Owning and maintaining ahome in the South Bay and Los Angeles area can be a bit expensive. Real estate properties in this area a priced at a premium, thus looking for the services of certified home inspectors to look into the house you are eyeing to buy or currently living in is a must. Paying for the services of a certified home inspector in California is just a minimal amount compared to the many advantages you’ll get from the expert findings and recommendations of a professional home inspector.
A generalist home inspection can provide you with details, based on the certified home inspector’s visual inspection, if the house is structurally sound or needs repairs. He could also recommend some changes in order to make things inside your house work more efficiently and safely.
It is advisable to ask certain things to your home inspectors before hiring them. It is best to hire only certified home inspectors because they are duly trained and has valuable experience in terms of dealing with different home inspection scenarios.
Things to look out before hiring a home inspector:
License
Some States require home inspectors to pass certain exams in order to be granted a home inspector’s license and open up a home inspections company. The State will easily know if a certain candidate has enough knowledge or experience of home inspections based on his test results. The State of California however, does not require State licensing or any exams for potential home inspectors. The State however regulates home inspectors via the Business and Professions Code sections 7196.2- 7197 and 7197.5.
Home Inspections Training
It is best to ask your home inspectors where he learned his trade. Most certified home inspectors spent long hours of study and training from reputable Home Inspections training schools. A background on the construction industry is also a strong point for any home inspector but is not that important.
Continuous education is also a must for certified home inspectors. In some States, continuous education is required in order to apply for license renewal.
Errors and Omissions Insurance and General Liability
Most certified home inspectors carry the Errors and Omissions (E&O) and General Liability insurance. Insurance protects the home inspectors and provides peace of mind to the home owners, so you should not worry about paying for it.
Membership
Most reputable home inspectors are certified members of top home inspections associations such as American Society of Home Inspectors or ASHI, the American Council for Accredited Certification or ACAC and the International Code Council or ICC. Membership from these organizations eliminates amateurs and pretenders from the real professionals.
Price
Certified home inspection rates can differ from case to case basis. Some factors that can affect the price of home inspection service are: age of the house, size of the property, location, insurance and others.
To get the best home inspection service in the Los Angeles area, you can contact South Bay Home Inspections.
South Bay Home Inspections are certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors or ASHI. It also holds memberships from the American Council for Accredited Certification or ACAC and the International Code Council or ICC
Our certified home inspectors also trained and receive continuous education from the ITA or Inspectors Training Associates, the largest training organization of its kind in North America.
We offer General Home Inspections as well as Mold and Air Sampling, and Pool and Spa Mold Inspections.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
General Home Inspections: Defined
A generalist home inspection is a visual inspection for defects, system failure, construction malpractice and other safety issues in and around your property. Usually the terms “Home Inspections” and General Home Inspections” are one and the same.
Certified home inspectors do their rounds differently based on different standards set by certain Home Inspector Associations and Authorities such as those set by the American Society of Home Inspectors or ASHI.
By the word visual, the home inspection and results are based more on the conditions of the portion of the house that are accessible to the home inspector. Some portion of the house such as those covered by walls, floors and ceilings may not be covered by some home inspectors. Other reasons why a part of your house can’t be inspected are: lack of access point, locked or barred doors, and unsanitary and dangerous conditions. In most instances, the home inspector will not take any responsibility from those areas he has no access from.
Thought generalist home inspections are called visual inspections, many certified home inspections also do some physical checks on most of the house’s systems. He can run some of your house’s equipments such as the air-conditioning andheating units, water pumps, exhaust fans or check you electrical outlets. Generalist home inspectors are not required to disassemble parts of a system in order to determine the real problem of equipment or system.
Generalist home inspectors can use some hi tech devices to help them produce accurate results. They however may not have the right equipments to test for air samples, mold spores, radon traces and others. These jobs are best left for specialized home inspector jobs.
All certified home inspectors are trained generalists. They are trained to identify signs of any potential problems and hazards that may come out from the different systems of the house. Professional home inspectors are also trained to look for evidences of mold infestations, signs of asbestos, water impurities, toxic materials and other harmful substances.
It is not the job of the certified home inspector to clean or fix the problem. He can make recommendation whether to call some specialist home inspector to further inspect the problem such as in the case of mold infestation or asbestos residues, pest control for termites and rat colonies, or look for contractors to fix your water, electric and heater systems. He could also notify you if you need structural engineers to look at your house’s structural integrity.
Generalist home inspection reports are comprehensive. They cover all the things that the certified home inspector has seen or experienced during his rounds. His reports are made to the best of his knowledge and findings, but again reports made by specialists are more in-depth. If a general home inspector finds fault on your house’s integrity or system, or finds some harmful substances such as asbestos or mold patches inside your home, it is best to consider his recommendation of looking for specialist inspectors or contractors.
For the trusted and most comprehensive Certified General Home Inspections in the South Bay and Los Angeles area, you can contact South Bay Home Inspectors.
South Bay Home Inspectors conduct Generalist Home Inspections based on the standards set by the American Society of Home Inspectors or ASHI. Our certified home inspectors are also equipped with the latest technology to give you the most accurate findings.
South Bay Home Inspections also conduct specialized home inspections such as Air Sampling and Mold Inspections, as well as Pool and Spa Inspections.
Certified home inspectors do their rounds differently based on different standards set by certain Home Inspector Associations and Authorities such as those set by the American Society of Home Inspectors or ASHI.
By the word visual, the home inspection and results are based more on the conditions of the portion of the house that are accessible to the home inspector. Some portion of the house such as those covered by walls, floors and ceilings may not be covered by some home inspectors. Other reasons why a part of your house can’t be inspected are: lack of access point, locked or barred doors, and unsanitary and dangerous conditions. In most instances, the home inspector will not take any responsibility from those areas he has no access from.
Thought generalist home inspections are called visual inspections, many certified home inspections also do some physical checks on most of the house’s systems. He can run some of your house’s equipments such as the air-conditioning andheating units, water pumps, exhaust fans or check you electrical outlets. Generalist home inspectors are not required to disassemble parts of a system in order to determine the real problem of equipment or system.
Generalist home inspectors can use some hi tech devices to help them produce accurate results. They however may not have the right equipments to test for air samples, mold spores, radon traces and others. These jobs are best left for specialized home inspector jobs.
All certified home inspectors are trained generalists. They are trained to identify signs of any potential problems and hazards that may come out from the different systems of the house. Professional home inspectors are also trained to look for evidences of mold infestations, signs of asbestos, water impurities, toxic materials and other harmful substances.
It is not the job of the certified home inspector to clean or fix the problem. He can make recommendation whether to call some specialist home inspector to further inspect the problem such as in the case of mold infestation or asbestos residues, pest control for termites and rat colonies, or look for contractors to fix your water, electric and heater systems. He could also notify you if you need structural engineers to look at your house’s structural integrity.
Generalist home inspection reports are comprehensive. They cover all the things that the certified home inspector has seen or experienced during his rounds. His reports are made to the best of his knowledge and findings, but again reports made by specialists are more in-depth. If a general home inspector finds fault on your house’s integrity or system, or finds some harmful substances such as asbestos or mold patches inside your home, it is best to consider his recommendation of looking for specialist inspectors or contractors.
For the trusted and most comprehensive Certified General Home Inspections in the South Bay and Los Angeles area, you can contact South Bay Home Inspectors.
South Bay Home Inspectors conduct Generalist Home Inspections based on the standards set by the American Society of Home Inspectors or ASHI. Our certified home inspectors are also equipped with the latest technology to give you the most accurate findings.
South Bay Home Inspections also conduct specialized home inspections such as Air Sampling and Mold Inspections, as well as Pool and Spa Inspections.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Fire Safety Tips for Home Owners
No investment is greater than your home, that why it is necessary to protect it from any possible hazards in order to prolong its life and provide you and your family a shelter for a very long time. And one such hazard that you should look out or prevent is house fires.
House fires can start almost anywhere from your house, from your kitchen, bedroom or even your garage. Fires can be very destructive. It can destroy your home in just minute. It can even claim lives.
The best way to prevent house fires from happening is by being vigilant. You should always be on the look out whether all your gadgets, equipments are working properly especially those which runs on fire, electricity and natural gas. You can also prevent fires by properly storing flammable chemicals away from children. Here are some tips to further help you out in order to prevent and protect your homes from fires.
Install Smoke and Thermal Detectors
There are different types of smoke detectors that you can buy for your house. The most common type of smoke detector is called Ionization Smoke Detectors. This type of smoke detectors runs on batteries and is one of the most economical types. Ionization Smoke detectors are very effective in warning you of smoke coming from wood and paper fires. It is best to put fresh batteries every 6 months to keep them working in top performance.
Another common type of smoke detectors is the photoelectric smoke detectors. They mainly run on electricity but can run on batteries in case of power interruptions. Thermal detectors on the other hand detect heat levels instead of smoke build up. For homes using fossil fuels, it is also best to install Carbon Monoxide detectors.
The National Fire Prevention Association suggests testing your smoke detectors every month and replacing them every 10 years.
Fire Extinguishers
You should place fire extinguishers at strategic locations inside your house. You should have at least one unit inside your kitchen, bedroom, garage and basement. You should also read the instructions on how to use the fire extinguisher unit. Knowing the expiry date is also a must for fire extinguisher owners.
Storing Flammable Materials Properly
It is best to store flammable materials such as paints, gasoline, firewood, charcoal and others in a shed at least 30 feet away from your house. Keep them above ground or keep inside a shelf to keep them away from children. It is also best to keep a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector stored together with these flammable materials.
Check your electrical wirings and devices
Faulty electrical wirings and misuse of electrical circuits are one of the most common causes of house fires. It is best to replace worn or exposed wires, as well as checking out your circuit breakers. It is also advisable to plug your appliances in different outlets to prevent overloading your circuits.
Hire Certified Home Inspectors
The best way to let you know that your house is safe from any fire hazards is by calling the services of certified home inspectors. Certified home inspectors can inspect different areas such as electrical wiring, heating and air-conditioning systems and others, making them good persons to call every time you want to know if your house is safe or not as they can make initial assessments and recommendations.
Your certified home inspectors can give you recommendations and advance tips on how you can make your house safer to live in. He can also advise you on where to properly place fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Your certified home inspectors can also inform you of the changes that you must do in order to prevent house fires such as changing of your electrical system or improving your heaters and furnace.
It is best to call your certified home inspectors every couple of years to check out the how your house is holding up with the times.
For the best home inspections in the Los Angeles and South Bay Area, you can call South Bay Home Inspections.
South Bay Home Inspections specializes in Generalist Home Inspections as well as Air Sampling and Mold Inspections. We also conduct Pool and Spa Inspections.
House fires can start almost anywhere from your house, from your kitchen, bedroom or even your garage. Fires can be very destructive. It can destroy your home in just minute. It can even claim lives.
The best way to prevent house fires from happening is by being vigilant. You should always be on the look out whether all your gadgets, equipments are working properly especially those which runs on fire, electricity and natural gas. You can also prevent fires by properly storing flammable chemicals away from children. Here are some tips to further help you out in order to prevent and protect your homes from fires.
Install Smoke and Thermal Detectors
There are different types of smoke detectors that you can buy for your house. The most common type of smoke detector is called Ionization Smoke Detectors. This type of smoke detectors runs on batteries and is one of the most economical types. Ionization Smoke detectors are very effective in warning you of smoke coming from wood and paper fires. It is best to put fresh batteries every 6 months to keep them working in top performance.
Another common type of smoke detectors is the photoelectric smoke detectors. They mainly run on electricity but can run on batteries in case of power interruptions. Thermal detectors on the other hand detect heat levels instead of smoke build up. For homes using fossil fuels, it is also best to install Carbon Monoxide detectors.
The National Fire Prevention Association suggests testing your smoke detectors every month and replacing them every 10 years.
Fire Extinguishers
You should place fire extinguishers at strategic locations inside your house. You should have at least one unit inside your kitchen, bedroom, garage and basement. You should also read the instructions on how to use the fire extinguisher unit. Knowing the expiry date is also a must for fire extinguisher owners.
Storing Flammable Materials Properly
It is best to store flammable materials such as paints, gasoline, firewood, charcoal and others in a shed at least 30 feet away from your house. Keep them above ground or keep inside a shelf to keep them away from children. It is also best to keep a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector stored together with these flammable materials.
Check your electrical wirings and devices
Faulty electrical wirings and misuse of electrical circuits are one of the most common causes of house fires. It is best to replace worn or exposed wires, as well as checking out your circuit breakers. It is also advisable to plug your appliances in different outlets to prevent overloading your circuits.
Hire Certified Home Inspectors
The best way to let you know that your house is safe from any fire hazards is by calling the services of certified home inspectors. Certified home inspectors can inspect different areas such as electrical wiring, heating and air-conditioning systems and others, making them good persons to call every time you want to know if your house is safe or not as they can make initial assessments and recommendations.
Your certified home inspectors can give you recommendations and advance tips on how you can make your house safer to live in. He can also advise you on where to properly place fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Your certified home inspectors can also inform you of the changes that you must do in order to prevent house fires such as changing of your electrical system or improving your heaters and furnace.
It is best to call your certified home inspectors every couple of years to check out the how your house is holding up with the times.
For the best home inspections in the Los Angeles and South Bay Area, you can call South Bay Home Inspections.
South Bay Home Inspections specializes in Generalist Home Inspections as well as Air Sampling and Mold Inspections. We also conduct Pool and Spa Inspections.
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