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pr Bougog Citizen -- Tuesday, March 38, 1098 -- 95 4 pa [0] [=H 2 {= e)Y/: Na [eo] ES Take care in hiring a home inspector Choosing a qualified and ethical home inspector is the newest challenge facing buyers in today's real estate market, according to a recent statement by Jules Falcone, spokesperson for the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). ASHI, a non-profit professional society made up of individual, Pp home inspectors, is the only international organization which tests and screens inspectors based on technical and professional requirements, and grants membership only to those who meet its demanding criteria. Falcone stated that in today's booming home inspection marketplace, not every home inspector is truly qualified to perform inspections, and that . ASHI membership is therefore the most important prerequisite to look for in selecting a home inspector. "Most consumers," he said "are not able to judge the professional qualifications and experience of a home inspector, and can be too easily impressed My a good sales pitch or contrived testimonials." The home inspector's best training, Falcone said, doesn't come from a book, {t comes from field waparanc "Neither warranties nor\ insurance policies can take the place of the knowledge and experience gained from such hands-on education," Falcone declared, "and that's what makes a truly qualified home inspector." A qualified home inspector, he explained, is a genetalist who knows _how a homg's many if it needs to be updated. He can identify wet basement problems and recommend solutions, He can explain the importance of attic and house ventilation to protect the building's structure, and how to conserve energy without "suffocating" the house. And, along the way, he'll provide valuable maintenance advice to help the home buyer preserve and enjoy his or her new home in the yearsito come. "Now that home inspections have become accepted real estate practice in so many parts of the U.S. and Canada," said Falcone, "ASHI's concern is to educate buyers about selecting a home + 'and ts work together and how they stand the test of time. A professional home inspector who is a member of ASHI has the expertise to tell the buyer not only whether the electrical service is proper and has the necessary protection devices, but Allen's Sidinga family run business Established in 1969 as a family business, Allen's Siding Products ~ Ltd. has grown from what was * once a two-man operation to a corfiplete home improvement and window renovation business with 15 employees. In the 1970s, Allen's Siding business was about 80 per cent they will carry a life-time guarantee. The owners of Allen's Siding Products pride themselves on a proven track record and personal service to all their tustomers. Service, quality and reliability are their top priorities. And getting the job done on time to tiafact siding and 20 per cent wind However, those figures have changed which led Allen's to open a second business called The Window Warehouse. Allen's Siding features high energy efficient windows and doors, solariums, aluminum and vinyl siding, soffit, fascia and 'trims. The company prides itself on dealing with reputable suppliers when buying windows to insure Multi-Job Dream Machine ANN lh, UTICA FARM HQUIPINENT LIMITED 2 Mise West of Manchester On Durham 21 (905) 988-9701 bobaat INTE HE yD INADVE RTI the of the customer always is a priority as well. Allen's Siding Products is located in the Reach Industrial Park on Durham Road 8, west of Port Perry. Call 985-3333. p who is qualified. Currently, an inspector's membership in ASHI is the most widely accepted" indication of qualification." Falcone explained that ASHI's requirements for membership are rigorous, including the performance of at least 250 paid professional home inspections and the successful completion of written exams which test the applicant's knowledge of building systems and components, report writing and the ASHI Standards of Practice, and the diagnosis of house and building defects. Once granted membership, inspectors are expected to continue their education, and are d to earn 40 ship renewal credits every two years in order.to keep current with new technology and building practices. Their professional capability is measured against ASHI's national Standard of Practice, which is universally 'recognized as the benchmark of performance in the home inspection profession. Furthermore, ASHI's strict Code Licensed Carpenter ONHWP Reg'd Builder Flontek & Son A family business that you can trust. BETTER BUILT HOMES - ADDITIONS RENOVATIONS - SPECIALTY WOODWORK 985-9020 painting needs." You oan depend on us!" . a \ 'FREE' CONSULTING SERVICE from CASHWAY "If youlrg thinking bout changing your homg.deoor, come into Cashway and 080 me for iriendly advice, estimates A and product Information for your kitchen, bathroom, floor covering and CASHWAY vec Sougog 8 TAE. Mondayo Friday Saturday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM VISA'S MASTER CARD ® AMERICAN EXPRESS B OASHWAY PERRY 906- 7:30 AM 10 6 PM of Ethics protects consumers from potential conflicts of interest by prohibiting inspectors from recommending contractors for repairs, or from 'doing any of the repairs themselves, in homes which they inspect. For more information contact Andy Molloy, C.E.I. 9856-0298. If the selection of a home inspector is made carefully and ahead of time, home buyers will have one less detail to worry about during the chaos and excitement of finding a new home. ASHI suggests that home buyers call several inspectors in their area and interview them in advance to ascertain their qualifications, Here are some important questions to ask. 1. Is the inspector a certified member of ASHI? 2. Will the inspection and report be done in accordance with ASHPs Standard's of Practice? 3, How long as the inspector been in business as a hone inspection firm? 4. In the inspector specifically experienced in residential construction? 5. Does the company offer to do any repairs or improvements based on its inspection? This might cause a conflict of interest. 6. How long will the inspection take? (The average is 1-1/2 to 2- 1/2 hours; anything less isn't enough time to do a thorough inspection.) 7. How much will the inspection cost? 8. Does the inspector supply a written report? 9. Does the inspector encourage the client to attend the inspection? This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal should raise a red flag. 10. Does the inspector participate in continuing education programs to keep his expertise up to date? WOODTECH specializing in CUSTOM KITCHENS, ES BARS MARK BURGER BUS. 985-0420 RES. 986-5327 Ken Carson - Feed & Crop Sales' ® Feed @ Fertilizer ® Chemicals @® Custom Spraying ® Lumber and Building Supplies 172 Reach Ind. Park Dr. PORT PERRY, ONTARIO 'S Allan Howell - Lumber Manager LINDSAY 1-800-465-4419 1-705-324-7761 TIMALLEN borne moon NAKED MAN Plus ... Renovating to help you. [HRIRID 1/2 Water Steet We have a great selection of DO-IT-YOURSELF , Woodworking and Buliding Project Books If we don't have It we'll get it for you ... Just Ask| \YINAA EE OINO10] RAERINI Port en ) IHG ON OUR IALTY PAGE! CUGOG ( ZEN FOR MORE DE TAIL HE DULL