By: Dennis Norman
Gerry Loesch, PE
In parts one, two, three and four of this series I gave you some background on Gerry Loesch as well as his informative E-View TM . .
Now we’ll finish with the final post of his E-View TM :
Q-What should a consumer look for when choosing a building inspector?
A-In my opinion, when selecting a building inspector the following things should be considered:a. Is he a member of ASHI- You want an inspector who subscribes to, and follows, a recognized Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.b. Experience- As you well know, there are many inspectors who may be members of the right orgainzation but who do not have the experience neded to provide a valid and knowledgable opinion as to the conditions that exist within a home.c. Report-What type of report does the inspector provide and how funtional and “useable” is it? I myself prefer a narrative style report.
d. E&O- Does the Inspector have Errors and Ommissions Insurnace (E&O)?
e. If there are specific concerns, such as a foundation or other structural issue you may want an inspector who is also a licensed Professional Engineer.
Q- I realize a lot of things that turn up on inspections are relatively minor, but also know that there are some hidden issues tha tleft undiscovered can be major and that a good inspector would find these things. Can you give me some examples of this?
A- This is difficult to answer, howver I will try:a. The existence of a roofign material that is not leaking at the time but is near the end of its functional life. Furthermore, there my multiple layers of roofing material which will complicate and increase the cost of the new roof when the time comes.b. Plumbing & Electrical repairs and updates that were done, often-times in the basement, without obtaining the required permits by an “uncle Louie”.c. Basement seepage, which over the long term can create mold and other issues.
d. A slow leak in the plumbing can create large issues down the road.
e. Old furnace and air conditioners, that although functioning at the moment are prone to go bad soon.
f. Foundation issues that were not noticed by the buyer adn the seller was unaware of.
c. Basement seepage, which over the long term can create mold and other issues.
d. A slow leak in the plumbing can create large issues down the road.
e. Old furnace and air conditioners, that although functioning at the moment are prone to go bad soon.
f. Foundation issues that were not noticed by the buyer adn the seller was unaware of.
LINKS TO HELPFUL RESOURCES:Gerry Loesch, PE GLoesch@LandAm.com or phone at (314) 249-8370 (cell) 1-800-285-3001 (office).Search for ASHI Inspector in your area
12 Questions to Ask an Inspector (NAR)
What your Home Inspection should Cover
Information On States that Regulate Home Inspections
Links to All Posts In This Series:
Related posts:
- What should a home buyer know about home inspections? Part two of a series
- What should a home buyer know about home inspections? Part four of a series
- What should a home buyer know about home inspections? Part three of a series
- What should a home buyer know about home inspections?
- What to do when moisture gets inside your home
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