By Greg Perry, Eastside Realtor
www.425Realty.com
Jim Merritt has owned WIN Home Inspection Bellevue for over 6 years. He is certified at the highest level from the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI). He is also a graduate of the Professional Association of Building Inspectors training and is licensed by the State of Washington as a Structural Pest Inspector. I recently interviewed Jim about his home inspection career and experiences. Here's what he had to say:
How did you become interested in becoming a home inspector?
I got my start in the building trades while financing my college education, and later continued to buy and rehab real estate for profit. The home inspectors that I hired simply listed deficiencies. I didn't really find this a satisfying experience and knew I could do better. What I strive to do is to explain any deficiencies in the context of the operating aspects of the home. Inspections should never be viewed as "pass" or "fail". Home inspections are simply a good way to advise the client on what issues should be addressed in the context of the overall condition of the home.
What are the most satisfying aspects of your business?
I enjoy working with first time buyers who gain an understanding of how to operate their new home. In addition to showing them the home's systems and components during the inspection, I carefully review all findings and conclusions in a meeting at the end. All inspection reports come with a detailed narrative and digital photographs of the major deficiencies. Afterward, I mail to my client a detailed book with check lists to assist them in the ongoing maintenance of their home.
What are your biggest challenges?
The biggest challenge is to explain what a visual, non invasive inspection is. Our industry has agreed upon standards that spell out the minimum standard of what should be included in a home inspection. Although I always exceed that minimum, it is impossible to see inside a wall or predict the future with certainty. I don't know if the dishwasher will fail next year or if a future wind storm will blow shingles off the roof. But I promise that the client will know much more than they did when they drove up for their inspection.
What are some of the things people should be looking to you for?
My goal is to discover virtually all observable deficiencies, especially major deficiencies in a home's structure, systems and safety. Occasionally manufacturers produce potentially defective products -- exterior siding is good example. I stay on top of all home consumer issues and also stay current with acceptable standards. This is why experience, certifications and ongoing continuing education is so important in the home inspection field.
I enjoy questions from my clients and encourage them stay with me as I inspect their house. I can teach them about the home's systems (electrical,plumbing,heating, etc.), tell them what is good about the home, and of course find the deficiencies. I love to give hints and advice about future care of the home and teach them about ongoing maintenance. I'll put my clients in my hip pocket and share everything. In fact I keep a spare set of coveralls so they can join me in the crawl space if they want to!
Jim Merritt has done many inspections on behalf of our clients and we enthusiastically endorse Jim and WIN Inspections as a 425Realty.com TOP SERVICE PROVIDER!
You can reach Jim Merritt at WIN Home Inspection Bellevue at 425-868-1408 or jmerritt@wini.com
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