Question: What is the normal sequence of events in the inspection process?

Answer: First, you or your realtor contacts me by phone (253.279.1535) or by email( trekinspection@yahoo.com).  We then schedule an inspection time.  At the time of the inspection, you will receive a Pre-Inspection Agreement which you will need to sign.  I then perform the inspection.  You then pay me for the inspection, either by personal check, Credit Card (e.g. Visa, MasterCard, Discover), or cash.  On the next business day I will deliver you my report, usually by email as a PDF file, or FAX.  You then can make an informed decision about buying your home.  Most of my reports usually include an MP3 audio file of my personal observations made while doing the inspection. If you would like a free Security Alarm Inspection by Brinks, simply request this at the scheduling time with me.  Brinks will arrive at our inspection time to check the system, which takes about 20 minutes.  They will provide there own report to you.  There is no selling here with them.

Question: Can I get a copy of your Pre-Inspection Agreement?

Answer: Yes,  click here. This Agreement delineates my responsibilities and limitation in the inspection process, as well as the client's obligations.

Question:  I am thinking of buying a new home or having one built for myself.  Should I get a Home Inspection?

Answer: Generally I answer yes to this question.  In my experience about 40% of new homes have sufficient problems that most home owners and realtors will miss when looking the place over, and 10-15% have serious conditions that need correction.  If the new home is in a development, usually the quality of the home is better than one that a single contractor is doing on an isolated lot.  But, remember, this is a generalization.  There are always good and bad contractors out there building speculation homes.  If the home you are considering is an isolated new home or even a manufacture home, I strongly suggest that you have it inspected before you put any money down.  If you do put money down, make it refundable subject to inspection.

Question: My uncle George is a carpenter and pretty sharp about homes.  Can I have him inspect our home and save money?

Answer: Yes you can do that.   Just remember, that when something significant is missed in the inspection, that Uncle George does not have insurance either.   And remember, Uncle George needs to know just about everything about homes, inspections, pest conditions, electrical, heating, safety issues, building codes, common practices, etc.  You need to ask Uncle George if he is willing to put his neck on the line for you.  If something does goes wrong, it might not be so merry when Christmas comes around next time.

Question: Why shouldn't we inspect the home ourselves?

Answer: You can do that too.  I have inspected a lot homes that the previous owner inspected themselves.  Usually, these homes look very nice.  But the majority of times they have serious problems, like electrical issues that are not minor in nature, or roofing issues.  Unless you are in the habit of inspecting homes on a regular basis, chances are that you do not have the sufficient knowledge to even know what to expect on a given home.  This is why you need a professional inspector.

Question: What do your reports look like? And how do you get them to the client?

Answer: Normally, I email the report in a PDF format to the client.  If you need other formats just let me know.  I can email the report to you and/or your realtor, if you have one.  I also FAX them, or mail if desired.  You can download a PDF version of one my reports here.  (This is an actual inspection report.  The client's personal information has all been changed to protect their privacy.)

        Sample Home Inspection Report1 ===> Sample1.pdf

        Sample Home Inspection Report2 ===> Sample2.pdf

Question: How long does it usually take to get the report once the home is inspected?

Answer: Usually it takes one business day.  I can guarantee a same day report but it is an addition charge.  These reports are not easily made, and I generally spend as much time doing the report as it takes to do the inspection (about 2 hours).

Question: When and how do I pay for the inspection?

Answer: I usually get paid at the end of the inspection process, with either a check ,credit card (Visa, MasterCard & Discover), or cash. I will not do inspections that are contingent on mortgage lenders closing the deal.  If the deal does not close and you cannot afford the inspection, who will pay for it? 

Question: Can I download your last radio advertisement?

Answer: Yes, click here. The file is in MP3 format.

If you have any questions about constructing your new home, feel free to contact me.

Email Bob