A home inspection is not an appraisal, nor many other things

5 Points of Consideration for What a Home Inspection is “NOT”

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5 Points of Consideration for What a Home Inspection and Report are NOT:

  1. The inspection is not a warranty, guarantee or insurance policy. Systems and components are visually inspected and operated with normal controls without regard to life expectancy as specified in the NYS Home Inspection Standards of Practice
  1. The inspection and report are not a substitute for the Real Estate Property Disclosure document furnished by the seller
  1. This building inspection is not an engineering analysis, building code compliance report, certificate of occupancy, or zoning ordinance report.  The inspection process and report are not designed or intended to be technically exhaustive
  1. This inspection is not a property survey or property appraisal of value

The home inspection and report do not include the following whether concealed or not:

  • Fire and security systems testing
  • Intercoms, telephones, televisions, satellite systems testing
  • Cables systems components and wiring inspections
  • Radio controlled devices, elevators, lifts and dumbwaiters inspections
  • Timer controls for thermostats, lighting, hot water set-backs, motion sensors, etc. testing
  • Water softeners, water filters and any other treatment or purification systems inspections
  • Pools, spas, saunas, steam bath fixtures and components inspections, unless specifically ordered by client as an additional service
  • Asbestos, lead, formaldehyde, electromagnetic radiation, radon, mold testing
  • Above ground storage tanks inspection
  • Underground storage tanks inspection
  • Any other environmental hazard inspection, unless specifically ordered by client as an additional service
  • Termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, borers or any other wood-destroying inspect inspection, unless specifically ordered by the client as an additional service
  • Private wells, water flow rates, water purity, water potability, water lead, water nitrates/nitrites, private septic system components and effectiveness inspections, unless specifically ordered by the client as an additional service
  • Kitchen and laundry appliances testing, unless ordered by the client as an additional service
What is a real home inspection?

10 Points of Consideration for What a Home Inspection “IS”

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What the home inspection “IS”

  1. This is a visual inspection of the general systems and components in order to identify items in need of immediate major repair or replacment. A component or system that has been identified as Significantly deficient is unsafe and/or not functioning as designed in the opinion of the inspector.
  1. This inspection is performed without the use of invasive or destructive measures.
  1. Only readily accessible areas are inspected.  In the event an area is blocked, sealed or concealed, we will not forcibly gain access. No destructive testing or dismantling is performed.  Client assumes all responsibilities pertaining to the conditions of the areas that are concealed.
  1. The inspector is a generalist and is not an expert in any particular area or trade.
  1. The inspection is performed in compliance with the standards of practice established for Home Inspectors by the State of New York.
  2. Any follow-up recommendations, as noted on the Summary and Recommendations sections in the report are the responsibility of the client.
  3. The inspection report reflects the observed conditions at the time of the inspection.
  4. Client must call 607-684-4167 immediately with any concerns contrary to the reported conditions.  Contact us prior to making repairs unless there is an emergency situation.
  5. The content and findings of the report are confidential.  The release of information contained in the report is prohibited without the permission of the client and inspection company.
  6. Just like two homes are alike, not two inspectors or inspection reports are alike. Although we endeavor to write all reports objectively, without regard to any party’s personal or financial interests, additional inspections, investigations and testing should be considered.
Home inspection software and computer system setup

About Home Inspectors advanced computer system

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How Our Unique & Custom Computer Systems Benefit Clients

How does it benefit the customer?

If you were to combine and layout the 300+ photos taken at the inspection site, and you turn it into one giant image, you end up with a 5 ft x 5ft image, which tells you that Rick is indeed taking more than 300 pictures. Most inspectors take only a dozen or so photos and use their tablet or laptop to view them for issues. We know most people are visual and sometimes the photos explain issues better than any words can. Of course you will also find explanations that go with the photos.

The Hardware

2 High resolution monitors are coupled with a computer gaming speed of graphic card that accelerates the editing of all those photos. Other home inspectors are amazed at how we can even take 300+ photos let alone manage all of those photos to corresponding data!

Master of Technology

It was 1987 when Rick Bates wrote one of the first ever computer database driven inspection programs that tracked characteristics by feature, address, zip code right down to the model of thermostat.

The Software

We bought Dragon dictation software at version 1.0.  Today we are regularly using the state-of-the-art version 15! to describe our inspection findings.  Each report is customized with 100+ photos, specific descriptions and actionable recommendations.  Most inspectors use templated reports with check boxes that are lacking the attention to detail and are challenging to understand.

Not many in the home inspection industry have invested so heavily in the computer hardware and software to generate complete, accurate and concise reports that are graphics rich and informative (almost fun) to read.  See our unique “Gold Standard” report

to points to consider when hiring a home inspector girl on computer

12 Points to consider before hiring a home inspector

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12 Points of Consideration Before Hiring a Home Inspector:

  1. Your home inspector works for you.  The choice should be yours.  If any Realtor tells you who specifically can or cannot perform your home inspection that is an illegal act of “Steering”.  Read more about “Steering”
  2. There are major differences between individual home inspectors and home inspection companies.  This is a highly competitive industry with wide variations in pricing when compared to the actual work performed
  3. It’s a blind date and you are paying!  Thoroughly check out any home inspector yourself before hiring
  4. Do not simply look at the number of on-line reviews.  These alone can give a false impression since most are solicited at a time in the inspection process when the client will provide a favorable rating.  As time passes, buyers move in and discover items the inspector missed.  By then it is too late
  5. Be very leery about advertised guarantees, warranties and other programs any inspection firm offers.  Why?  Read the fine print of these offerings and you will quickly understand:  Time limits for claims, high deductibles, arduous processes to attempt to collect are only (3) reasons.  The purpose of most of these programs is to entice you into hiring that particular inspection firm
  6. Did you know that over 90% of all home inspectors are only part time?  There is simply not enough real estate transactions to support all of the licensed inspectors. Many are also contractors
  7. Are you hiring a home inspector to provide a professional, unbiased, independent opinion?  What if the inspector also provides contractor services, i.e. Radon Mitigation system installations after they have performed the testing?    What if the home inspector you hired had previously built or performed remodeling on the home?  Would they disclose the fact that they are inspecting their own work?  You must assess your own level of expectation and convey this to your inspector from the very first point of contact.
  8. Over 75% of the homes in our area have a major issue that will be more than $1000 to correct.  How do we know this? We have compiled the statistical data from more than 11,000 area home inspections
  9. It takes years of experience and ongoing training to be a really good home inspector.  There has been a significant increase in the number of licensed home inspector in the few years.  We watch enthusiastic individuals both young and old enter this industry only to find out that the available inspections are few and far between so they move on.  Best to hire an inspector and inspection firm that is well established and with a solid reputation
  10. Be sure to ask any home inspector if you will get ALL of the photos they take at the time of the inspection.  Many inspectors only put a handful in the report and keep the rest.  Why to they do this? Because you may see something in the photos that was missed in the report.  Get all of the photos – they are part of the inspection and should not have to ask for them
  11. Look for home inspectors and home inspection companies that not only perform inspections but who also are active in trade organizations, perform expert witness testimony, and provide education and training to their industry colleagues and other Real Estate Professionals.  This helps to shows professionalism and dedication to excellence in the field of home inspections
  12. Ask around.  Work of mouth referrals still top social media reviews.  You  may only need a home inspector a couple of times in your home buying/selling lifetime so it is recommended to choose wisely
Home buyer signs the mortgage papers

Top 10 Buyer Benefits of a Home Inspection

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Ten Home Buyer Benefits:

  1. Lower your risks of making a mistake by being informed of conditions that may or may not have been known or disclosed
  2. Gain peace of mind in knowing what condition the property you are buying is in
  3. Make smarter decisions.  No home is perfect and you will be able to factor in any repairs that are needed
  4. Get expert advice and knowledge from the most respected and prestigious home inspectors in the area
  5. Have a trusted , unbiased advisor who is working for you and always has your best interest in mind
  6. Experience the highest professional standards, policies and procedures in the home inspection industry
  7. Your home inspection report will the easiest to read and understand of any document ever while being very thorough
  8. The report will provide guidance in maintaining your home going forward
  9. Paul Peck is the most credentialed home inspector professional in the area
  10. We are approved instructors and trainers for home inspectors and Realtors.  Area competitors take our continuing education courses:  Why hire the student when you can have the teacher?