Dennis Chamberlain, Eastern WA Home Inspections

I have been questioned by some Agents about what I inspect and why. The implication was that I was going beyond the scope of a Home Inspection when I include certain items. My reports are thorough so I do go beyond the minimum requirements on many things. A client will see notes on broken sprinkler heads, major fence issues even if they are not adjacent to the home, and some times outbuildings that are not attached.I will test the sprinklers if the client desires and I am able to. Each inspection is a case by case situation on these types of components.

If these items were included in the clients inspection request of course they will get a full report on them. If they were not the client can still look forward to seeing comments about major defects observed while on site.

I have inspected for clients that have not seen the home or grounds; I think they may want to know about this storage shed, would you not?

Most clients have seen the grounds and home and most are on site for the inspection, but noting these items can still be a benefit, as they, through the report have an itemized list of defects on the property.

Clients have a lot of things on their minds during the purchase process, giving them a photo record that they can review at their leisure may help them make a better decision about the home. A decision that fits their personality and desires.

I have bought around 25 homes so far in my life and I know first hand buyers may overlook things, even obvious items. The purchase process claims their attention, allowing for things to slip by.

As a home inspector my job is to inform the client, information is the key to a fair deal. I'll continue to note these items to better help my clients.

Mortgage lenders have supplanted the home inspector as the deal breakers or bad guys in the real-estate deal. I guess I should say I'm sorry to the lenders but I am not. I am kind-of glad there is a boogie man other than my profession. I know there are still concerns that a Home Inspector may bunch the deal, but with the current state of the mortgage lending industry, lenders have become the primary concern to Real Estate professionals.

I have heard numerous stories about financing troubles that range from encyclopedic numbers of forms to rejection after the borrower had already been qualified and the ever increasing scrutiny of the home itself. Getting a mortgage is much more difficult now than it was a few years ago.

I think that a Home inspector that does a thorough job and brings the facts to the table are invaluable in the transaction. In the cases of the increased home scrutiny the Inspector may be relied on to advise the transaction participants of problems the underwriters through their appraisers may find. Timely and thorough inspections can give the necessary advanced warning to correct issues before they derail the deal.

Everyone Likes to ride the white horse, even insectors:)

Gardening is one of my passions and to see a well manicured garden is a joy. Recently I was inspecting near Moses Lake and had the chance to see this garden. It is fall so many of the plants have been removed or cut back for the year but the garden still shows the time it has received at the hands of its caregiver.

I think, during full production the garden was a real beauty to see. Spending time in such a garden that is clean and orderly can be relaxing and eating the fruits of your work is a reward worth the effort. As a home inspector I get to see some of these little wonders of our everyday life, an added benefit to my line of work:)

Have a great day!

I talk to other inspectors on a daily basis, Don Hester of NCW Home Inspections, LLC and I keep in touch a lot. We discuss inspection issues and how they relate to our work. During these conversations we research issues and discuss them from different view points. I have found this to be a great learning/training tool.

Schools are also a great way to learn and earn credits for the Washington State requirements. They are informative and they allow us to interact in person with other inspectors from around the state. One problem with the 'official' training is the cost and time it takes to get there. For me training is just one call away, I wonder if I could log my phone calls and send that to the state for credit?

I know some inspectors that have morning coffee together and share experiences, for others the distance may be to far for this, that is when the phone comes in. If you are a Home Inspector I highly recommend the phone call training technique we are perfecting. Of course any field could benefit from this technique and it is recommended. We truly have learned a lot about inspecting, business and related concerns.

Yes we even talk Politics occasionally:)