or, structural damage to the building. In other words hot water blasting out of the discharge tube cannot go to a place where it will hit people, and the flooding from it cannot damage the building.]]><![CDATA[First Time Home Buyer CheckList]]>Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:29:47 -0800http://www.homeinspectionservices.org/2/post/2010/02/first-time-home-buyer-checklist.htmlHome Buying Checklist: The Process Of Buying Your New Home

So you have been looking at home listings online for days now and you want to go inside a few and start the process of ownership.

Once you've made the decision to buy a home, it's time to start thinking about what comes next. Every buyer needs a checklist that will guide them through the process of searching for the perfect home, evaluating their choices and making a sound purchase for you and your Family.



Learn The Lingo

When you set out to buy a new home, you will need to familiarize yourself with various real estate terms, conduct research on the market value of homes in the area in which you intend to shop and learn the art of negotiation. This information will help as you browse homes, talk with Realtors and get further into the buying process.

Finding A Home Useful Links.

Zillow.com,Homes.com, Century21.com, Remax.com, MLS


Get A Free Credit Report

Every 12 months, you are entitled to request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. You should make this request before you begin looking at homes in order to allow yourself enough time to identify and dispute any inaccuracies in your credit file(s). When you approach a lender, you will need to make sure that everything is correct and up-to-date.
AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report.




Get Pre-qualified

Pre-qualification is different than pre-approval in that it gives you a possible price range that you can afford, but does not guarantee you the loan. Pre-qualification is important because it will help you narrow your search to include only homes that you can afford. Knowing what you can pay beforehand will save you both time and disappointment in looking at homes that do not fit your budget.



Speak With A Realtor

Nobody knows the real estate business like a Realtor, so let them help you to find your new home. Based on your specific requirements, a Realtor can locate a home that will suit you at a price that's within your budget. When he or she finds one or more possible candidates, you will be invited to tour the home. At this point, you should take a camera for the purpose of later reviewing each house with visuals instead of relying solely on memory.  As you do for a home, take your time in finding a Realtor.
To locate a great Realtor in your area go to ActiveRain.com



Make An Offer

Once you find the perfect home, make an offer that's less than you are actually willing to pay. This way, the seller can make a counteroffer that would hopefully still be within your budget. It's important to familiarize yourself with the art of negotiation so that can learn how to get the best deal without insulting the seller. If you have not yet been pre-approved, make sure that your offer is contingent upon your being able to obtain the necessary financing and that the home be inspected by a professional home inspection company.

Offer Accepted
Now that your offer has been accepted you will have 14 days or less to have the home inspected for defects. Once the home inspector has prepared his report,  you will need to respond to the seller for repairs, price reduction or credit after closing. This will be best negotiated by your Realtor after you discuss your needs and wants. The Average cost for a great home inspection is $325  to $400.
Read More About Choosing a Home Inspector Here


Obtain A Loan

Once you and the seller agree on a purchase price, you may be required to provide an earnest money deposit that will secure the home as you obtain a loan (if applicable). A lender will require a home inspection and appraisal for the property in connection with your loan application. In most cases, you will know within 24 hours whether or not your application is approved, but the actual closing will not occur until the inspection and appraisal are complete.



Get Moving

Now that the papers are signed and you have the keys to your new home, it's time to get moving - literally. Remember to decorate your new home and add all of those special touches that reflect your personality. After all, a house is only a house until you make it a home]]><![CDATA[Choosing A Home Inspector]]>Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:05:34 -0800http://www.homeinspectionservices.org/2/post/2010/02/choosing-a-home-inspector.htmlWhen a house is bought or sold, a home inspection is a common practice that alerts both homeowners and buyers to the condition of the property in question. When you are in need of a home inspection in California, you should only choose those home inspectors that  incorporate the Standards of Practice of Inter NACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) or ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors) Be sure you select a Home Inspector who is a Master Home Inspector. This guarantees experience in all building practices.

1. The average fee for a home inspection is between $300-$500, but the information received from an inspector is priceless. It could be the turning point between a sale and a buyer going back to searching for the perfect home. The number of home inspection representatives is vast. There are home inspectors in that offer a lower price, but you must beware of their credentials, and their business ethics. You can find the top home inspectors in California on ActiveRain.com

2. Request references. Sometimes, contacting past clients will give you insight as to how capable a potential home inspector is. When you are ready to begin your search, keep the following questions on hand:
  • Q. How long have you been in the home inspection business? 
  • A. 6 years or more.
  • Q. How many home inspections have you completed?               
  • A. 200 per year average
  • Q. What qualifications do you possess?                                             
  •  A. Build Engineer, Contractor, Builder
  • Q. How long does it take for you to inspect a home?                     
  • A. Based on the size of  the home 2 or 3 hr
  • Q. Can I come along with you on the inspection?                          
  •  A. I would love for you to be there.
  • Q. Do you check for carbon monoxide leaks?                                
  •  A. Yes! We only use the TIF8500A leak detector for your families safety.
  • Q. Do you use the IDEAL 61-165 ARC fault tester  during a typical home inspection?
  • A. Yes we do.  It is the only way to properly test the homes electrical safety devices?
  • Q. Can you provide references of inspections you have done in the past?
  • A. Yes a list can be sent right now.
  • How much do your services cost?                                                         
  • A. Basic Home Inspections start as low as $289.00
Get a free inspection quote now click here

What You Should Know
The state of California does not require a license for home inspectors, so it is important that the home inspector you hire be a master home inspector and not just a member of a club or an association. The California Trade practice act (Chapter 338) was enacted in 1996. The law in California prohibits unethical home inspection practices, including repairing properties that home inspectors have inspected in the previous 12 months. The law encourages courts to consider the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of ASHI and the California Real Estate Inspection Association. We abide by a set of standards of practices and code of ethics that require professionalism and attention to detail. Our home and property inspections exceed all National Home Inspection Associations Clubs and organizations.  Click here to read more about what question you should ask your potential home inspector. A current list of referrals is available on request]]><![CDATA[Radiation Radon And Your Countertops]]>Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:50:43 -0800http://www.homeinspectionservices.org/2/post/2010/01/radiation-radon-and-your-countertops.htmlRadiation Radon And Your kitchen Counter Top. OK So you ask what's he talking about. We often complete radiation checks on granite counter tops in kitchens and food prep areas. For the most part reading are lower than one would find in most background radiation readings. However yesterday we took a reading on a granite counter top that was 15 times higher than I have ever seen in 12 years. Radon is "a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. As the popularity of granite counter tops has grown in the last 15 years. The demand for low price granite has cause an influx of low quality slabs with highly dangerous leves of radioactive stone to tun up around the US. Read More Here... CBS News Countertop Health Threat.

Some professionals in the granite industry will tell you that the levels of radiation found in all granite surfaces are to low to be of any concern.

As a home inspector my job is to tell you what levels are present and let you decide what to do with the granite.

 

Granite emitting 10.3 millirem per hour of radiation]]><![CDATA[Asbestos Hazards In The Home]]>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:48:58 -0800http://www.homeinspectionservices.org/2/post/2010/01/asbestos-hazards-in-the-home.htmlAsbestos Hazards In The Home
  • from 1930 - 1979 Some roofing and siding shingles were made of asbestos cement.
  • Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.
  • Asbestos may be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
  • Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.
  • Older products such as stove-top pads may have some asbestos compounds.
  • Walls and floors around wood burning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets.
  • Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
  • Hot water and steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.
  • Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.
  • In the state of California asbestos was used most commonly for water heater and furnace vents.
  • From 1960 to 1978 duct work in attics was often covered with a white cardboard  like material  that had measurable levels of asbestos. This was often covered by a foil like material making identification difficult.

    • ]]>    <![CDATA[We Know Insulation]]>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:48:16 -0800http://www.homeinspectionservices.org/2/post/2010/01/we-know-insulation.htmlUninsulated walls lose heat more quickly to the outdoors. This heat loss can causeDrafts across the floor,
    • Discomfort from loss of body heat to cold wall surfaces,
    • higher heating costs,
    • Condensation on the interior surfaces and ideal conditions for mold growth, mildew and decay, and
    • condensation within the wall cavity.
    Insulating the wall increases its thermal effectiveness. The insulation:

    • Reduces drafts caused by air leakage through the wall cavity;
    • Keeps the interior surface warmer so occupants can lower the thermostat, but still be comfortable;
    • Reduces movement of sound waves and dust so the house is quieter and cleaner; and
    • Reduces potential for condensation and related problems.
    Investing in wall insulation pays for itself with savings on the heating bill. Average payback is less than 5 to 10 years. Your actual period of payback will depend on factors such as lifestyle, home construction, and the cost of heating fuel.

    Materials

    There are several materials used to insulate the wall, with varying costs and effectiveness. Materials include cellulose, mineral fibers, and foam insulation. Some contractors also offer vapor barriers and vents as part of the installation.

    Cellulose is made from shredded newsprint, treated with fire retardants. Monitoring by industry and government assures the homeowner the material has a standard R-value, is non-toxic, and will not burn or cause corrosion of pipes or wires. Cellulose is particularly effective in wall installations because of its ability to fill and pack even in tiny nooks and crannies within the cavity. Cellulose is also very effective in reducing air infiltration through wall cavities.

    Mineral fibers such as fiberglass and rock wool are installed in some walls. Greater pressure is required to pack these materials into the cavity because they tend to catch on nails and hang up around tight places. In addition, larger drill holes are needed to install this type of material. Mineral fibers are most appropriate in homes or walls where moisture is a serious problem, because mineral fibers do eventually dry out. (Cellulose generally does not dry out once wet.)

    Foam insulation has been used in the past, but is not as widely used today. Although it offers higher R-values than either cellulose or mineral fibers, problems have been experienced with blown in foam. This includes expansion of the foam during installation causing bowing of walls, and shrinkage of the foam over time, causing gaps in the insulation.

    Installation could also include vapor barriers and vents. Almost all the moisture that creeps into the wall cavity arrives through holes and small cracks on the interior wall. Very little vapor passes through holes and small cracks on the interior wall. So a vapor barrier such as rated paints or visqueen is not necessary. Similarly, a vent plug on the exterior is not recommended.

    http://www.homeinspectionservices.org     ]]>    <![CDATA[Earthquake Inspection]]>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:46:24 -0800http://www.homeinspectionservices.org/2/post/2010/01/earthquake-inspection.htmlStaying on top of daily, monthly, and annual chores around your home is a big job. Maintenance and repair jobs are constants. Now add in the California Earth Quakes and after shocks. We offer a annual home earth quake safety inspection. We will create a detailed home earth quake safety check list. Our check List will be tailored to your home and help guide you to a safer and more secure home.

    Damage from earth quakes is not always visible. Foundation, gas piping chimneys and other building system are put under intense strain during even the smallest movements. Putting off inspections after an earth quake only prolongs the issues at hand. It's far less costly in the long run to have your property inspected now.

    To save time and money, plan ahead for the needs of your home.    ]]>    <![CDATA[Rats In The Attic]]>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:45:03 -0800http://www.homeinspectionservices.org/2/post/2010/01/rats-in-the-attic.htmlRats in the attic of a Cypress home cause major damage. David of DHI Home Inspection arrived to inspect a home early on Monday and found that the homes attic was overrun with rodents. The smell was overwhelming said David. I have been an inspector for 11 years and I have never seen anything like it. The rats found their way into the attic by way of a phone line from the power pole at the rear of the home. The rats were able to feed on the many fruit trees in the yard. The damage to the attic was extensive. The insulation, wires as well as the air condition duct work were chewed away by as many as 80 to 100 rats. The ceilings were stained with rat urine. The home had sat vacant for two years due to foreclose . Another sign of the times. The good thing about all this says David is that this one is sold and is going to a new owner who will make the repairs!
    Story by Adam Rodes.    ]]>