Mike Parks ESI, RBO ,RPI ,RIUI ,OMHI- Ohio

Had a Realtor tell me that the reason that she would not use me is because I know too much and would find too many problems with the house.

I guess that this is the only profession where you are penalized for being the best.

Sad but true. I wonder who her client would want inspecting their home? Her hand picked inspector or one that is looking out for their interests.

I decided to charge for looking at my profile.

This is my reason why.

"Your profile has been viewed 5390 times." As of 17 Oct. 2009.

If I charged just $10.00 per view that would have made me $53,900.00.

Not to bad for just pecking on the computer.

Just think how much that I would have made if they paid me my hourly rate?

Most advertising for Home Inspections in Ohio is very misleading.

Some facts about Ohio licenses and certifications that you may want to consider when getting a Home Inspection or recommend a Home Inspector to you clients.

Ohio does not regulate Home Inspectors. This law is still pending, and pending and pending.

To do residential 1, 2, and 3 family electric, plumbing, HVAC, etc. work there is no license available or required in The State of Ohio. Some registration may be required. WE DO NOT LICENSE RESIDENTIAL CONTRACTORS NOR DO WE LICENSE GENERAL CONTRACTORS.

The State of Ohio only licenses Commercial Specialty Contractors.

http://www.com.state.oh.us/dico/OCILB.aspx

Regarding Electrical Inspectors you can find a certified inspector here:

https://www.comapps.ohio.gov/dic/dico_apps/bbst/ElectricalSafetyInspectors/

Regarding Professional Engineers go here:

http://www.peps.ohio.gov/

Regarding Architects go here:

http://www.arc.ohio.gov/

Regarding Well and Septic go here:

http://www.odh.ohio.gov/localHealthDistricts/localHealthDistricts.aspx

Some municipalities do license contractors. General, remodeling, roofing, etc.

Some areas require permits and inspections and some do not.

Before you buy do your homework. Ask to see that Certification.

How many of you use craigslist to find contractors?

Here is one that I found in Columbus Ohio: http://columbus.craigslist.org/sks/1422816285.html

"I do all types of residential, service changes, remodel work, room additions
ceiling fans, add lights and outlets
-code violations corrected
-phone,cable,computer wiring
-no job to small
-Best rates in town!
-call (614)XXX-XXXX or XXX-XXXX

• Location: all of central ohio
• it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
• License info: OH #6338739"

What is wrong or misleading in this post is that Ohio license #'s are 5 digits. And they have to be as follows: OH.Lic. #XXXXX. Any real contractor would know this.

How is this handled in your state?

You may want to tell your clients after they buy a home to get good (qualified) references from you and not settle for a good deal.

When do you use a Professional Engineer rather than a Home Inspector?

Here is an email that I just recieved:

"Hello I was wondering how much you charge for home inspections? I am refinancing my home and I need an inspection of the foundation. Could you let me know?"

Here is what I said:

"Inspections start at $XXX.00 (whole house). If you think that you have a problem with your foundation then you need a P.E. (professional engineer)."

That same thing holds true for an Electrical Inspection. You need a ESI (Electrical Safety Inspector).

You need to know who to call or who to recommend for specific inspections in your state.