COHI has over 30 years of residential and commercial construction experience including most phases of the process. Trades include, but are not liited to, site/civil, foundation/concrete flat work, waterproofing, exterior/interior walls, fenestrations (exterior openings), roof systems, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems), interior finishes, etc.   

1. When do we know a home inspection should be required?

A home inspection is a peace of mind knowing a trained and licensed professional has reviewed the major compenents and systems which a new home buyer may overlook in haste to close on a property. Home inspections can uncover potentially life-threatening problems like organic growth, leaky roof, or faulty wiring that could cause a significant fire. 

2. What type of inspections should we schedule?

A general home inspection is a basic place to start, but other items which may be oevrlooked through a standard home inspection should be considered. Does the new home have EIFS or Stucco cladding? Is there a pool /or spa present? Should we consider a WDI inspection? Does the property have utility intergrated photovoltaic solar? These are just some of the items a general home inspection will not cover.

3. If the inspector finds an item(s) in need of repair/replacement, can I hire the inspector to do the work?

Home inspectors should not perform contractor work on a property they performed the inspection on, period. This is a conflict of interest and could be construed as a way to obtain more work from a client when there may not actually be anything wrong with the system or item(s) in question. This and more are covered under Rule 1301:17-1-16 Canons of Ethics (Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules)    

4. What should we look for in a qualified and unbiased inspector?

Home inspectors typically obtain their work through referrals from real estate agents/brokers. COHI does not. COHI is entriely unbiased, this means being free of loyalty to the buyer's agent/broker. Realtors/brokers typically have a list (very short) of 'Preferred Home Inspectors' they like to work with for one reason or another. Having been through several attempts 'pay a fee to be on our list' scenerio several years ago lead COHI to shy away from working with agents/brokers on a regular basis; as a result the agents/brokers don't include COHI and this is okay. And, if I were buying a used car from a dealership and wanted an inspection, I wouldn't let the dealership's recommended mechanic perform the inspection. This and more are covered under Rule 1301:17-1-16 Canons of Ethics (Ohio Laws & Administrative Rules) 

5. Can I come on the inspection?

Inspectors should not have an issue with this, allowing buyers to come along to the inspection can give you an idea what is going on with the home. And this is a great opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and insight on the functionality of the systems being investigated. 

6. How long will the inspection take?

Both the buyer and seller typically want to know this, because everyone has other things going on in your life. Asking about the time is not rude. It shows the inspector that you value your time and theirs. Most home thorough inspections should take apprimately 2-3 hours depending on the property size and number of systems being evaluated.

In the Spring:
• Check for damage to your roof
• Check all the fascia and trim for deterioration
• Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system
as recommended by the manufacturer
• Check your water heater
• Replace all extension cords that have become brittle, worn or damaged
• Check your fire extinguishers
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Review your fire escape plan with your family
• Repair all cracked, broken or uneven driveways and walks to help provide a level
walking surface
• Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function
• Clean clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper, and space under the dryer
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide
alarms

In the Summer:
• Check kids playing equipment
• Check your wood deck or concrete patio for deterioration
• Check the nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs
• Check exterior siding
• Check all window and door locks
• Check your home for water leaks
• Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and
dishwasher for cracks and bubbles

In the Fall:
• Check your home for water leaks
• Have a heating professional check your heating system every year• Protect your home from frozen pipes
• Run all gas-powered lawn equipment until the fuel is gone
• Test your emergency generator
• Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues and check your
fireplace damper
• Remove bird nests from chimney flues and outdoor electrical fixtures
• Inspect and clean dust from the covers of your smoke and carbon monoxide
alarms
• Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce
heat/cooling loss
• Make sure that the caulking around your bathroom fixtures is adequate to
prevent water from seeping into the sub-flooring

In the Winter:
• Clean the gutters and downspouts
• Confirm firewood at least 20 feet away from your home
• Remove screens from windows and install storm windows
• Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other
appliance valves
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer
• Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections
• Clean the kitchen exhaust hood and air filter
• Check the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator icemaker and
dishwasher for cracks and bubbles
• Check your water heater
• Test all AFCI and GFCI devices