Nov. 23, 2007 - An Interview with Craig Stivale of Alpha Home Inspections

An Interview With A Top Las Vegas Home Inspector

Today we are talking to Craig Stivale of Alpha Home inspections. He has agreed to answer some questions to give us an inside look at the home inspection business.

Chris: Hi Craig, and thank you for taking time to answer a few questions for my readers. Tell us a little about yourself.

Craig: Hi Chris, I have been raised in the construction business starting at an early age so I guess you could say it's in my blood. When I moved to Las Vegas years ago I took my state test for inspector of structures and passed with high grades, so I went to work for a national franchise and stayed there for a few years and then started my own business. It's been great.

Chris: How did you get into the business?

Craig: My farther owned a construction company and I started as a laborer. So I know the building process from top to bottom.

Chris: Has business slowed down since the market has slowed a little?

Craig: Yes, but I've noticed so has the competition. I think the market is cleansing it's self at this point.

Chris: I have heard listing agents say to their seller, "a home inspector will nit pick and always find
something wrong just to justify getting paid." How would you respond to this?

Craig: I agree - great point and some will. I don't. I approach each inspection like I was buying the home for myself, I am very through yet I do not include cosmetic issues like dirty carpets section... If there is a problem like a cracked roof truss for example, I will take a picture with an arrow pointing to that broken truss.

Chris: Why should a buyer pay for a home inspection?

Craig: To reassure themselves that they are buying a safe home that is up to code and that includes fire safety and to address potential problems.

Chris: If someone purchased a brand spanking new home, they should be OK, right?

Craig: NO!!! By all means have a new home inspected. I have seen plenty of structural defects not to mention plumbing leaks along with HVAC issues. When you do your final walk through with the builders representative they will not be looking for anything but cosmetic. A home inspection will find these issues before you get moved in.

Chris: Take us through an inspection on say a single story home of about 1500 sq feet.

Craig: All the built in appliances, HVAC, plumbing, electrical (breaker box) all outlets including GFCI, attic framing, insulation's, trusses, fire walls of the garage, lot drainage, mold, pests, the list goes on and on.

Chris: Sounds very through. What is the worst thing you have ever found?

Craig: Several broken roof trusses where the entire attic was covered in mold.

Chris: Wow bet the new homeowners were glad you found that. I know mold can have serious affects on your health. Is there a builder in town that consistently has very few things wrong?

Craig: Yes, I would say Pulte and Toll Brothers's are our best builders.

Chris: That is good for buyers looking to buy in the valley. If they are buying resale it would be good to ask their Realtor® to look into these builders and the subdivisions they have built. In my previewing of new homes I was always impressed with Pulte.

Chris: I want to thank you Craig for giving us some insight on the home inspection business. For people moving to Las Vegas and buying a home how may they contact you to get your fine services?

Craig: Feel free to visit my web-site Alpha Home Inspection in Las Vegas . Thank you for the chance to talk with your readers. I hope I can be of service.

Nov. 21, 2006 - Home Inspections

Home inspections.  They are a cost to the buyer but as a Realtor® I always suggest that a home inspection is done. A home inspection is meant to educate about the current condition of the home.  An inspector can find things that need repair or maintenance.  These repairs should be taken care of by the current owner before close of escrow.  Your Realtor®  should write an addendum to the contract on any findings that worry you.  Some inspection companies will also go through the operation of systems in the home.  Some are also available afterwards for any questions that may arise. These are some of the items that are checked during an inspection.

1. Structure                                                   11. Sprinkler systems

2. Heating and Air-Conditioning                      12. Interior floors, walls and ceilings

3. Electical systems                                        13. Fireplaces

4. Plumbing systems                                      14. Kitchens and bathrooms

5. Foundation                                                15. Built-in appliances

6. Basement/crawlspace                                  16. Pools and Spas

7. Roofing and flashings

8. Attic and ventilation

9. Exterior finishes

9. Garage/carport

10. Patios/decks/balconies

Jun. 7, 2006 - What ia a Home Inspection?

Home Inspections

A home inspection is a professional, complete visual examination of all the systems and physical structural elements of a home.  Identifying exsisting or potential problems that could affect a purchaser's buying decision.

Do I need a home inspection?

A home is the single largest purchase most people will ever make.  It only makes sense to find out as much as you can about the house you are interested in before you buy.  You can avoid costly surprise repairs and problems with your new home.  A professional inspection will give you a clear picture of the many systems and structural elements that make up the property.

 What does a home inspection include?

Checks on the heating and air conditioning systems, plumbing, electircal systems, roof, foundation, attic, visible insulation, walls, doors, windows and all visual structures.