Mike Chamberlain is the owner and lead home inspector at MC2 Home Inspections, who has been proudly serving and protecting home buyers since 2007. We recently spoke with Mike about how the home inspection industry is evolving and how technology is playing a role in these changes.
Tell us a bit about yourself. Why did you decide to become a home inspector?
After spending much time sitting behind a desk in the corporate world, I decided to make my experience and passion for homes work for me. I have an extensive background as well as formal training in construction. I truly enjoy helping people through the home buying process, and it is very rewarding to save home buyers from making a potentially bad investment.
What are some of the home inspection issues that you’ve come across more frequently over the last five years or so?
Without question, the largest issue I have seen over the course of the last five years are electrical DIY jobs gone bad. Many times, homeowners will try and save money or cut corners by doing work themselves. The problem with this is that if you are not familiar with the type of work you are doing, you are more apt to make mistakes that will come back to haunt you come home inspection time.
What’s the most unusual home inspection problem that you have encountered?
Over the last ten years or so doing home inspections, I have certainly seen my share of “unusual” problems. One of the funniest DIY jobs I have ever seen was a DIY light fixture in the basement of a home that used a flexible dryer duct as the conduit.
What are some of the problems or issues that an inexperienced home inspector may be more likely to miss?
Home inspectors who are just starting out need to pay particular attention to the structure and foundation of the home, especially when it comes to finished basements. Many times, there are clues that are present during a home inspection that can lead you to a structural or foundation issue; but if you do not know what to look for, it can cost you big time!
How is technology changing the way that home inspectors perform their duties?
There are many different types of software programs out there designed to help home inspectors by allowing them to work smarter, not harder. The key is finding the right software for you. Besides software, there are many high-tech tools available to home inspectors (such as volt meters). It is important to realize that these tools only help in diagnosing problems, but they should not be totally relied upon. If there is a potential issue that is found, it should always be “further reviewed” by an appropriate contractor who specializes in that particular area.
What is your opinion on the use of infrared cameras and/or thermal imaging devices during a home inspection?
I personally do not use infrared cameras as I believe that their use conflicts with nationally-recognized standards of practice for home inspectors. It is important to always remember that a home inspection by definition is a “visual” assessment of the home and its readily available systems.
What’s your philosophy for dealing with realtors, homeowners, or building companies who expect a home inspection to be completed within hours of them calling you?
We always do the best we can to accommodate those “last minute” requests. However, if you are a reputable inspection company who has been in business for a while, odds are your schedule is pretty full (especially during March through November). If we can get it in, we will do so; but in many cases, it is not feasible to schedule a home inspection so quickly.
Do you think the home inspection business will change significantly over the next decade or so?
I do believe the industry is changing, albeit very slowly. More and more inspection companies are relying less on Realtors for their referrals and more on direct contact with the general public. With all of the information available to consumers concerning conflicts of interest, it is only a matter of time until this practice of Realtor referrals is obsolete.
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