To kick off my new Interview Series, I started with the nuts and bolts (literally) and spoke with my longtime favorite physical inspector, Mike Bashforth.
Lauren: Hi Mike.
Mike: Good to see you Lauren.
Lauren: So, let’s get right down to it. What is covered in a typical home purchase inspection?
Mike: A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive examination of a home’s systems, structures, and components. Keep in mind, a home inspector is a generalist. He is not a code inspector. He will identify defects and recommend consulting with specialist’s in the appropriate trades.
Lauren: What can buyers learn from their inspection?
Mike: Buyers learn the general condition of the structure and what measures to take to correct any defects.
Lauren: Sounds simple enough. What do you wish more buyers (or sellers) would know about a home inspection and the process and results?
Mike: That a home inspection is a snapshot of the home at a specific time. An inspector is there to provide a generalist’s overview of the structure. Also, never hire an inspector that is not a member of a professional organization such as the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA) or the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
Lauren: What’s the most common defect you find in a condo and in an SFR?
Mike: I would say roof issues from minor to major would be one of the most common. All inspections are very different.
Lauren: What is an issue or discovery that is not as big a deal as it seems vs. what is a very big deal? Meaning are there issues a buyer shouldn’t worry about as much and other issues that should make a buyer should cut and run?
Mike: Hmmmm, that’s a sticky one. There are so many different ways to deal with an issue. As a generalist you try not to be an alarmist, but you don’t want to downplay something that might be crucial. If a condition is reported and a specialist is recommended, they may find out the issue is major OR minor. That’s why a home inspector should always stick to their Standards Of Practice. Anything that would be noted in the report as a safety issue would be something to deal with right away.
Lauren: And lastly, what is the strangest thing you’ve ever found during an inspection?
Mike: Wow, where do I start?! Let’s see. An extensive tunneling system from animals in a crawlspace. A live tree with an active sprinkler next to it in the crawlspace of a new home. An entire crawlspace under water from a damaged waste pipe – I didn’t go in by the way. A brick foundation on an early 1900’s four unit building that was being held up by automobile jacks and gravity. I could go on and on!
Lauren: Wow, sounds like crawlspaces can be pretty hairy?
Mike: Yep.
Lauren: Well, thanks so much for your time, Mike. And for being my first interview.
Mike: You are very welcome.
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