1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?
Home inspectors come and go. Richard D. Malin & Associates has been in business since 1985. We are one of the oldest and most trusted home inspection companies in the Greater Pittsburgh area. We are a long-time firm that is here to stay. You can be assured we will be around to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have down the road.
2. WHAT ARE YOUR INSPECTORS' QUALIFICATIONS?
All of our inspectors are state compliant with Act 114 - Pennsylvania Home Inspectors Law in accordance with state regulations. Our inspectors are all certified ASHI® members, and all have graduated from programs at Pennsylvania universities.
3. MAY I FOLLOW ALONG AT THE INSPECTION?
YES! We actually encourage you to attend. This is a valuable learning experience for home buyers. It is the perfect opportunity to ask specific questions about the condition of the home. Where defects are identified, the inspector can discuss these with you so that you understand what repairs are required, when they should be done, and at roughly what cost. If an inspection firm won't let you go to the inspection, don't use them.
4. ARE YOU CERTIFIED MEMBERS OF ASHI®?
Yes, our inspectors are ASHI® certified. Richard Malin is a charter member of PRO-ASHI® (Pittsburgh Regional Organization of the American Society of Home Inspectors) and has moved through all of the offices and earned the presidency of the chapter in 1992. He remains active on the PRO-ASHI® board of directors. Richard is Certified ASHI® Member #118. More information about ASHI®.
5. DO YOU DO REPAIRS OR RECOMMEND CONTRACTORS?
We are an investigative consulting firm specializing in home inspections. We consider it a conflict of interest for a home inspection firm to recommend themselves or to refer a contractor to perform repairs. We offer an unbiased opinion on the condition of the home. We accept no referral fees from anyone.
6. HOW MUCH DOES AN INSPECTION COST?
Our typical fee for an inspection is $295. Some factors, such as the size of the house, will affect the fee. If you are comparing home inspection firms, the fee charged should not be the sole deciding factor. We suspect the house you are buying is not the cheapest house but rather a house that you feel represents good value. We urge you to choose your home inspector the same way. Our rates.
7. HOW LONG DOES AN INSPECTION TAKE?
A typical home inspection takes between 2 and 3 hours. Some older and/or larger homes may take longer. As a courtesy to the seller, they should be informed of the time involved once the inspection is arranged.
8. DO YOU PROVIDE A WRITTEN REPORT?
Yes. Our report is ready for you upon completion of the inspection itself. There is no delay. We use a comprehensive report writing system, The Home Reference Book, that our clients have found to be essential in assisting them in their decision to purchase. It is also a valuable reference during your ownership of the property. It includes a one page summary of the condition of the home, nine reports dealing with the major systems of your home, and 400 pages of reference material corresponding to our recommendations.
More information on the Home Reference Book.
9. MAY WE CONTACT YOU WITH QUESTIONS AFTER THE INSPECTION?
Absolutely. We would be glad to answer any questions you might have after the inspection or even after you move into your new home. Contact us
10. WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT DURING THE HOME INSPECTION?
We inspect the major systems of the house including the Roof, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Insulation, and Interior. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical purchaser's buying decision. We will add significantly to your knowledge of the home. Home inspections are entirely visual. No destructive testing is performed. The inspection and report will put you in a much better position to make your decision.
11. CAN YOU PROVIDE ME WITH ANY REFERENCES?
Certainly. We have been performing home inspections in the Pittsburgh area since 1985 and have had thousands of satisfied customers. We will be happy to provide you with references from previous clients.
Testimonials from our clients.
12. DO YOU DO TERMITE INSPECTIONS?
Yes, we will inspect for termites and other wood boring pests for any evidence of termite/pest damaged wood or current infestation.
13. DO YOU LOOK FOR UFFI?
The only way to guarantee that UFFI (Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation) is not present somewhere in the house is to remove all of the interior finishes. Obviously, this is not possible. Looking for application holes or drilling the odd hole is not enough. If we should see evidence of a UFFI installation or uncover a material we suspect to be UFFI, we will inform you. If you are interested, we can send you our very well researched article on UFFI. Please be wary of companies who offer to guarantee that no UFFI is present in a home!
More information about UFFI.
14. DO YOU PERFORM RADON INSPECTIONS?
Yes. If you wish to have a radon test erformed, please let us know. Since this is not part of the normal inspection, there is an additional fee of $135.00. We use only Sun Nuclear monitors the most state-of-the-art radon monitors available. Radon will be continuously monitored for the EPA-required 48 hours. These tests are more accurate than charcoal canisters or e-perms tests, and they are tamper resistant.
More information about radon testing.
15. DO YOU PERFORM INFRARED THERMAL IMAGE INSPECTIONS?
Yes, We have the latest state-of-the-art IR camera . It is used for detecting moisture and its source in foundations, walls and ceilings. This camera will also find missing insulation and sources of heat loss. Since this is not part of the normal inspection, there is an additional charge for this service.
More information about Infrared Thermal Imaging.
The 8/6/08 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published an article entitled, "Inspect home inspector's credentials". The article contains helpful information about the positive qualifications (or lack thereof) to be aware of when choosing a home inspector. Pointers are given from consumer-friendly groups such as the Better Business Bureau and the Pennsylvania Home Inspectors Council. To read this informative yet cautionary article, please go to: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08219/902151-94.stm.
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