newer ASHI logo

The newer ASHI logo highlights the "gold standard" of home inspector certification.   ASHI is the only certified home inspector program that has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies - NCCA.

The NCCA evaluates associations for viability and integrity along with certification programs for fairness, reliability and means for re-certification.  NO other home inspection association has met this level of scrutiny or has the ability to issue this level of certification.

Duke Inspection Services sponsors Avon/Avon Lake Relay for Life

Duke Inspection Services is proud to be a sponsor of the Avon/Avon Lake relay for Life to benefit
the American Cancer Society.

June 4th at the Avon Lake High School. 

Radon testing even if you have a mitigation system?

Customers often ask- "Do I need a radon test if the house already has a mitigation system installed?"

The answer is - the house should be tested every 2 years, to make sure the mitigation system is working properly.  This is per EPA and State of Ohio Dept. of Health guidelines.





 

Guess the age

** Stone falling off the siding / cracked siding
** In adequate attic insulation
** Gas leak at the furnace gas supply vavle
** Poorly vented sewer pipes
** Gutters not sloped properly towards downspout
** Missing metal trim at the eaves
** Bent soffit trim allowing a small hole in the roof

How old was the house??  

Less than one year old.   Encourage your friends who have new houses to have them inspected before the one year builders warranty runs out.   This is sometimes referred to as a "punch-list" inspection.

Always look for this logo

Did you know, the state of Ohio does not have a licensing program for Home Inspectors?

At a minimum, always make sure you are working with an inspector certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors.   Look for this logo..    don't accept anything less.

And of course, don't by shy about asking "How long have you been doing home inspections?"  "How many home inspections have you personally conducted?"  "Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau?"
"Do you carry professional insurance?"

Home Inspectors and E&O

When choosing your home inspector, make sure he is covered for any negligence.  This is called Errors and Omissions insurance.  Reputable home inspectors will carry insurance, specific to the home inspection profession that will protect customers if the inspector misses something through negligence or a failure to perform his duties in a manner consistent with industry standards.  This is NOT like a home warranty.  For example, if the oven breaks 2 weeks after the client moves in the house, the E&O insurance is not going to pay for a new oven.  If the item or component was not visible or accessible to the inspector the insurance will not cover it.  If the item in question is outside the scope of the general home inspection, the insurance is not applicable.

Realtors, mortgage lenders' and other professionals who refer inspectors to their clients should make sure the inspector has E&O insurance.. not all inspectors carry this insurance because it can be expensive and it is not required by law in the State of Ohio.

Call David Sipple at Duke Inspection Services if you have any questions.  (440) 937-DUKE

Radon Testing for new homes

Recently, a customer asked if he should test his house for Radon, even though the house is new ( less than 1 year old).   Lets review the recommendations!   The EPA and the Surgeon General of the United States recommend that ALL homebuyers test for Radon.   That means new homes / old homes / homes with basement / homes without a basement / split level homes / homes on a slab / homes in "nice" neighborhoods / homes in "not so nice" neighborhoods.....    ALL homebuyers should test for Radon.     Check out www.epa.gov/radon for more information.    Call Duke Inspection Services at 440 937-DUKE

Critters in the attic

Recently, I was called to a house to inspect the roof for hail damage.  The owner was unaware of a hole in the wood trim, just behind one of his gutters...

He told me he recently had chipmunks removed from his attic - well, his exterminator removed them.

So, this year, when you are cleaning your gutters, or having your gutters cleaned by a service company - keep your eyes open for holes and rotted wood: entry points into your home for critters and rodents.

Call Duke Inspection Services for more information

Keep your roof in shape for Fall

August 2010? Why is time flying by so quickly?

Fall is around the corner, and one thing that is often neglected in the homes I inspect is the roof area and gutters.

Gutters and downspouts need to be kept free and clear of tree debris, that's obvious.. but the roof area needs routine maintenance too.

Keep all flashing sealed, look for missing or damaged shingles, and make sure chimney areas are in shape for the bad weather of fall and winter that is coming soon.

A professional home inspector can inspect your roof if you don't want to get on a ladder or walk the roof area.

For more information - call Duke at 440 937-DUKE.