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FAQ for FAZ
The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) publishes a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics that outlines what you should expect to be covered in your home inspection report.
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Why do I need a home inspection?
Buying a home could be the largest single investment you will ever make. To minimize unpleasant surprises and
unexpected difficulties, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about the newly constructed or existing house before
you buy it. A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance
to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will know more about the house, which will allow you to make decisions
with confidence.
If you already are a homeowner, a
home inspection can identify problems in the making and suggest preventive measures that might help you avoid costly future
repairs.
If you are planning to sell your home, a
home inspection can give you the opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
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What will it cost?
The inspection fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does the cost of housing. Similarly,
within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and
possible optional services such as septic, well or radon testing.
Do not let cost be a factor in deciding whether
or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from
an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Use the inspector’s
qualifications, including experience, training, compliance with your state’s regulations, if any, and professional affiliations
as a guide.
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Why can't I do it myself?
Even the most experienced homeowner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional home inspector. An
inspector is familiar with the elements of home construction, proper installation, maintenance and home safety. He or she
knows how the home’s systems and components are intended to function together, as well as why they fail.
Above
all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the house they really want, and this
may have an effect on their judgment. For accurate information, it is best to obtain an impartial, third-party opinion by
a professional in the field of home inspection.
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Can a house fail a home inspection?
No. A professional home inspection is an examination of the current condition of a house. It is not an appraisal,
which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore,
will not pass or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need
major repair or replacement.
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How do I find a home inspector?
You can ask friends or business acquaintances to recommend a home inspector they have used. Or, you can use
the Find An Inspector search tool for a list of home inspectors in your area who belong to the non-profit professional organization. To have a
list mailed to you, call 1-800-743-ASHI (2744). Also, real estate agents and brokers are familiar with the service and may
be able to provide you with a list of names from which to choose.
Whatever your referral source, you can be assured
of your home inspector’s commitment to professional standards and business ethics by choosing one who has membership
in ASHI.
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What is ASHI?
Since 1976, ASHI has worked to build consumer awareness of home inspection and to enhance the professionalism
of its membership. The ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics serves as a performance guideline for home inspectors,
and is universally recognized and accepted by many professional and governmental bodies.
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Who belongs to ASHI?
ASHI is an organization of independent, professional home inspectors who are required to make a commitment,
from the day they join as ASHI Associates, to conduct inspections in accordance with the ASHI Standards of Practice and Code
of Ethics, which prohibits engaging in conflict-of-interest activities that might compromise their objectivity. ASHI Associates
work their way to ASHI Certified Inspector status as they meet rigorous requirements, including passing a comprehensive, written
technical exam and performing a minimum of 250 professional, fee-paid home inspections conducted in accordance with the ASHI
Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Mandatory continuing education helps the membership stay current with the latest
in technology, materials and professional skills.
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When do I call a home inspector?
Typically, a home inspector is contacted immediately after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed.
Before you sign, be sure there is an inspection clause in the sales contract, making your final purchase obligation contingent
on the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms and conditions to which both the buyer
and seller are obligated.
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Do I have to be there?
While it’s not required that you be present for the inspection, it is highly recommended. You will be
able to observe the inspector and ask questions as you learn about the condition of the home and how to maintain it.
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What if the report reveals problems?
No house is perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn’t mean you should or shouldn’t
buy the house, only that you will know in advance what to expect. If your budget is tight, or if you don’t want to become
involved in future repair work, this information will be important to you. If major problems are found, a seller may agree
to make repairs.
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If the house proves to be in good condition, did I really need an inspection?
Definitely. Now you can complete your home purchase with confidence. You’ll have learned many things
about your new home from the inspector’s written report, and will have that information for future reference.
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What is a Typical Repair Cost?
Provide link to Repair Prices located on my existing website
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How to contact us?
Professional Home Inspectors, LLC
1400 San Pablo Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
Phone: (510) 332-7441 or (800) 995-7441
Fax: (510) 741–8565
Email: faz@professionalinspectors.net
If you are unable to reach us, we are either on the roof or under the house. Your call is very important to us,
so please leave us a message.
contact us.
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Lead FAQ
Why is lead in some homes?
Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years
in products found in and around our homes. In general, the older a home, the more likely it has lead-based paint.
The most common sources of household lead are:
- Paint-
The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978, but homes built before this time may have used lead paint.
- Dust- Household dust can be contaminated
with lead from paint, as can the soil around a house whose exterior was painted with lead paint.
- Drinking water- Your home might have plumbing with lead or lead
solder.
Can lead cause health problems?
If not detected early, children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from damage to the brain and nervous
system, behavior and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems and headaches. Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from difficulties during pregnancy, high blood pressure, digestive
problems, nerve disorders, memory and concentration problems, and muscle and joint pain.
What should I do
about lead?
You can temporarily reduce lead hazards by taking actions such as repairing damaged painted surfaces
and planting grass to cover soil with high lead levels. These actions are not permanent solutions and will need ongoing attention. To permanently remove lead hazards, you must hire a certified lead abatement contractor.
Abatement methods include removing, sealing, or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials.
Who should
do the cleanup?
Always hire a person with special training for correcting lead problems -- someone who knows
how to do this work safely and has the proper equipment to clean up thoroughly. Certified contractors will employ qualified
workers and follow strict safety rules set by their state or the federal government. Contact the National Lead Information Center for help with locating certified contractors in your area and to see if financial assistance is available.
For
more information, see the EPA's Lead Information Resources.
The above information is provided as a public service by the Environmental Protection Agency for educational
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Asbestos FAQ
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fiber. In the past, asbestos was added to
a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.
How can asbestos
affect my health?
From studies of people who were exposed to asbestos in factories and shipyards, we know
that breathing high levels of asbestos fibers can lead to an increased risk of lung cancer.
Most people exposed
to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos
material may release asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled into the lungs. The fibers can remain there for a long time, increasing
the risk of disease.
Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or
sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard.
Where can I find asbestos and when can it be
a problem?
Most products made today do not contain asbestos. Those few products made which still contain asbestos
that could be inhaled are required to be labeled as such. However, until the 1970s, many types of building products and insulation
materials used in homes contained asbestos.
Common products that may have been made with asbestos include insulation,
soundproofing, decorative material sprayed on walls and ceilings, hot water and steam pipes, and furnace ducts.
What should be done about asbestos in the home?
If you think asbestos may be in your home, don't panic!
Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone, since material in good condition will
not release asbestos fibers. There is no danger unless fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs.
If asbestos
material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or
removal by a professional is needed.
Asbestos professionals are trained in handling asbestos material. The type
of professional will depend on the type of product and what needs to be done to correct the problem. You may hire a general
asbestos contractor or, in some cases, a professional trained to handle specific products containing asbestos.
The
federal government has training courses for asbestos professionals around the country. Some state and local governments also
have or require training or certification courses. Ask asbestos professionals to document their completion of federal or state-approved
training. Each person performing work in your home should provide proof of training and licensing in asbestos work, such as
completion of EPA-approved training. State and local health departments or EPA regional offices may have listings of licensed professionals in your area.
For more information, see the EPA's Asbestos Information Resources.
The above information is provided as a public service by the Environmental Protection Agency for educational
purposes.
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Mold FAQ
Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors,
molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter such as fallen leaves and dead trees, but indoors, mold growth
should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor
and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold,
and none of them will grow without water or moisture.
Can mold cause health problems?
Molds
are usually not a problem indoors, unless mold spores land on a wet or damp spot and begin growing. Molds have the potential
to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially toxic substances. Allergic reactions to mold are common and include hay fever-type symptoms, such
as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Molds can also cause asthma attacks in people with asthma who are allergic
to mold.
How do I get rid of mold?
It is impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores
indoors, but indoor mold growth can be controlled by controlling moisture indoors. If there is mold growth in your home, you
must clean up the mold and also fix the water problem. If you clean up the mold, but don't fix the water problem, the
mold problem most likely will return.
Who should do the cleanup?
If the moldy area is less
than about 10 square feet, you can probably handle the job yourself. However:
If there has been a lot of water damage,
and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult the EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types.
If
you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience
cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA's Mold Remediation in Schools
and Commercial Buildings, or the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists .
If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold, consult
the EPA's Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could
spread mold throughout your home.
If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water,
then call a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.
If you
have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.
For more information, read the
EPA's A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home.
The above information is provided as a public service by the Environmental Protection Agency for educational
purposes.
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Termite FAQ
A typical homeowner's insurance policy does not cover destruction caused by termites, even though
they cause over 1 billion dollars in damage to homes throughout the United States each year. It’s important that homeowners
understand the threat of termites, and take the necessary steps to protect their homes.
Subterranean termites
are extremely destructive. First they build tunnels to wooden structures, and then they burrow into those structures to obtain
food. Any wood or cellulose-containing material constitutes termite food, and given time to do so, they’ll eat until
nothing is left but a shell. Termites avoid light and air, so they build their colonies where you’re not likely to stumble
upon them.
On the off chance you do see them, remember that it’s easy to confuse termites with ants. Fortunately,
there are features that distinguish them.
Ants
- narrow waists
- bent antennae
- two sets of wings (one wing is longer than the other)
Termites
- thick waists
- straight antennae
- two
sets of wings (same size)
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