Length Industrial Grade

Length Industrial Grade

Grade your Home Inspector

How would you grade your Home Inspector?

When making what is likely the biggest investment of your life (a home purchase), it is a wise thing to hire a home inspector. In some states, this is even required by law as a routine part of any real estate transaction. Idaho has no such requirement… leaving the decision to inspect a home as merely an “option” to both parties in the transaction. Not very long ago, there were no Home Inspectors at all, as the Home Inspection industry is a fairly new phenomenon. So, you are about to buy (or sell) a home and you decide to hire a home inspector. How do you find a good one? The right one for you? You could ask your Real Estate Agent for a referral as most people do. This is generally a really bad idea, and is discussed in detail at http://www.oxbowinspections.com/conflictinterest.php

The internet is your best resource to find the home inspector who’s right for you. Go to any search engine (Google, Yahoo, etc…) and type the words “xxxxxxx home inspector”… just replace the “x’s” with the name of the major city nearby. Pick 3 or 4 and compare them. And keep in mind, that just because an inspector comes in as the #1 entry does not mean he is the best. It merely means that his web site is better optimized… so it is wise to spread out your choices amongst the top 15 or 20 presented to you.

Idaho has no laws or regulations that control who may call themselves a “Home Inspector”. That’s right. The night cook at Denny’s can pick up a clipboard, pick out a name, and then pick your pocket. No experience or education is required. When comparing the web sites… look for experience in construction. Look for engineering backgrounds. Look for education. Also… the Home Inspection industry as a whole is self-governed to a degree by several major trade organizations. These include NACHI ( National Association of Certified Home Inspectors) and ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) just to name a few. Make sure that your inspector belongs to at least one of these. The reasons are many… but primarily these organizations have established standard operating procedures and ethical guidelines which their inspectors must follow. They also establish certain education and experience standards which are critically important since the State of Idaho has no standards at all.

Knowledge of building codes is an important part of being a home inspector. These codes exist for a reason… usually as a response to construction issues which went wrong and caused death and/or property destruction. Understanding how all the building systems (Plumbing, Heating, Electrical etc…) are connected and designed to work together to achieve the minimum standards set out in codes and regulations is vital to accuracy when inspecting any building. Your inspector of choice should be real familiar with the International Code Council.

Proper equipment is an important part of home inspections. Do you want the quickest way to tell if your home inspector is truly a professional? Look at his vehicle and the type of ladder he is using. I know of several “Inspectors” who use a small economy car or an XUV and have only a collapsible ladder that will fit inside. So ask yourself… how is he going to inspect your roof with a ladder that collapses? Most (not all) ladders of this type only extend to 21.5 feet and are rarely rated for more than 200 pounds. This would be like hiring a man with a hatchet to cut down a 70 foot Oak tree. As for me: I drive a full length Suburban which is professionally adorned with company logo and identification, and it not only carries all of my tools, test equipment, and reference materials… it also gets 22+ mpg and runs on corn/flex fuel… it also carries my three ladders which range from 8 feet to 30 feet (none are collapsible).

Look for those details that set your inspector out from the rest. Things like his dress. Does he have a uniform or monogrammed shirts, or is he wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt? A necktie is a bad idea… would that guy be willing to climb into an attic or a crawlspace? Likely not. I wear stretch slacks and a monogrammed polo-type shirt for maximum flexibility, with traction shoes for those tough roofs. My uniform is blue and black… just like my Suburban and my web site. Other details: his weight. If he is grossly overweight… how in the world can he negotiate a crawlspace or an attic? He can’t. Also, look for identification. The trade organizations that I described previously (NACHI, ASHI) do issue formal identification tags. These identify a member in good standing. Ask to see his I.D.

What about his pricing? Most inspectors have fairly low prices in order to stay competitive. If so… you should beware. This is the kind of guy who will tack on an extra $25 (or more) for gasoline fees beyond a certain distance. They also tend to charge more for older homes; charge more for larger homes; charge more for outbuildings; and charge a lot more for things like a Radon test. Before you know it, your “real” final bill will be several hundred dollars more than his advertised “base” price. And since I mentioned Radon… many inspectors will conduct a Radon test for a large extra fee. They use the same cheap charcoal canisters that you or I can purchase at Lowe’s. Do they know anything about Radon? Likely not. Ask for their certifications or identification. At the time of this writing, I am the only Home Inspector in all of Idaho who is certified by the National Radon Safety Board.

The inspection itself: How long does it take your inspector to complete? Most will finish in the 2 – 3 hour time frame so they can squeeze in 2 – 3 inspections per day and maximize their income. Rediculous! I will often spend 2 hours in the crawlspace alone! On average… my inspections take about 7½ hours. A professional Home Inspector will take you around your home, not only pointing out defects but also showing you areas that will require future maintenance. He will educate you on where shut offs are located and explain discrepancies that he cited in his report. Whenever you book a home inspection, you should never miss this golden opportunity to learn about the systems and features of your home.

The bottom line is: Choose your own Home Inspector. Grade several of them… then choose the one that’s right for you. When your Inspector arrives… grade him again. It is still not too late to choose someone else. Keep in mind that this is a huge investment you are making, and you should protect your investment by using the best inspector you can find. You are likely spending several hundred thousand dollars… so choosing an Inspector based on price in order to save a hundred bucks is just not smart. You will likely get exactly what you pay for.

Dappy Jones http://www.oxbowinspections.com

About the Author

US Navy Retired

Leviton Industrial Grade Straight Blade Surface Mount Receptacle 06155050 $28.31 Industrial grade. Surface mounting receptacle. Straight blade. Grounding. Side wired. Thermoplastic face and body material. Steel strap material. 1450R NEMA. Replacement plug (10625077). Length: 5. Width: 2.5. Height: 3.5

Leviton 15 Amp Yellow Industrial Grade Straight Blade Plug 06101447 $28.9 Straight blade plug. 15 amp. 125 volt. NEMA 5 15P. 2 poles. 3 wires. Industrial grade. Grounding. Yellow. Length: 3. Width: 2. Height: 2

Leviton 15 Amp Yellow Industrial Grade Straight Blade Connector 06501547 $35.61 Straight blade connector. 15 amp. 125 volt. NEMA 5 15R. 2 pole. 3 wire. Industrial grade. Grounding. Yellow. Length: 3. Width: 2. Height: 2

Leviton Industrial Grade Straight Blade Surface Mount Receptacle R015378 $31.98 Industrial grade. Surface mounting receptacle. Straight blade. Grounding. Side wired. Thermoplastic face and body material. Steel strap material. 650R NEMA. Plug (10621001). Length: 2. Width: 4. Height: 3.5

Leviton Industrial Grade Flush Mount Locking Receptacle Device 06527100 $38.85 Industrial grade. VOMax single flush mount locking receptacle. Grounding. Back and side wired. Ultramid face material. Valox base material. Nickelplated brass strap material. L1430R NEMA. L1430P NEMA plug 2711 (10641223). Length: 2. Width: 4.5. Height: 2.25

Leviton Industrial Grade Straight Blade Surface Mount Receptacle 06155054 $28.31 Industrial grade. Surface mounting receptacle. Straight blade. Grounding. Side wired. Thermoplastic face and body material. Steel strap material. 1430R NEMA. Replacement dryer cord (10625069). Length: 5. Width: 2.5. Height: 3.5

Leviton Ivory Industrial Grade Straight Blade Duplex Receptacle R515252OIS $23.54 Industrial grade. Narrow body duplex receptacle. Straight blade. Self grounding. Back and side 8hole feedthru wired. Thermoplastic nylon face and body material. Steel strap material. 515R NEMA. UL and CSA Standards and Certifications. Length: 4.5. Width: 1.5. Height: 2

Leviton Industrial Grade Straight Blade Flush Mount Receptacle 8005206 BLK $23.53 Industrial grade. Flush mounting receptacle. Straight blade. Nongrounding. Side wired. Nylon face and body material. Steel strap material. 1050R NEMA. Matches with Leviton Plug 287T (10640365). Length: 3. Width: 4. Height: 3

Leviton Yellow Industrial Grade Straight Blade Python Plug C3005256OVY $24.62 Industrial grade. Straight blade. Grounding. Python plug. 515P NEMA. Solid brass blades and contacts. Zinc plated steel assembly screws. Super tough nylon body material. UL and CSA Standards and Certifications. Length: 5.75. Width: 1.25. Height: 2.5

Leviton Industrial Grade Straight Blade Surface Mount Receptacle 06150542 $25.3 Industrial grade. Surface mounting receptacle. Straight blade. Nongrounding. Side wired. Thermoplastic face and body material. Steel strap material. 1030R NEMA. Replacement dryer cord (10624906). Length: 2. Width: 4. Height: 3.5

Leviton Yellow Industrial Grade Straight Blade Python Plug 02105256OPB $25.3 Industrial grade. Straight blade. Grounding. Python plug. 515P NEMA. Solid brass blades and contacts. Zinc plated steel assembly screws. Super tough nylon body material. UL and CSA Standards and Certifications. Length: 5.5. Width: 2. Height: 3.5

Leviton Industrial Grade Flush Mount Locking Receptacle Device 0652310 $29.71 Industrial grade. VOMax flush mount locking receptacle. Grounding. Back and side wired. Ultramid face material. Valox base material. Nickelplated brass strap material. L520R NEMA. Locking Plug (10641165). Length: 3. Width: 4. Height: 1

Leviton Industrial Grade Flush Mount Locking Receptacle Device 0652410 $32.66 Industrial grade. VOMax flush mount locking receptacle. Grounding. Back and side wired. Ultramid face material. Valox base material. Nickelplated brass strap material. L1420R NEMA. Locking plug (10641199). Length: 1.75. Width: 4.25. Height: 2

Connectpro / 4PORT USB INDUSTRIAL-GRADE KVM / UR-14-KIT $168.57 Connectpro - 4PORT USB INDUSTRIAL-GRADE KVM - UR-14-KIT

Connectpro / 4PORT PS/2 INDUSTRIAL-GRADE KVM / PR-14-KIT $182.27 Connectpro - 4PORT PS/2 INDUSTRIAL-GRADE KVM - PR-14-KIT

Connectpro / 2PORT USB INDUSTRIAL-GRADE KVM / UR-12-KIT $103.6 Connectpro - 2PORT USB INDUSTRIAL-GRADE KVM - UR-12-KIT

8212490RC 7 Ft. Industrial Grade Refrigerator Water $25 7 Ft Industrial Grade Refrigerator Water Hose

Bullet Sterling Silver Industrial Barbell $12.5 INDUSTRIAL LENGTH BARBELL BODY JEWELRY. This high quality industrial length barbell is awesome with its two toned silver bullet. Suitable for many piercings. The bullet is quality crafted from .925 Sterling Silver and the barbell is made from 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel for your protection. Barbell Size: 14 Gauge (1.6mm) Barbell Length: 1.5" (38mm) Brand: FreshTrends Age: Adult Condition: New

Little Giant 15025 Industrial Grade Combination Ladder Lock $49.99 Industrial Grade Combination Ladder Lock - 15025

Casino Dice Sterling Silver Industrial Barbell $12.5 INDUSTRIAL LENGTH BARBELL BODY JEWELRY. This cool industrial length barbell features a single casino die. This barbell is perfect for the player in you! Suitable for many types of body piercings, this industrial project bar is of the best quality you will find. The barbell is crafted from 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel for your protection. Barbell Size: 14 Gauge (1.6mm) Barbell Length: 1.5" (38mm) Brand: FreshTrends Age: Adult Condition: New

SKULL 925 Sterling Silver Industrial Piercing Barbell $9.99 INDUSTRIAL LENGTH BARBELL. Add a personal touch to your piercing with this funky industrial length barbell. The sterling silver charm is polished to a mirror shine. Suitable for many types of body piercings, this industrial project bar is of the best quality you will find. The barbell is crafted from 316L surgical grade stainless steel for your protection. Barbell Size: 14 Gauge Barbell Length: 1.5" Brand: FreshTrends Age: Adult Condition: New

Arrow and Skull White Industrial Project Bar 40mm $6.99 Arrow and Skull White Industrial Project Bar 40mm Surgical steel industrial piercing barbell. 14 gauge surgical steel ear project barbell. Project bars work for multiple piercings. Simply insert each end of the barbell into each hole to wear piercing. Remember, do not pull through the hole. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 40mm Length, Enamel Coated, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel Industrial Barbell Body Jewelry

Snowflake Surgical Steel Industrial Project Bar 40mm $4.99 Snowflake Surgical Steel Industrial Project Bar 40mm Stainless Steel industrial piercing barbell. 14 gauge surgical steel ear project barbell. Project bars work for multiple piercings. Simply insert each end of the barbell into each hole to wear piercing. Remember, do not pull through the hole. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 40mm Length, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel Industrial Barbell Body Jewelry

Cute Gecko Sterling Silver Industrial Barbell $10.99 INDUSTRIAL LENGTH BARBELL BODY JEWELRY. Got Geckos? This adorable industrial length barbell showcases a small, incredibly cute .925 Sterling Silver gecko, that will steal the show. The barbell is crafted from 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel. Barbell Size: 14 Gauge (1.6mm) Barbell Length: 1.5" (38mm) Brand: FreshTrends Age: Adult Condition: New

Red Eye Snake Sterling Silver Industrial Barbell $12.5 INDUSTRIAL LENGTH BARBELL BODY JEWELRY. This original industrial length barbell is sure to get a second look. This barbell is useable in many different body piercings and the snake's gleaming blood red eyes are awesome! The barbell is crafted from 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel. Barbell Size: 14 Gauge (1.6mm) Barbell Length: 1.5" (38mm) Brand: FreshTrends Age: Adult Condition: New

Logo Stars Industrial Barbell 40mm $4.99 Logo Stars Industrial Barbell 40mm 14 gauge surgical steel ear project barbell. Project bars work for multiple piercings. Simply insert each end of the barbell into each hole to wear piercing. Remember, do not pull through the hole Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 40mm Length, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel

Logo Poker Industrial Barbell 40mm $4.99 Logo Poker Industrial Barbell 40mm 14 gauge surgical steel ear project barbell. Project bars work for multiple piercings. Simply insert each end of the barbell into each hole to wear piercing. Remember, do not pull through the hole Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 40mm Length, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel

Logo Skull Industrial Barbell 40mm $4.99 Logo Skull Industrial Barbell 40mm 14 gauge surgical steel ear project barbell. Project bars work for multiple piercings. Simply insert each end of the barbell into each hole to wear piercing. Remember, do not pull through the hole Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 40mm Length, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel

Linzer 449RC1059 Industrial Grade 9 Inchroller Cover 34 Inch Nap $19.1 Moisture and solvent resistant cores. Nap Length: 3/4 . Material: Polyester Fabric. Applications: General Purpose. Size: 9 . Used With: All Paints.

2 (51mm) Steel Industrial Barbells - 14 Gauge $5.99 This 14 Gauge Industrial Length Barbell is of the highest quality. This barbell is crafted from surgical grade 316L stainless steel for your safety. Various lengths available to suite your needs. Body Jewelry Basics at Unbeatable prices! Barbell Size: 14 Gauge (1.6mm) Brand: FreshTrends Age: Adult Condition: New

1 (25mm) Steel Industrial Barbells - 14 Gauge $5.99 This 14 Gauge Industrial Length Barbell is of the highest quality. This barbell is crafted from surgical grade 316L stainless steel for your safety. Various lengths available to suite your needs. Body Jewelry Basics at Unbeatable prices! Barbell Size: 14 Gauge (1.6mm) Brand: FreshTrends Age: Adult Condition: New

Logisys SR30 3-Section Industrial Grade Ball Bearing Sliding Rail Kit $24.99 Features: Cabinet with 18" deep extends to approximately 30" Adjustable arm length up to 45" L shaped brackets (8" x 1") included. Parts: 1 year limited Labor: 1 year limited

Bolt Surgical Steel Industrial Project Bar 32mm $2.99 Bolt Surgical Steel Industrial Project Bar 32mm Stainless Steel industrial piercing barbell. 14 gauge surgical steel ear project barbell. Project bars work for multiple piercings. Simply insert each end of the barbell into each hole to wear piercing. Remember, do not pull through the hole. Specifications: 14 Gauge (1.6mm), 32mm Length, 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel

MALTESE CROSS 925 Sterling Silver Enamel Industrial Piercing Barbell $9.99 INDUSTRIAL LENGTH BARBELL. Add a personal touch to your piercing with this funky industrial length barbell. The sterling silver charm is polished to a mirror shine. Suitable for many types of body piercings, this industrial project bar is of the best quality you will find. The barbell is crafted from 316L surgical grade stainless steel for your protection. Barbell Size: 14 Gauge Barbell Length: 1.5" Brand: FreshTrends Age: Adult Condition: New

PEACE SIGN 925 Sterling Silver Industrial Piercing Barbell $9.99 INDUSTRIAL LENGTH BARBELL. Add a personal touch to your piercing with this funky industrial length barbell. The sterling silver charm is polished to a mirror shine. Suitable for many types of body piercings, this industrial project bar is of the best quality you will find. The barbell is crafted from 316L surgical grade stainless steel for your protection. Barbell Size: 14 Gauge Barbell Length: 1.5" Brand: FreshTrends Age: Adult Condition: New