Hiring us IS AGREEING to our terms!
HOME INSPECTIONS:
1). The inspection report is furnished at your request in strictest confidence by COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. to you and any designated agents which you have requested for your exclusive use. IN REALITY, THE MAIN PURPOSE OF A HOME INSPECTION IS TO DETERMINE IF THERE ARE SEVERE MECHANICAL AND STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS (INCLUDING MOLD IF HIRED TO DO SO ABOVE AND BEYOND A VISUAL INSPECTION) WITH A HOME OR BUILDING THAT CAN EXCEED FOR EXAMPLE $10K TO $30K OR MORE. IT IS USED AS ONLY A GUIDE FOR DECISION MAKING WHEN PURCHASING A HOME OR BUILDING. IN NO WAY SHOULD THIS BE THE ONLY DECIDING FACTOR. GOING THROUGH WITH THE PURCHASING OF THE HOME OR BUILDING SHOWS YOU UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THE GOOD AND BAD FEATURES THE HOME OR BUILDING POSSESSES. REMEMBER, BUYERS DO NOT OWN THE HOME WHICH MAKES ANY INSPECTION LIMITED. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES OF ANY SORT. YOU ARE HIRING COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC FOR THEIR OPINION OF THE HOME OR BUILDING’S CONDITION AND ESTIMATED COST FOR REPAIRS NEEDED ONLY.
2). The building inspection (survey) is mostly performed according to the guidelines recommended by the American Society of Home Inspectors. It is understood and agreed that COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC., is not the insurer and that the inspection report is not intended or to be construed as a guaranty or warranty of the adequacy, performance and condition or of the longevity of any structure, item or system at the property address. The scope of the inspection is limited to accessible visible portions of the structure and it’s components. It understood that Countywide Home Inspections is being hired for their opinions, suggestions, & advice only. Damages are the sole and exclusive remedy of Client(s). Client(s) agree to pay all legal expenses and reasonable compensation for loss of time that may be incurred by any inspector, owner or employee of COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. as a result of any legal action by the Client(s) where the Client(s) do not prevail.
3). CODES AND UNCOVERED ITEMS: (A) Building Code compliance or non-compliance with governing codes, ordinances, restrictive covenants, and statutes but not limited to local building codes, zoning, and land use, past or present, are not specifically reported on. Within the scope of the inspection, building code compliance past or present is not specifically checked in that this is the responsibility of City or County Officials during the coarse of construction at the time of construction. (B) Further, the following items are not inspected (surveyed): gas or oil operated appliances, heaters, Trailer tie-downs, hot water heaters, pool heaters, underground piping or wiring, burglar or fire alarms, landscaping, proper size and distribution for heating or cooling equipment. The inspection and report do not address and are not intended to address the possible presence of or danger from contamination and other indoor and outdoor pollutants, toxic or flammable chemicals, water or airborne related illness or disease, environmental conditions. The client is urged to contact a competent environment specialist if information, identification or testing is desired.
4). REVIEW OF REPORT: COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. is available by phone to review this report with you the customer during normal business hours.
5). ESTIMATES AND RE-INSPECTIONS: The repair estimates incorporated in the inspection report are not a qualified bid by COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. to provide the repairs. We recommend obtaining qualified bids from a licensed contractor. COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. only performs and supplies inspection services and in accordance with ASHI standards, does not engage in the performance of any repairs or remedial work. Cost estimates are an educated opinion by the inspector and or a certified general contractor and are supplied as a service to the client to allow them to determine the approximate cost of repairs. COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. will return for re-inspection (at an additional cost to the buyer, quoted prior to re-inspection and payable at the time of re-inspection) for the following inspections: Structural, roof, doors and windows, fungus damage repair and/or fireplace. COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. will not re-inspect: Electrical, pool, roof, appliances, plumbing, sprinkler, heating and A/C, septic, seawall or solar. With these inspections, if repairs or replacement have been made, the qualified licensed contractor or manufacturer should supply any written warranties and / or descriptive (repair/ replacement) invoice listing and describing said repairs or replacement before closing or at closing for buyer or buyers agent.
6). COMPLAINTS: The Client(s) agree to notify COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. in writing of any complaints or items in question within 3 days of discovery (post marked) of the first week of occupancy and to allow COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. and the inspector access to the property to evaluate these items before corrective actions (if any) are taken. THIS ONLY APPLIES IF NO ONE WAS STILL LIVING IN, OCCUPYING, OR WORKING IN THE DWELLING DURING OR AFTER THE INSPECTION DATE, AND OR IF THE DWELLING IN QUESTION WAS FILLED WITH CONTENTS BLOCKING THE VISUAL INSPECTION IN ANY WAY. Immediate repair should be made in life threatening situations. In other than life threatening situations, Client(s) failure to permit COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. to re-inspect the item in issue shall mean that Client(s) has waived any claim against COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. with respect to that item. In no event shall any action be brought against COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. for a breach of this Agreement at any time beyond two (2) weeks (14 days) after the date of this Agreement.
7). PAYMENT: PAYMENT IS DUE THE DAY OF OR BEFORE INSPECTION, COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. shall be entitled to interest at the highest rate allowed by law until full payment is received. In the event it is necessary to bring any legal action in order to enforce payment rights, COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS INC. shall be entitled to recover in addition to the amount claimed in interest, it’s attorneys; fees and costs including paralegal fees in bringing this action. THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS AFTER THE INSPECTION HAS BEEN PERFORMED.
8). MOLD INSPECTION: NOTE: A mold inspection will only be performed if hired to do so. (STAGE 1) – The Home or Building will be inspected for the presence of mold from some type of damage (IF HIRED TO DO SO AT AN ADDITIONAL COST – VISUAL ONLY – NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AREAS VISUALLY MISSED BECAUSE OF CONTENTS BLOCKING). (STAGE 2) – Air Quality Testing (IF HIRED TO DO SO AT AN ADDITIONAL COST) Bioaerosol testing will be performed to evaluate the presence and level of airborne fungi (mold) that could source from mold and mildew that may be present in the home or building. Laboratory analysis will be performed to determine the species and concentrations of mold within the home or building. The measured levels will be compared to industry guidelines and standards to evaluate whether elevated levels are present and to determine id fungal amplification has occurred above normal or background levels. (STAGE 3) – Is the same as Stage 2, but the air will be tested between the walls (at an additional cost per room).
COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS CAN ONLY RECOMMEND THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS FOR MOLD DETECTION IN A HOME OR BUILDING. IT IS UP TO THE PERSON OR COMPANY HIRING COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS THAT WILL ULTIMATELY DETERMINE WHICH METHOD IS USED. SOME METHODS ARE LIMITED IN DETECTION OF MOLD AND MOLD SPORES. COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS ONLY REPORTS ON VISUAL FINDINGS AND OR SUPPLIES A LABORATORY REPORT IN OR ON THE AREAS WHERE THE STAGE 1, 2, AND OR 3 TESTS WERE PERFORMED.
COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTIONS IS NOT AND WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR UNTESTED AREAS OR TESTED AREAS WHERE A MORE IN-DEPTH METHOD OF TESTING SHOULD HAVE BEEN USED TO DETERMINE MOLD OR MOLD SPORES PRESENCE. THERE ARE NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.
9). PURPOSES OF EACH INSPECTION (except mold):
Structural and Foundation Inspection: To identify major deficiencies in the condition of visible structural members which effect their load bearing capacity, and major deficiencies in the structural assembly or sub-assemblies. Foundations are examined above ground levels, but no opinion can be made on sub surface, structure. ie., footings or piers. Exterior and Interior General Inspection: To identify those defects not otherwise covered in this report that may severely affect the habitability of the dwelling or that in the inspector’s opinion may cost more than $1000.00 to repair. Inspection does not include storm windows or doors, shutters, awnings, interior doors, fences, safety glazing, geological and vegetation conditions on property, or outbuildings. Roof System: To identify major deficiencies in the roof system and its component parts. Electrical System: To identify major deficiencies in the electrical system. This does not include Malibu lighting or controls, low voltage systems, alarms, or smoke detector systems. Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning: To identify major deficiencies in the central heating and cooling systems which do not require detailed heat-loss / gain analyses. This inspection does not include electronic air filters or heat recovery systems for Hot Water Heaters. Appliances: To identify major deficiencies in the condition of listed appliances. Longevity of appliances is not projected. Appliances of seven years or older are generally past their expected life span, and continued reliance and function cannot be determined. Plumbing System: To identify major deficiencies in the interior plumbing system. Pool System & Spa: To identify existing, observable problems with the pool structure, visible piping, filtering devices, and circulating equipment. This inspection does not include surrounding concrete pool patio slabs. Settlement cracking is common on these monolithic, unsupported concrete pores, and generally presents no problem unless settlement has been greater than normal. To identify existing, observable problems with the spa structure and its components. Sprinkler System: To identify major deficiencies in the condition of the sprinkler system.
WIND MITIGATIONS, 4PT INSPECTIONS, ROOF CERTIFICATES:
Our Licensed Inspectors are collecting information for the Insurance Companies. We only report on the information found on the clients property and or documentation given to us by the client. Additional information is also found at their building dept. All that any inspectors do from any company pertaining to these inspections is just that.
CLIENT (Home Owner) acknowledges that Countywide Home Inspections Inc. IS NOT liable for and incorrect or lack of necessary information retrieved from their building dept. Countywide Home Inspections Inc. will also NOT be held liable for any damage or missing items on said property that is being inspected. Reports are usually completed in just a few days but can take as long as 10 days or more because of building dept. delays. We have no control over their building dept.’s service or lack of. If client comes across needed documentation with in a 12 month period, Countywide Home Inspections Inc. will gladly update their reports free of charge.
“WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU”
~ OPTIONAL~
Sometimes the info that is needed for Insurance Discounts (Wind-Mitigation & Roof Cert.) is not available to us from the Building Dept. or Product Manufacturer. A more in-depth search is needed. Below is a list of additional info needed from you for more Insurance Discounts. Some Discounts can be very large! “THIS IS TOTALLY UP TO YOU!”
We will come back for “Free” to update your reports with in a year’s time.
** IF YOUR BUILDING DEPT. CHARGES A “FEE” FOR PERMIT INFORMATION OR RESEARCH IS NEEDED WITH A PUBLIC REQUEST INQUIRY OR IN SOME CASES YOU HAVE TO PHYSICALLY GO TO THE BUILDING DEPT. “YOU” WOULD THEN BE RESPONSIBLE IN GETTING THAT NEEDED INFORMATION TO US FOR THOSE INSURANCE DISCOUNTS! “THIS IS TOTALLY UP TO YOU!”
- WE NEED Attic OR Soffit access to view “Truss to Wall Attachment” (straps, etc.).
- WE NEED Attic OR Soffit access to view “Decking Nail Depth and Spacing”.
- WE NEED Documentation to prove windows, doors OR shutters etc. are “Large Missile Impact”. Ex: Detailed Permits, Detailed Receipts with NOA info, Manufacture product decals on product. Proof of “Roof Replacement” in a DETAILED Receipt.
- WE NEED Proof of “Secondary Water Resistance” under your existing roof cover. Receipts and photos. Ask Your Roofer.
- WE NEED Roof Permit #, Application Date, Completion Date.
What makes us better than the rest? We only charge one flat rate for one or all three insurance reports and we will update your reports for free with in a 12 month period for and updates made.
We thank you for the opportunity to serve you!
COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTION INC – TAKES GREAT CARE WHEN PERFORMING AN INSPECTION OF ANY KIND AND WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY POSSIBLE DAMAGE THAT MIGHT OCCUR DURING AN INSPECTION. THE CLIENT ASSUMES ALL RESPONSIBILITIES. COUNTYWIDE HOME INSPECTION INC. WILL NOT INSPECT AREAS THAT ARE CONCLUDED TO BE DANGEROUS OR NOT ACCESSIBLE BY IT’S INSPECTORS.
HOME INSPECTION LIC – HI117
RADON INSPECTION LIC – R2201 – RETIRED
INSURANCE ADJUSTER LIC – P125032 – RETIRED
** The costs provided in this summary are for the convenience of the client for comparison only. The costs are shown as a Low to High range based on national averages, professional knowledge or previous experience. This is not an estimate for repairs. There is no guarantee that these prices are accurate and should not be relied upon in lieu of a professional estimate. It is recommended that repair estimates be obtained by qualified contractors specializing in the type of repair needed.**
Credentials – S.O.S. RESTORATION INC. (OWNER) : OVER 40 YEARS IN THE RESTORATION OF FIRE, SMOKE AND WATER DAMAGE CLAIMS FOR THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY (INVOLVING INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL RESTORATION OF DWELLINGS) AFTER MAJOR CATASTROPHES
