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

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.

I just ran across this post that I received from Google Alerts: http://www.nachi.org/forum/f19/federal-pacific-definitive-answer-44106/

There is no good information there yet (Saturday, October 10th) but I thought that everyone might want to watch this post.

Hopefully it will produce some good information and facts regarding Federal Pacific Panels.

This is what I received from Google:

Federal Pacific - The definitive answer - InterNACHI Message Board
By jfarsetta
By having insurance companies demand a inspection that identifies the problem. Then the insurance company sends a letter to the homeowner demanding that they upgrade or lose their coverage. ...I hate coming across a FP panel. I called out one and the electrician told the homeowner nothing was wrong with it. So now I'm hesitant. The home owner was not happy having to pay a electrician when according to the electrician nothing was wrong with it. ...
InterNACHI Message Board - http://www.nachi.org/forum/

Until then what do you say about FPE panels?

I just ran across this article and would like to share with those of you that are in states that do not require the licensing of Home Inspectors.

Here is the link: http://www.canada.com/life/inspect+your+home+inspector/2050469/story.html

Again this is for the states that have no regulations. Not for those who have qualified Home Inspectors.

Is Mike Holmes out of line in what he says or does he bring up good points?

Anyone who knows me knows my opinions.

I would like to here your opinions.