ABI Standard

Our inspection is to provide the client with objective, independent, and impartial information regarding the condition of the systems and components of the building, and to properly evaluate present and future major problems which could have a deleterious effect on the economic value or marketability of the property.

Our inspection is a non-invasive physical examination of the accessible systems or components of the property. The inspection and report complies with the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®) and International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) for home inspection and International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) for commercial inspection. ASHI® and InterNACHI are the most widely-used home and commercial inspection guidelines in use respectively, and recognized by many government and professional groups as the definitive standard for professional performance.

Clients can tag along and ask questions during the inspection, so by the time the inspector finished his inspection, you may as well have fully understood the characteristic of the house you are buying. You may also have an idea if the problem is fixable, how much will it cost to resolve the issue and if it will not cause any other problems down the line. We will go over the property with you to point out any issues that may require home repair, replacement or improvement. Walking along with our home inspector during a home inspection maybe a very good experience for you because he can vividly explain to you the defect(s) in details or at least show you exactly where the defect is located, and also let you understand the limitations of visual inspection. 

The inspector will discuss his observations after the inspection. It is imperative that the inspector will discuss the major problems of the property to you, the real estate agents, and sellers so that everybody understands and can ask questions. Typically, there are five principal components in a property that we usually discuss to our clients, and they are the Foundation/structure, Plumbing, Electrical, Roof covers, and Heating and Cooling systems. The sixth could be the Pool and Spa system. Normally, if the principal components are functional or do not have major problem, the property could be acceptable in its condition, age and type of construction. 
 
Our report is computerized with photos of defects, narrative and list type in format, summary of defects, categorized defects & recommendations. Our report is completely different from template reporting systems used by the majority of inspectors. We purposely laid it out so simple that average person could easily understand. The summary has general synopsis and list of priority defects. The defects are categorized whether it is Minor, Major, Priority, Safety issues, Code, Standards, Evaluation, Retrofit or Upgrade. Recommendations are references to general code and “California Building Performance” and “Industry and Manufacturer Standards” installation practices and guidelines, and possible acceptable ways to repair the defects.

The Residential Report is sent in PDF file (within 24 hours via e-mail) and one hard copy if requested. Most of the inspectors nowadays do not send hard copies anymore because PDF file enables you to easily search, store, compress, copy, paste, and send. To search a PDF file, just type in a word or phrase and it will display and highlight the search results.