Home Inspectors

Allow experience to lead the way. These timeless homeowner lessons address the unique ups and downs of being a homeowner. May these articles speed you back to what really matters.

If you are buying a home, it is always a good idea to have a complete home inspection performed by a professional who is capable of finding and identifying problems that may not be easily visible to you.

In California, home inspectors are not licensed! Consequently, almost anyone can go into the home inspection business. The only way a consumer can be sure that the Home Inspector they are about to hire is a trained professional is to look for their membership in the California Real Estate Inspection Association or CREIA!

CREIA members are the professionals in California. CREIA was founded by a group of Home Inspectors who were appalled by the lack of professionalism in their own industry. They organized CREIA to promote professional quality among Home Inspectors by requiring written examinations on technical as well as ethical problems. They promote the study of the structural nature of the house, as well as the "systems" (mechanical, electrical & plumbing) within the home. CREIA members must also pass an "ethics" examination before they can attain full membership.

Because CREIA has a due diligence process to insure that its members have a level of skill and knowledge, many enlightened real estate agents and brokers look for CREIA approval prior to recommending a Home Inspector to one of their clients.

The League of California Homeowners has actually given CREIA an exclusive endorsement and has "Approved" CREIA Home Inspectors available to be recommended to the public.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR INSPECTORS

  1. Does the Inspector have FORMAL TRAINING?
  2. Is the Inspector A MEMBER OF A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION,or just a solo operator?
  3. Does the Inspector have ERRORS & OMISSIONS INSURANCE?
  4. Does the Inspector perform property inspections on a FULL-TIME BASIS?
  5. Can the Inspector provide you with a SAMPLE REPORT?
  6. Can you GET YOUR REPORT WITHIN 24 HOURS?
  7. Does the Inspector offer to REPAIR ANY PROBLEMS? (Tip: Professional Home Inspectors will not do this - it is a conflict of interest!)
  8. Does the Inspector offer a WRITTEN GUARANTEE?
  9. Will the Inspector allow you to ATTEND THE INSPECTION ALONG WITH THE REALTOR? (Tip: A good inspector is glad to have you come along!)

Here is a list of the things a home inspection should include:

Roof, Electrical, Exterior, Foundation, Fireplaces, Interior, Plumbing, Chimney, Attic, Framing, Heating System, Seismic Safety, Insulation, Air Conditioning, Built-in Appliances

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