Qualifications

 

As no two doctors, lawyers, electricians etc. are equal in expertise, the same is true of inspectors. Although all licensed inspectors have undergone some training, securing a license is only a benchmark for an individual to reach a minimum threshold. The state has no requirement for an inspector to go beyond the minimum and undergo advanced training and certification. Take some time to review the experience and qualifications of an inspector before you hire one.

 

My Qualifications

 

Profile

With his extensive experience in construction, Keith Gipe has been recognized as an expert in building code interpretation
and training. Keith now applies his knowledge and experience to residential inspections and code consulting. For more than
a decade, he has provided unique perspective needed for building code design solutions. As a former instructor on building
code, he brings a thorough knowledge of the code to every project. In addition to his years as an instructor, Keith is trained
and certified by the ICC as a multi-discipline code inspector. The study and understanding necessary to achieve multiple ICC
certifications and his wide range of experience give him a very practical foundation of code knowledge.

 

Are All Inspectors Equally Qualified?

Engineer vs. Qualified Commerical Inspector There may be a reason to engage an engineer on a commercial inspection if budget allows. A good reason would be if there are specific structural concerns that are known prior to going into a transaction phase. However, bear in mind most qualified engineers will charge a premium to perform a basic real estate inspection. Also consider that a real estate inspection entails more than potential structural concern and an engineer does not necessarily have any more knowledge or expertise with other systems than the most qualified real estate inspector.

Home Inspector vs. Commercial Inspector Commercial building inspection is undoubtedly the most complex type of inspection any inspector will perform. Licensure by the state of Florida does not certify a home inspector to perform commercial inspections, nor does it prohibit them from doing so. Commercial inspections are completely outside the scope of residential inspection standards and the knowledge base of many licensed home inspectors. It is critical you fully understand the commercial credentials of your inspector prior to hiring.

 

The Inspector’s Duty

What sets one inspector or company apart from another? Experience? Training? Customer service? Interpersonal skills? Honestly, these are all important, if not essential. The inspector you choose should have years of construction and inspection experience and have maintained a vigorous program of continuous training. They should understand and be up-to-date on building codes, construction standards and professional practices and standards of care. That being said, they should be there to serve the customer, be their advocate, and present an honest evaluation of the conditions existing at the time of the inspection. This means being fair to all parties. Never exaggerating the truth, but presenting the facts as they understand them in a clear and concise manner. The client should be satisfied that his or her questions have been answered to the best of the inspector’s ability, without conjecture or intentional ambiguity.