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I Am a Certified Professional Inspector CPI®I am a member of InterNACHI®, the world's leading organization of certified inspectors. I am a Certified Professional Inspector CPI®. I take 24 hours of Continuing Education every year to maintain my certification as a home inspector. I am certified in numerous other types of inspections.
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I Provide Exceptional ServiceMy goal is to provide you with the most exceptional service of greatest value to you. If you hire me, I will give you the right information you need in order to make the best decisions. This may be the most important decision and biggest investment that you'll ever make. And I'm honored to help you at this moment. I will show you how your home works and how to maintain it. I will show you everything that I inspect, and everything that you should know about the home. I will provide you with an inspection report that is easy-to-read and clear-to-understand. It will have a short summary report included. I will use infrared, which allows me to see things that you can't see. I will also use a moisture meter, GFCI tester, crawlspace gear, and a drone. I will invite you to join my network of clients. And I make myself available to my clients at anytime, particularly when they experience a problem with their house.
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Are you a licensed home inspector?No - there is no such license in the state of Michigan, I am a Certified Professional Inspectors CPI® trained by InterNACHI—the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (www.NACHI.org)— which is the world's largest nonprofit association of residential and commercial property inspectors that provides education, training, and certification.
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Are you in a skilled trades?No - Home inspectors are generalists, not specialists. This means that I have a broad knowledge of all the systems and components of a home, but I am not an expert in any one area. This is actually a good thing, because it allows me to provide a more objective and unbiased assessment of the property.
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A Home Inspection Is...a non-invasive, visual examination of the condition of a residential property. It is typically conducted by a licensed professional home inspector, who will check the home's major systems and components for any signs of damage, defects, or potential problems. The purpose of a home inspection is to provide the buyer with an objective assessment of the property's condition. This information can help the buyer to make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase the property, and it can also be used to negotiate repairs or a lower purchase price.
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I Inspect HomesI inspect everything according to the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. And that includes systems and components from the foundation to the top of the roof and everything in between. I can also check for indications of moisture intrusion, water leaks, and material defects. If I find anything wrong, I'll show it to you, explain what the problem is, and why it should be corrected. I may also make recommendations for qualified contractors to take a closer look and make repairs.
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I Inspect Everything Listed HereI inspect everything listed in the Home Inspection Standards of Practice, which is available by visiting: https://www.ihihomeinspection.com/standards-of-practice.
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Just Four ThingsBuying a home? The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind, but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time. This often includes a written report, a checklist, photographs, and what the inspector himself says during the inspection. All this, combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself, makes the experience even more overwhelming. What should you do? Relax. Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies for various systems and components, and minor imperfections. These are useful to know about. However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories: major defects. An example of this would be a structural failure; things that lead to major defects, such as a small roof-flashing leak, for example; things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home; and safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electrical panel. Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often, a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4). Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Do not kill your deal over things that do not matter. It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure, or nit-picky items.
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Material Defects in the Summary ReportI recommend that you read and understand the entire inspection report and ask question about anything you find in the report. I am responsible for writing in the inspection report the defects that I both observe during the inspection and deem (or consider) to be material. A material defect is very serious and must be further evaluated and corrected immediately by a qualified contractor or professional. I will put those material defects into the summary report. The summary report is not the entire inspection report.
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A Real Estate Agent's DutyThis is written for the real estate professional. The seller has accepted your clients' offer and now, with your help, your clients must choose a home inspector. Should you steer them toward the inspector who writes the softest reports? Should you steer them toward the inspector who pays to be on your office's preferred vendor list? Should you help them find the cheapest inspector? The answers to these questions are of course No, No, and Hell, no. You have a fiduciary duty to your client and, therefore, must recommend the very best inspectors. If you recommend a patty-cake inspector, an inspector who indirectly pays for your recommendation, or a cheap inspector, you violate your fiduciary duty to your client. The National Association of REALTORs defines your duties in their Code of Ethics. Article 1 requires you to protect and promote your clients' interests. Article 6 requires you to disclose any financial benefit you may receive from recommending related real estate services (this also includes any benefit to your broker). Because most real estate agents get paid only if the real estate transaction successfully takes place, your personal interests and your fiduciary duties already conflict. Don't make your situation any worse. The best way to avoid negligent referral claims, to operate ethically, and to fulfill your fiduciary duty is to help your client find an inspector based solely on merit. And although no real estate agent can guarantee the thoroughness of any particular inspector, there is a strong correlation between an inspector's fees and his/her competence (in other words, you get what you pay for). Helping your client find a cheap inspector for the purchase of their lifetime is a violation of your fiduciary duty. When in doubt, shop price, and seek out the most expensive inspectors for your clients.
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How much do home inspectors charge in Michigan?Home inspectors in Michigan typically charge between $300 and $500. The exact price can vary depending on home size, inspector experience, location, and additional services offered. Get quotes from a few inspectors in your area to compare rates.
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How do I find a local home inspector?Get recommendations from friends, family, or your real estate agent. Search online directories of professional organizations like InterNACHI or ASHI. Read online reviews to see what past clients say about inspector's work. When choosing an inspector, ensure they are insured and get quotes from a few before selecting one.
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What will a home inspector typically evaluate?A home inspector examines a house's major systems and structure. This includes the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. They look for safety hazards, functionality issues, and signs of wear and tear.
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Do home inspectors need to be licensed in Michigan?While Michigan doesn't license home inspectors, getting certified shows expertise and following business laws is key. Don't forget insurance!
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What do home inspectors look for in Michigan?Structure: Inspecting the foundation, roof, walls, and floors for damage or stability issues. Essential Systems: Checking the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems for functionality and safety. They might also examine the basement, windows, doors, and insulation for potential problems. A home inspection offers a valuable snapshot of the property's condition at that time
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What is the biggest red flag in a home inspection?There isn't a single "biggest" red flag, but some issues are more concerning than others. Here are a couple of top contenders: Structural problems: Cracked foundations, sagging floors, or damaged load-bearing walls can threaten the entire integrity of the house. Repairs can be very expensive. Roof issues: A leaky roof can lead to water damage throughout the house, causing mold, mildew, and wood rot. Replacing a roof and fixing the resulting water damage is a major cost. Other significant red flags include: Faulty electrical systems: Outdated wiring like knob-and-tube or aluminum branch circuit wiring is a fire hazard and may prevent you from getting insurance. Waterproofing problems: Moisture in floors, walls, or the foundation can indicate leaks and potential mold growth. Signs of pests: Evidence of termites, carpenter ants, or other destructive insects can point to serious structural damage. Remember, a good home inspector will provide a detailed report outlining any problems they find. You can use this information to negotiate repairs with the seller or even walk away from the house altogether. It's important to weigh the cost of repairs against your budget and DIY skills before making a decision.
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Walk and Talk With Your InspectorI invite you to walk with me during your inspection. I will show you everything about your house that's important for you to know. Feel free to ask me questions while we walk around the property. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to ask me while we're moving through the inspection process. I will work for you during the inspection until you're happy. Don't pay me until after we complete the inspection to your satisfaction.
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What are questions you may ask the inspector?Here are some questions you can ask the inspector during a home inspection: General condition: What is the overall condition of the house? Are there any major issues that I should be aware of? Is the house well-maintained? Specific systems: How old is the roof, and what is its condition? Are there any signs of leaks in the roof or foundation? Is the electrical system up to code? Is the plumbing system in good condition? How old is the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)? Is the insulation in the attic and walls adequate? Safety hazards: Are there any safety hazards in the house, such as tripping hazards or carbon monoxide leaks? Is there a functioning smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector on every floor? Maintenance and repairs: What are some of the routine maintenance tasks that I will need to perform on the house? What repairs are recommended, and what is the estimated cost of each repair? Are there any permits missing for past renovations? Additional questions: Can you explain the findings in the inspection report in layman's terms? Do you have any recommendations for qualified contractors who can fix the problems you identified? Is there anything else you think I should know about the house? It is also helpful to be present during the inspection so that you can ask the inspector questions as they go. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification on anything that you don't understand.
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Read the Inspector's PromiseChoosing the right home inspector can be difficult. Unlike most professionals you hire, you probably won't meet me until our appointment. Furthermore, different inspectors have varying qualifications, equipment, experience, reporting methods, and pricing. Ultimately, a thorough home inspection depends heavily on the individual inspector’s own effort. If you honor me by permitting me to inspect your new home, I guarantee that I will give you my very best effort. This, I promise you.
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Read the Standards, Agreement, Report, and BookPlease read the Home Inspection Standards of Practice (https://www.ihihomeinspection.com/standards-of-practice), the Code of Ethics (www.nachi.org/code_of_ethics), the home inspection agreement that we sign before we begin the home inspection at the property, the entire inspection report(s) and not just the summary.
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Understand the Inspector's ResponsibilityThe home inspector is not an expert but a generalist. The home inspector can inspect a home and report upon the home’s condition as it was at the time of the inspection. That is the main responsibility of the home inspector. The most important thing for a homeowner to understand is that things will break. As time goes on, parts of the house will wear out, break down, deteriorate, leak, or simply stop working. A home inspection does not include predictions of future events, house warranties, or guarantees that nothing will ever go wrong. Future events (such as roof leaks, water intrusion, plumbing leaks, and heating failures) are not within the scope of a home inspection and are not the responsibility of the home inspector. Who’s responsible? The homeowner. The home inspection and report are based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions. The home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.
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Macomb CountyYes - here are some communities in my service area: Armada Bruce Township Center Line Clinton Township Eastpointe Fraser Harrison Township Macomb Township Mount Clemens New Baltimore New Haven Ray Township Richmond Romeo Roseville Saint Clair Shores Shelby Township Sterling Heights Utica Warren Washington Township
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Oakland CountyYes - here are some communities in my service area: Auburn Hills Berkley Birmingham Bloomfield Hills Brandon Township Clarkston Clawson Commerce Township Davisburg Farmington Hills Ferndale Franklin Hazel Park Highland Holly Huntington Woods Independence Keego Harbor Lake Orion Lakeville Leonard Madison Heights Milford New Hudson Novi Oak Park Oakland Township Orion Township Ortonville Oxford Pleasant Ridge Pontiac Rochester Rose Township Royal Oak South Lyon Southfield Troy Union Lake Walled Lake Waterford West Bloomfield White Lake Wixom
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St. Clair CountyYes - here are some communities in my service area: Algonac Allenton Avoca Capac Casco Columbus East China Emmett Fair Haven Fort Gratiot Goodells Harsens Island Jeddo Marine City Marysville Memphis North Street Port Huron Saint Clair Smiths Creek Yale
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