Gibsonguy

I can see the metal lath in the 3rd pic now. It's just a bad retrofit that made me think of the EIFS. It appears as if there could be a base under the acrylic finish be it insulation or cementitious, which makes the wall stick out further that the original, or it is simply just installed directly over the existing wall. As I wasn't there, I couldn't feel it myself to know if there is any give in the finish or not. I would never mention EIFS in the report unless I was sure. It is obvious though that the trim and soffits were not removed when the exterior finish was redone.

That looks like EIFS, not stucco... and the open cell styrofoam is just stuck to whatever siding was underneath it. I bet there still is an air gap hidden deep under there somewhere. When was the house built?

Is it the EVO that is a WI-FI hotspot? I use a toughbook on site and if I could use my phone as a WI-FI router, then I can just send and receive emails (ie: reports) from anywhere! (Not to mention access this website if I needed to )

I have been approached for 2 TV series both on HGTV. Unfortunately this was before I had become an inspector. The gist of these shows are all about trying to create "drama" where there isn't any. "How can we make this interesting?" and "how can we spin this?" are questions brought up during interviews with the shows producers. This show is set up from the beginning. I bet Mike Holmes doesn't even do the preliminary inspection himself. Why doesn't he bring the clients along during the inspection? They leave and he complains about what was missed. It's all scripted. All he has done is go from attacking contractors to attacking inspectors now. Now if I can inspect a house with a sledge hammer,a sawzall and a crew of renovators to rebuild everything after me...

An onsite report seems stressful to complete. I like the idea of being able to walk away finished, but I can't see it with a narrative report with pictures. Does anyone else besides Mike Lamb use a combination checklist and narrative report here? I think I'm leaning in that direction as opposed to narrative only. I would like to get away from boilerplate all together, however I find myself unable to drop the CYA (Cover your a$$) portions. I carry a Panasonic Toughbook CF-18 around with my modified 3D reporting software and complete as I go. I get the clients to sign the service agreement right on the screen and finish uploading the pictures and write the summary offsite.

I haven't really posted here in a while, but I do lurk, read and research in here enough to know that the cumulative years of experience in this forum is unachievable for me in my lifetime. I am in the same place in my own HI career, graduating from a CAHPI certified training course in 2007-2008. I too have 90% of my work from word of mouth, although it doesn't seem to be near as many mouths as a few of the others in here. I charge $400 to $550 for a detailed narrative report with pictures for an average sized detached cottage and $150/hr for consultation or specialized inspections (ie: roof inspection or locating water infiltrations etc...) Hypothetically, if you needed a lawyer to save your butt, would you hire the lawyer who charges $300/hr or the one who charges $37/hr? A professional gets paid professional wages. You will always be known as being the "cheap inspector" and you won't be able to get out of it.

When I arrive at the property to be inspected, I introduce myself and ask 2 things 1. Open the garage so I can inspect it with the exterior/roof inspection and 2. Do you have an access hatch for the attic? Can you please provide access for me while I begin my exterior inspection?... OK I guess that's 3 things.

Do you have any more pics? That's a lot of movement without cracking. Any repointing? Any foundation cracks or repairs? I only see the large one down by the brick door sill.

Wow, thanks for all your work. I find all of your experience to be invaluable. A document like this would have taken me years to fabricate.

I have 3-D software also, it is very powerful and you can do a lot with it. I am currently in the phase of cutting out all the boilerplate stuff and replacing it with the things I want. It is a long and arduous process, but one that is well worth the time if you care how your best advertisement (your report) looks...

Aside from the concerns about child safety, this is the best possible configuration for heating efficiency and clearance to combustibles. Is there a data plate on it? C.T.C. on an uncertified wood stove is 48"

Boiler plate stuff on your computer report is a hard thing to get away from at first because it is a sort of checklist to begin with. Just take the time and make sure whatever goes automatically in the report can't be misconstrued as anything else than exactly what you think the problem is. Make it obvious and stand firm on your opinion, inevitably this is what your client is paying you for and what you might have to defend.

I use PDF Converter Professional 5.0. It cost me $40 CAN from Staples and I can edit, form fill and even imbed video if I want. I use it not only for PDF creation, but also to digital sign and secure my service agreement.

Hi Joe, No nothing in Quebec I've seen or heard of yet, but there are cases in BC and Toronto I've heard about. Whether this will become the new mould/UFFI/Vermiculite is yet to be determined by the populous at large. It's funny, I was just reading posts from Henri Chero on another Inspectors Forum yesterday.(A much less reputable site than this one ...)

The spalling is water vapour penetrating through the old concrete, probably through a cold joint. Perhaps your drainage tile isn't working and the hydrostatic pressure is seeping through (Concrete in the '20s isn't notable for good mix either) First things first, get the water away from the exterior foundation walls. If your walls are plumb, you shouldn't worry about structural failure. (90yrs=1/2" deterioration on 12" concrete wall... so 1"every 180 years.. hmm come and see me in 500 years)

Does the fan blow 2 ways? Does it suck or blow? Is that really carpet?

It doesn't appear "he" will be doing any of the inspecting. Maybe he will market, but those who call up asking for Mike Holmes will get a certified "Joe Schmoe" who will probably be litigated against and cut loose from the program, without any harm to Mike. Anybody can be a genius if they inspect a home with a sledgehammer...

Quote: Chocolate is for real estate agent or neighbor's dog. Depends on who is nicer. Not to sway too much, but chocolate is toxic for dogs... I'm not sure about RE agents, I'll have to try it.

My ears are burning...

Hi guys, Well I sure hope this thread doesn't turn out like the last one I started [:-crazy] I read this morning that it is indeed official: The island of Montreal has banned the use of residential wood burning stoves and fireplaces due to smog levels. Off island suburbs are still OK as the population there is more sparse, however I can't believe everything being said about this topic. Here is a link to one of yesterday's articles. Read more...

I guess "going brown" is the new "going green"

What is it? It looks like white, threaded PVC.

I am not really looking to do anything except inspections coinciding with CAHPI SOP. I'm not diversifying my product line, I'm just thinking of a way to increase my customer base. When I was taking my HI courses there was a guy in my class who was always thinking of the next get rich quick scheme. Every week he has a different idea of how to use the teachings in class to make money without really putting in any work. I just want to inspect more homes and be a better inspector.

Wow, thanks guys! Great insight so far, and I'm taking it all in. I am aware that most agents will probably shun this idea however I decided to throw it up here anyways and see if anyone else has tried or has thought of trying. I have thought about maybe an extra "orientation" charge for the new buyers to give them a better understanding of the report and of their new home. I have thought about giving the homeowner the reduction in price which the orientation should recover. (it would also cover subsequent revisits by different interested parties trying to make an informed offer) The idea of having a HI go through a poorly maintained home is not very appealing to some sellers, but then again, neither is having the deal fall through after the pre purchase inspection or after how the negotiated price always seems to make it's way down to the absolute minimum they told their agents they would accept, and are now forced to fix or pay for repairs they weren' aware of.

Hi guys, I am brainstorming an idea with my wife about approaching RE agents with the intent to offer their listing clients with a pre-sale inspection. Having people pre-inspect their house before they list provides an "open book" for potential buyers to see. It stops haggling after the price has been agreed, it allows the seller to know what a qualified inspector will find at the last second, and it allows RE agents to list their house as pre-inspected not to mention hanging around during the inspection and deadline worries. I feel with proper marketing this idea could just catch on. In a buyers market, not paying for the inspection may present a plus for the potential buyer. There are drawbacks of course such as assuring potential clients that you are independant and do not represent the seller or agent and of course making potential buyers understand that it is not a guarantee of any kind. I know there is a wealth of information on this site and would like you to ring in with any thoughts you might have. Please don't hold back. I'm really looking for subjective input. Thanks