FAQs:
- What Is An Inspection?
- What Does An Inspection Include?
- When Do I Request An Inspector?
- Can a Building “FAIL” The Inspection?
- What If The Report Reveals Problems?
- If The Report Is Favorable, Did I Really Need An Inspection?
- Can I Inspect The Building Myself ?
- What Will The Inspection Cost?
- Should I Attend The Inspection?
- What Is CREIA?
- What Is A Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)?
- CREIA Home Page
1) What Is An Inspection?
An inspection
is a visual examination of the structure and systems of a building. If
you are thinking of buying a home, condominium, mobile home, or
commercial building, you should have it thoroughly inspected before the
final purchase by an experienced and impartial professional inspector.
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2) What Does An Inspection Include?
A complete
inspection includes a visual examination of the building from top to
bottom. The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the
structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central
air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors.
Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are
included in the report.
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3) When Do I Request An Inspector?
The best time
to consult the inspector is right after you’ve made an offer on your
new building. The real estate contract usually allows for a grace period
to inspect the building. Ask your professional agent to include this
inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation
contingent upon the findings of a professional inspection.
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4) Can a Building “FAIL” The Inspection? What If The Report Reveals Problems?
No. A
professional inspection is simply an examination into the current
condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an
appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. An inspector, therefore, will
not pass or fail a building, but will simply describe its condition and
indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs or
replacement.
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5) What If The Report Reveals Problems?
If the
inspector finds problems in a building, it does not necessarily mean you
shouldn’t buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of
repairs to anticipate. A seller may be willing to make repairs because
of significant problems discovered by the inspector. If your budget is
tight, or if you do not wish to become involved in future repair work,
you may decide that this is not the property for you. The choice is
yours.
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6) If The Report Is Favorable, Did I Really Need An Inspection?
Definitely! Now
you can complete your purchase with peace of mind about the condition of
the property and its equipment and systems. You may have learned a few
things about your property from the inspection report, and will want to
keep that information for your future reference. Above all, you can rest
assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision and that
you will be able to enjoy or occupy your new home or building the way
you want.
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7) Can I Inspect The Building Myself ?
Even the most
experienced building or home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of
a professional inspector who has inspected hundreds, and perhaps
thousands of homes and buildings in their career. An inspector is
equally familiar with the critical elements of construction and with the
proper installation, maintenance and inter-relationships of these
elements. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely
objective and unemotional about the building they really want, and this
may lead to a poor assessment.
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8) What Will The Inspection Cost?
The inspection
fee for a typical single-family house or commercial building varies
geographically, as does the cost of housing, similarly, within a
geographic area the inspection fees charged by different inspection
services may vary depending upon the size of the building, particular
features of the building, age, type of structure, etc. However, the cost
should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a physical
inspection. You might save many times the cost of the inspection if you
are able to have the seller perform repairs based on significant
problems revealed by the inspector. Consult your professional agent for
guidance.
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9) Should I Attend The Inspection?
It is not
necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a good
idea. By following the inspector through the inspection, observing and
asking questions, you will learn about the new building and get some
tips on general maintenance. Information that will be of great help to
you after you’ve moved in.
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10) What Is CREIA?
The
California Real Estate Inspection Association, (CREIA), was established
in 1976 in California as a non-profit voluntary professional
association. CREIA has grown to over 500 members and candidates today.
CREIA’s Standards of Practice and professional Code of Ethics provides
the consumer with the assurance of quality and professionalism. Members
of CREIA are either owners or employees of professional building
inspection companies. Today CREIA has members throughout the state and
is recognized in California as the leading authority in the building
inspection industry.
CREIA has established a high Standards of Practice for the inspection
profession that is used throughout the state to ensure the buyer who
retains a CREIA member of a complete and detailed inspection and report.
All members must abide by these standards and code of ethics. CREIA
offers its members and candidates continuing education in the latest
building technology, training, and materials to ensure the most
professional inspection for the consumer. CREIA acts as a public
information service to real estate buyers and provides technical support
and training to realty agents, state agencies and other related
professions.
Many CREIA members have engineering, architectural, or technical
backgrounds. most members have had experience in various construction
fields and are or have been building contractors.
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11) What Is A Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)?
The Certified
Professional Inspector (CPI) designation is the highest rating that can
be obtained through CREIA. This designation is only given to those
inspectors that have obtained many hours of additional training and have
been tested for knowledge above the already high standards set for the
members of CREIA.
Each report prepared by a CPI will bear the inspector’s seal
representing the best quality inspection for your investment.
In addition to performing building inspections, many CREIA inspectors
help with analysis and solutions to specific problems, such as
foundations, energy conservation, and roofing problems. CREIA inspectors
are also frequently called upon to review restoration and home
improvement plans as well as maintenance specifications, contracts and
progress inspections for new construction to help ensure proper
completion of contracted work.
If you find that you are involved in a dispute regarding construction
work performed on your building, a CREIA member can provide expert
advice. Also, many CREIA members inspect commercial and investment
properties, multiple unit dwellings, condominiums, townhomes, mobile
homes and perform reserve studies as well.
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Daryl Oie
# 0055
This Master CREIA Inspector (MCI)
member of the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) has met
CREIA’s advanced MCI testing and professional requirements, and subscribes to
the association’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
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