Messages posted by: Brian Walker

If you are looking for a new home, don't wait until your offer is accepted to look for a home inspector. You want to make sure you have enough time to check out each candidate / company to be sure to hire the most experienced professional. Here is some advice for how to find good candidates and what to look for in an inspector.

Where to look?
Your realtor will give you a list of 3 home inspection companies. You can review those companies for the below items as well. It is NOT a requirement to choose one of the companies that your realtor recommends. You may choose any company you want. You can check with friends who have recently purchase a home if they recommend the person they used. Look online at Yelp, Angie's List and HomeAdvisor for some names. Other resources to find inspectors include professional organizations such as International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), etc.

Once you've selected a few candidates, search online to find their reviews. Go to their website to find details about the following. Call & ask them about these specific items as well. Make sure you obtain information on the following:
+Certification - are they a Certified / Licensed Home Inspector?
Michigan is a non-license state. Meaning there is currently no state licensing required to become a home inspector in Michigan. Are you ok with that though? Protect yourself and your family. Make sure the inspector is Certified thru a national organization. Make sure the inspector completes continuing education courses every year to keep up on certifications.

+Insurance
Although Michigan doesn't have requirements regarding insurance for home inspectors, many real estate boards require their members to meet certain coverage standards.
Verify that the inspector has ALL of the following insurance:
General Liability Insurance - This insurance protects their business from bodily injury, property damage, advertising injury, copyright infringement and reputational harm.
Errors & Omission Insurance (E&O) - This insurance helps protect from negligence, errors in services given, omissions, misrepresentation, violation of good faith & fair dealing, inaccurate advice.
Workmen's Compensation Insurance - This insurance provides benefits to employees who get injured or sick from a work-related cause.

+Tools used during an inspection are very important.
The days of a home inspector just showing up with a flashlight, screwdriver and clip board are long gone! The home inspector must have the proper tools to inspect the home. Some of the important tools they should be using are as follows: (This is not an all inclusive list of tools & equipment)
-Ladder - Used to access the roof and attic.
-Carbon Monoxide Gas Detector - this is a portable detector that detects CO gas concentration in the environment. Once the gas concentration reaches the level of warning, the unit will sound an alarm and vibrate.
-Combustible Gas Detector - this device is used to detect the presence of combustible, flammable, toxic and oxygen depleting gases in the area. They are used to detect gas leaks before it can reach an explosive level.
-Circuit analyzer - this is a test device designed for AC low-voltage distribution line quick fault location. This can detect multiple problems in a line, such as causing to electrical shock, electrical fire, abnormal operation of equipment, etc.
-GFCI receptacle test - A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter tester is used to reduce the risk of electrical shock generated from outlets by testing the electrical circuitry to see if there is imminent danger.
-Moisture meter - This device is used to identify potential problems & damage to structures from moisture buildup. They indicate the moisture content in %. This will quickly identify wet areas in walls, ceilings and floors.
-Thermal Imaging camera - This device translates thermal energy (heat) into visible light in order to analyze a particular object or scene. This is used to view differences in temperature between a wet and surrounding area. This can help detect moisture issues that may not be visible otherwise.
-Crawlbot - This is a motorized device used to get into small crawlspaces that a person may not have access to. This device has a 360 degree panning camera, full size tilt with HD pictures and video.
-Mold pump - Air samples can be used to gather data about mold spores present in the interior of a home. These samples are taken by using a pump that forces air through a collection device which catches the mold spores.
-Sewer Camera - This is a waterproof video camera snake that is used to push through a pipeline to complete a visual inspection of sewer lines and other difficult to reach pipes. This camera reveals any cracks, clog sources or structural issues inside the pipe. The video is recorded & provided as part of the inspection.

Verify that home inspection company that you are choosing will be there for you after the inspection. What if you move in and something is no longer working? Make sure they provide FREE Warranties with their inspection.
-NXT Structural Warranty - this is a 1 year structural warranty that covers structural malfunctions / failures in footings & foundation systems, beams, girders, lintens, masonry arches, columns, load bearing walls, partitions, roof framing systems & floor systems.
-90 Day Warranty - This is a limited mechanical & structural warranty. The mechanical coverage includes Plumbing, Electrical, Appliances, HVAC, Pool/Spa, Garage door openers and sump pumps. The structural coverage includes poured concrete & block wall foundations. Floor joists, bottom & top plates & wall members. Roof leak repair, load bearing walls, and attached garage doors.
-Platinum Roof Protection - This is a 5 Year plan that protects against new leaks that were not present at the time of the inspection.
-Sewer Gard - This 90 day warranty covers exterior water & sewer lines against failure from normal wear & tear. Coverage for line breakage, collapses or significant leaks that affect the functionality of the homes sewer & water systems. If a sewer scope is performed on the home and the results are satisfactory, this coverage automatically extends to 1 year for FREE.
-Mold Safe - This coverage is for 90 days following the inspection. This covers new visible mold or moisture issues. This policy pays for remediation (removal) of visible mold on surfaces permanently installed in the subject property.
-Recall Chek - This service provides homeowners with valuable information on how to receive FREE repairs or replacement from manufacturers in the event they have a recalled appliance. This is a lifetime service.

One Call to schedule all?
Does the home inspection company perform all the necessary inspections that you may need? Or will you have to hire another company for these other inspections? Meaning another company to check out, another appointment, more time needed to know all about your potential home purchase. Here are some other services that the home inspector / home inspection company should be certified to do:
- Septic Inspections - Households and businesses that are not served by public sewers depend on onsite wastewater treatment systems to treat and dispose of their wastewater. Wastewater treatment systems are most commonly known as septic systems. Failing septic systems are expensive to repair and replace. Some Counties require evaluators to be approved to inspect on-site sewage disposal systems. Check with your county to be sure.
-Sewer Scope - A camera will be inserted into the sewer lateral (exterior sewer line) This camera reveals any cracks, clog sources or structural issues inside the pipe.
-Mold Test - During the standard residential inspection, the inspector should be looking for visible signs of a mold like substance. This test includes 3 samples. The samples are either taken of the air in the home to determine if there is any unseen fungi or 3 samples of the visible fungi. These samples will then be sent to the lab for analysis.
-Radon test - Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and approximately 1 in 8 homes in this region has radon gas concentrations above the EPA Action Level of 4.0 pCi/L. EPA protocol requires a 12 hour delay plus 48 hour test to check for radon. The home inspector should use an electronic radon device. These are the most accurate and they detect tampering as well.
-Pool Inspection - This is a visible inspection of the pool tank and components to determine the functionality and condition of the systems.
-Water Quality Analysis - recommended for all homes that utilize a private water supply. A sample of potable water is taken and analyzed by a state approved testing facility. You can choose a basic test, which checks for Coliform Bacteria, E-Coli Bacteria, Nitrates and Nitrites. Or you can also check for Arsenic and Lead.
-Deck Inspection - Because decks appear to be simple to build, many people do not realize that decks are, in fact, structures that need to be designed to adequately resist certain stresses. Like any other house or building, a deck must be designed to support the weight of people, snow loads, and objects. A deck must be able to resist lateral and uplift loads that can act on the deck as a result of wind or seismic activity. Deck stairs must be safe and handrails graspable. And, finally, deck rails should be safe for children by having proper infill spacing.
-Termite Inspection - A termite inspection is a visual inspection of the readily accessible areas of a home for evidence of wood-destroying insects. The inspector will visually inspect the entire interior of the home (including the basement and / or crawlspace) as well as the exterior of the property. The inspector will provide proper documentation as required by your lender.

Inspection Reports:
The best way to determine how thorough an inspector will be—and how well he will communicate the problems he finds—is to ask for a sample copy of an inspection he has done on a home like the one you’re considering buying. After comparing reports you will begin to see which ones are detailed in their observations and which are just filling their reports with generic information. Make sure the reports include color photo's of the deficiencies. Make sure they cover the findings on all the major systems of the home.

Training & Experience:
In addition to the professional certifications, look for someone that has been in the field inspecting for several years. He is more likely to have seen a variety of home types and a broad range of home issues.

There is definitely a lot to consider when choosing a home inspector. Do you like surprises? For a birthday maybe, but NOT when it comes to purchasing a home. Choose the inspection company that will tell you everything about the home you are buying. That way you can make an informed decision. When it comes to the health and safety of you and your family, it pays to do your due diligence in picking the best company for your needs.

Looking for a Home Inspector?
En-Vision Property Inspections includes everything listed above. Our inspectors have the certification, insurance, experience, tools and equipment needed to perform all the inspections mentioned.
Call or text us 24/7 to 586-453-8755 to schedule all your home inspection services.

Check out our website at:
https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/

Choosing a place to work is a big deal. You spend so many hours each week at work, therefore, you want to love what you do. We get it. When telling you why you’ll love working at En-Vision Property Inspections, we could list all of our statistics and accomplishments…but everyone does that, right?

At En-Vision Property Inspections we are way more than just an inspection! We exceed expectations.

Experience/knowledge of the Home Inspection industry is a plus. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated professional with excellent work and interpersonal skills, computer skills, knowledge of construction, and a desire to deliver excellence every day. If you're a hands-on type of person with a love for buildings and related systems, your career as a professional home inspector will be very rewarding if you are serious.

See our ad on Zip Recruiter:
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/job/bb39c069

To learn more about our company & what we do, check out our website:
https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/

Email resume to: careers@en-visionpi.com

Choosing a place to work is a big deal. You spend so many hours each week at work, therefore, you want to love what you do. We get it. When telling you why you’ll love working at En-Vision Property Inspections, we could list all of our statistics and accomplishments…but everyone does that, right?

At En-Vision Property Inspections we are way more than just an inspection! We exceed expectations.

Experience/knowledge of the Home Inspection industry is a plus. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated professional with excellent work and interpersonal skills, computer skills, knowledge of construction, and a desire to deliver excellence every day. If you're a hands-on type of person with a love for buildings and related systems, your career as a professional home inspector will be very rewarding if you are serious.

See our ad on Zip Recruiter:
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/job/bb39c069

To learn more about our company & what we do, check out our website:
https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/

Email resume to: careers@en-visionpi.com

Choosing a place to work is a big deal. You spend so many hours each week at work, therefore, you want to love what you do. We get it. When telling you why you’ll love working at En-Vision Property Inspections, we could list all of our statistics and accomplishments…but everyone does that, right?

At En-Vision Property Inspections we are way more than just an inspection! We exceed expectations.

Experience/knowledge of the Home Inspection industry is a plus. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated professional with excellent work and interpersonal skills, computer skills, knowledge of construction, and a desire to deliver excellence every day. If you're a hands-on type of person with a love for buildings and related systems, your career as a professional home inspector will be very rewarding if you are serious.

See our ad on Zip Recruiter:
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/job/bb39c069

To learn more about our company & what we do, check out our website:
https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/

Email resume to: careers@en-visionpi.com

A household or business that is not served by public sewers depend on onsite wastewater treatment systems to treat & dispose of their wastewater. These systems are commonly known as septic systems.
A septic system, if maintained properly can last for many, many years. See the flyer below to learn how the system works, how to maintain the system, do's and don'ts and much more.

If you are interested in scheduling a septic inspection, contact En-Vision Property Inspections at 586-453-8755 or online at: https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/schedule-an-inspection
We are the first name on the approved list for the Macomb County Health Department Property Transfer Registered Evaluators. (see below)

If you are in Michigan & looking to become a home inspector, contact En-Vision Property Inspections at 586-453-8755 or online at: https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/
we are looking for home inspectors to join our team.

We provide all tools & equipment; company vehicle; paid vacation & holiday's; company shirts and much more.

If you are trying to decide between offering warranties to your clients & home seller with your inspection or not, the choice is EASY - DO IT!!
The cost is minimal. It protects the client, it protects you and it's the right thing to do. Everyone knows a home inspection is a point in time, things change, things happen.

Give your clients the protection they deserve with Free warranties! Be different than the other inspection companies out there.
Contact Residental Warranty Services at 800-544-8156 or online: https://residentialwarrantyservices.com/

En-Vision Property Inspections includes $100K in FREE Warranties with every full home inspection. PLUS, $10K Structural Warranty to the seller of the home that we inspect - for FREE.

If you are looking for a home inspection in Michigan, contact En-Vision Property Inspections at 586-453-8755 or online: https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/
and we will show you why we are "Inspections Exceeding Expectations".

Owning a home requires a lot more responsibility than renting. If something breaks down, there's no landlord to come and fix the problem; it's in the owner's hands. That means the responsibility of keeping a home clean and maintained is up to the homeowners. Your home inspector told you how important it is to keep your home maintained, as well as thousands of ways to do it. But why is it so important?

Maintaining your home is extremely important. Here are some reasons why:
1. It saves you money in the long-term. For every dollar spent on preventive maintenance, you are going to save a lot more worth of damages and repairs.
2. It increases the value of your home. By maintaining your home now, this will save the amount of deficiencies on the home inspection report when you go to sell later.
3. It protects your home from secondary damage. For example, if flowing water bursts a pipe and damages the hardwood floor.

In the process of purchasing a home? Contact En-Vision Property Inspections for your home inspection 586-453-8755.
Or schedule online: https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/schedule-an-inspection

Let our Certified Master Inspectors tell you all about your home and home maintenance.

What questions should you ask your home inspector? There are several!
Some questions should be asked when looking for a home inspection company to make an appointment with. As well ask questions during the inspection.

If you are looking for a home inspection company, make sure you ask the following:
-Are you certified / or if you live in a licensed state - are you licensed?
-Do you have General Liability, Errors & Omissions and Workmen's Compensation insurance?
-How much experience do you have? How long have you been in business?
-What do you check / look at?
-When will you receive the report?

All home inspectors at En-Vision Property Inspections are Certified Inspection Experts which exceeds the industry standards and are the highest certified inspectors in the industry. Each inspector is required to complete an additional 20 hours of continuing education every year as well.
We have GL, E&O and WC insurance as well as insurance to protect the realtor, broker, mortgage company, etc that refers us.
We have been in business for 10 years.
There are over 1,600 items that are checked during the inspection. We follow the standards of practice set forth by InterNACHI.
All inspection reports are emailed to the client the same day as the inspection.

If you have an appointment for a home inspection, make sure you ask your inspector:
-What condition is the home in?
-How do we fix xx?
-What should we fix first?
-Show me how x works
-How much life does the x have?

At En-Vision Property Inspections, we educate the customer and Real Estate agent about the home. We teach maintenance as well as what areas must be addressed first because of safety and/or the most costly items. Make sure the inspector is explaining why something is an issue, what can happen if I don't address an item, etc.

Also, we include FREE Lifetime Recall Chek service with every full home inspection. (this is just 1 of the 6 FREE Warranties that we include with every inspection. Total Warranty potential is $100K) In doing so, we know the ages of all appliances in the home, including the furnace & hot water heater. We let the customer know those ages as well as the life expectancy of those items.

With the Lifetime Recall Chek service, the customer will receive a monthly email letting them know if any appliance was recalled. The email will let them know what the manufacturer is offering, whether it is replacement or repair for Free. As well as how to contact the Manufacturer to take advantage of that recall.

If you are looking for a company with the Experience, Education & Protection you deserve, then contact En-Vision Property Inspections to schedule your home inspection today! 586-453-8755
https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/
https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/schedule-an-inspection

The real estate market is on fire. With low inventory, more buyers than sellers, and home prices thru the roof, offers to purchase are getting creative. We've heard a lot about customers waiving their right to a home inspection in order to have their offer be accepted. While that may entice the seller to accept your offer over all the others, it is a recipe for disaster.

If you choose to waive the home inspection contingency, please still CHOOSE to have the home inspected. You are still allowed to have the inspection, just your purchase is not contingent upon the results anymore. Not having the home inspected could lead to buyers remorse. You still deserve to know if there are any safety issues with the home you are purchasing. (gas leak, structural issues, etc.) What about if there is a major issue that will need to be addressed in the near future? (new roof, etc)

Click here to schedule your home inspection with En-Vision Property Inspections today: https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/schedule-an-inspection

Check out our website to see all of the inspection services that we offer: https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/types-of-inspections

The real estate market is on fire. With low inventory, more buyers than sellers, and home prices thru the roof, offers to purchase are getting creative. We've heard a lot about customers waiving their right to a home inspection in order to have their offer be accepted. While that may entice the seller to accept your offer over all the others, it is a recipe for disaster.

If you choose to waive the home inspection contingency, please still CHOOSE to have the home inspected. You are still allowed to have the inspection, just your purchase is not contingent upon the results anymore. Not having the home inspected could lead to buyers remorse. You still deserve to know if there are any safety issues with the home you are purchasing. (gas leak, structural issues, etc.) What about if there is a major issue that will need to be addressed in the near future? (new roof, etc)

Click here to schedule your home inspection with En-Vision Property Inspections today: https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/schedule-an-inspection

Check out our website to see all of the inspection services that we offer: https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/types-of-inspections

If you are purchasing a Condo, there are parts of that Condo that are considered "common elements" (responsibility of the Association - these areas vary. Some examples are: the Roof, Windows, Exterior, Attic, etc.)
The association is responsible to maintain, repair, and replace all physical assets designated as common elements, whether located inside or outside the units.

Should your home inspector be inspections these "common areas"?

YES, definitely! But why?

If a new roof is needed, or new windows, the association will issue an assessment to all owners in that building or owner of the single dwelling. That owner is ultimately responsible for the cost of the repair or replacement.
Therefore, wouldn't you want to know if the condo will need a new roof or windows soon? Or how about if the attic is full of mold? Or bats? Or mice?

At En-Vision Property Inspections, we inspect the ENTIRE Condo so you will be able to make an informed decision about your purchase. You don't want any surprises to come up after you purchase!
Click here to schedule your Condo inspection: https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/schedule-an-inspection

Or, click here to see what other types of inspections we offer: https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/types-of-inspections

YES you should get an inspection on a New Construction Home!

According to the National Association of Home Builders, more than 3,000 components are used in constructing a house. Roughly 20 different sub-contractors most likely install these 3,000 components and each sub-contractor may employ as many as 4 to 5 different employees to work on the house. Upon completion, your house could have seen more than 100 different people working with these 3,000 components, including sub-contractors for things such as roofing, framing, painting, drywall, electrical, flooring, appliances, insulation, etc. With so many people working on a home and with so many components to the actual construction, mistakes can be made. No home is perfect but it’s important to know which aspects of a home are worth repairing and which are deal-breakers. Living in a newly built home is exciting and typically, comes with far fewer issues that buying an older home. To ensure your long term happiness, safety and financial stability, hiring a home inspector to check out a new construction home will ensure you’re not investing in an asset that requires major repairs.

Ready to schedule a New Construction Inspection?
Schedule online with En-Vision Property Inspections today: https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/schedule-an-inspection

Looking for other inspection services? https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/types-of-inspections

Having your home inspected prior to listing it for sale is called a Pre-Listing Inspection.
https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/types-of-inspections

A Pre-Listing Inspection is a full inspection for the seller to better understand the condition of their home prior to listing their home for sale.

It is a visual examination of the home in order to identify structural, health, safety and mechanical issues. Cosmetic items are not noted unless they possess a safety issue. The home inspector will verify the condition of the home's heating system; air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing system; electrical; roof; attic; crawl space; basement; foundation; insulation; walls; ceilings; floors; windows; doors and appliances.

When we do the pre-listing inspection, there is a 5 year roof warranty http://recallchek.com/isg/GetFlier?name=RoofProtectionPlanCertificate&companyId=35409045 included that is transferable and the seller has the option to purchase the 18 month warranty https://www.mihomewarranty.com/ which would provide them with coverage from the time of the warranty being ordered until closing or 6 months which every happens first.

The warranty would be paid for at closing or in 6 months which every happens first. If we do the inspection and the seller purchases the 18month warranty https://www.mihomewarranty.com/ , we place a yard sign (shown on the front of the flier) that shows the home has been inspected, has a 5 year roof warranty and an 18 month warranty.

If you are interested in scheduling a Pre-Listing Inspection, call or text us 24/7 at 586-453-8755.

Getting your home ready for sale is a daunting task. Then add in kids being kids and playing & things getting dirty, etc.
Here are some tips of how to survive selling your home with children.

If you are interested in scheduling a Pre-Listing inspection, https://www.en-visionpropertyinspections.com/types-of-inspections
contact En-Vision Property Inspections today to schedule 586-453-8755.