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Martin P.
Hewitt
Certified ASHI Member No. 202935
Click here to
verify
Martin is also a Master CREIA Inspector (MCI) member of the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA). The Master CREIA Inspector designation is the highest possible rating that can be obtained through CREIA. This designation is only given to those inspectors that have obtained many hours of additional training, performed a minimum 1000 inspections, maintained regular CREIA membership for a minimum 2 years, and have been tested for knowledge above and beyond the already high standards set for the regular members of CREIA.
Martin has served as a CREIA Chapter President, CREIA Regional Director, and has also served on the CREIA Board of Directors.
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Martin P.
Hewitt,
Master CREIA Inspector No. 39
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What Does Your Home
Inspector Do?
Following are some of the systems and components ("items") that are inspected and reported on during the course of our inspection. These items are examined for material defects that would significantly affect the value, desirability, or safety of the home:
1. Foundations, basements and underfloor areas- including but not limited to: foundations and support components; ventilation; insulation; access openings; wood separation from soil; drainage and sump pumps; seismic anchoring and bracing.
2. Building exteriors- including but not limited to: surface grade; hardscaping; site drainage; wall coverings; doors and windows; attached appurtenances (decks, balconies, porches, stairs, railings and walkways, etc.).
3. Roof coverings- including but not limited to: roof coverings; flashings; vents; skylights; roof penetrations; roof drainage.
4. Attic areas and roof framing- including but not limited to: framing and sheathing; access openings; insulation; ventilation.
5. Plumbing systems- including but not limited to: supply, waste and vent piping; plumbing fixtures, faucets and drains; water heating equipment; functional flow of water supply; functional drainage at fixtures; gas piping and connectors.
6. Electrical systems- including but not limited to: service conductors, service equipment and capacity; panels and overcurrent protection devices; service and equipment grounding; wiring; switches: receptacles and light fixtures.
7. Heating systems- including but not limited to: heating equipment; venting systems; combustion and ventilating air; energy sources and connections; distribution systems.
8. Central cooling systems- including but not limited to: cooling equipment; distribution systems; energy sources and connections; condensate drainage.
9. Fireplaces and chimneys- including but not limited to: chimneys; flues and dampers; fireboxes, hearth extensions and accessories; solid-fuel and gas-burning appliances.
10. Building interiors- including but not limited to: walls, ceilings and floors; security bars; ventilation; doors and windows; stairs; railings; cabinets and counters; safety glazing; smoke detector placement; laundry provisions; built-in appliances.
For more detailed information about what it is we inspect (and do not inspect), you can download a copy of the CREIA and/or ASHI Standards of Practice at the links provided below (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).
CREIA Standards of Practice
ASHI Standards of
Practice
If you click on the link below, you can download and review a copy
of the Standard Real Estate Inspection Agreement used by Camelot.
Please don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions
concerning this agreement.
Standard Real Estate Inspection
Agreement
Once we've completed the inspection, the home inspection report will follow directly, usually within 24 hours. Our detailed narrative report, which includes photos, takes the guess work out of reading an inspection report, making it easier for you to better understand the condition of the home and assist you in your purchase decision. If you wish, we can speed up the delivery process by sending you the report via email or you can download it directly from our website.
If we have not yet convinced you that you are far better off using the services of Camelot than those of a competitor, we urge you to compare our inspection report with the reports issued by the other companies in the area. You will soon discover that most companies are still issuing their customers a report that is commonly referred to as a "checklist". Not only is this type of reporting method considered obsolete, it is the reporting system preferred by most new and inexperienced inspectors.
To view a sample Inspection Report issued by Camelot Home Inspection Services, please click on the link below.
Sample Real Estate Inspection
Report
Copyright (C) 1994-2011 Camelot Home Inspection Services.
All Rights Reserved.
Website Terms of Use
Are you under the impression that all home inspectors are equally qualified and knowledgeable? Did you know that there is no regulation of home inspectors in the State of California? That's right — there is no such thing as a State licensed or certified home inspector. Fortunately, there are two very legitimate home inspector associations (ASHI and CREIA) who independently train, test, and certify home inspectors. These certifications do NOT come easy, or cheaply. Do NOT be duped into hiring a low-cost "home inspector" who lacks ASHI or CREIA certification. This is NOT the time to go bargain hunting. And please, ignore those who try to convince you that "certification" from associations such as InterNachi are a credible substitute.
A home inspection
is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and
systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation. Having a home
inspected is like giving it a physical check-up. If problems or
symptoms are found, the inspector may recommend further
evaluation. The standard home
inspector's report will review the condition of the home's heating
system, central air conditioning system (temperature permitting),
interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic, and
visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the
foundation, basement, and visible structure. The purchase of a
home is probably the largest single investment you will ever make.
You should learn as much as you can about the condition of the
property and the need for any major repairs before you buy, so that
you can minimize unpleasant surprises and difficulties afterwards.
Of course, a home inspection also points out the positive aspects
of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to
keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much
clearer understanding of the property you are about to
purchase. If you are
already a home owner, a home inspection may be used to identify
problems in the making and to learn preventive measures which might
avoid costly future repairs. If you are planning to sell your home,
you may wish to have an inspection prior to placing your home on
the market. This will give you a better understanding of conditions
which may be discovered by the buyer's inspector, and an
opportunity to make repairs that will put the house in better
selling condition. The inspection
fee for a typical one-family house varies geographically, as does
the cost of housing. Similarly, within a given area, the inspection
fee may vary depending upon the size of the house, particular
features of the house, its age, and possible additional services,
such as inspection of a swimming pool, spa, or additional secondary
structures. It is a good idea to check local prices on your
own. However, do not let
cost be a factor in deciding whether or not to have a home
inspection, or in the selection of your home inspector. The
knowledge gained from an inspection performed by an experienced,
long-term ASHI inspector is well worth the premium fee that he or
she usually commands over less skilled home inspectors. Ultimately, it is
the inspector's qualifications, including his or her experience,
training, and professional affiliations, and the type of report
that he/she provides that should be the most important
considerations, not the fee that is charged. In the end, you will
get what you pay for. Even the most
experienced home owner lacks the knowledge and expertise of a
professional home inspector who has inspected thousands of homes in
his or her career. An inspector is familiar with the many elements
of home construction, their proper installation, and maintenance.
He understands how the home's systems and components are intended
to function together, as well as how and why they fail. In
addition, most homebuyers find it very difficult to remain
completely objective and unemotional about the house they really
want, and this may affect their judgment. For the most accurate
information, it is best to obtain an impartial third-party opinion
by an expert in the field of home inspection. No. A
professional home inspection is an examination of the current
condition of your prospective home. It is not an appraisal, which
determines market value, or a municipal inspection, which verifies
local code compliance. A home inspector, therefore, will not pass
or fail a house, but rather describe its physical condition and
indicate what may need repair or replacement. These days, the
best source is via the internet, using a popular search engine such
as Google. However, the names of local inspectors can also be found
in the Yellow Pages under the heading of "Home Inspection
Services". Real estate agents are also generally familiar with the
service, and should be able to provide you with a list of
inspectors in your area from which to choose. Whatever your
referral source, you will want to make sure that the home inspector
is a Member of the American Society of Home
Inspectors (ASHI) in order to be certain of his or her
professional qualifications, experience, and business
ethics. The American
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) is America's oldest and leading
non-profit professional association for independent home
inspectors. Since its
formation in 1976, ASHI's Standards of Practice have served as the
home inspector's performance guideline, universally recognized and
accepted by professional and government authorities alike. Copies
of the Standards are available free from ASHI. ASHI's
professional Code of Ethics prohibits Members from engaging in
conflict of interest activities which might compromise their
objectivity. This is the consumer's assurance that the inspector
will not, for example, use the inspection to solicit or refer
repair work. In order to
assist home inspectors in furthering their education, ASHI
sponsors a number of technical seminars and workshops throughout
the year, often in cooperation with one of its nearly 50 Chapters.
ASHI also serves as a public interest group by providing accurate
and helpful consumer information to home buyers on home purchasing
and home maintenance. ASHI members are
independent professional home inspectors who have met the most
rigorous technical and experience requirements in effect today. To
become an ASHI Member, an inspector must pass two written
technical exams, have performed a minimum of 250 professional
fee-paid home inspections, and maintained his or her candidate
status for no less than six months. ASHI Members are required to
follow the Society's Code of Ethics, and to obtain continuing
education credits in order to keep current with the latest in
building technology, materials, and professional skills. It is not
necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is
highly recommended. You will be able to observe the inspector and
ask questions directly, as you learn about the condition of the
home, how its systems work, and how to maintain it. You will also
find the written report easier to understand if you've seen the
property first-hand through the inspector's eyes. No house is
perfect. If the inspector identifies problems, it doesn't
necessarily mean you shouldn't buy the house, only that you will
know in advance what to expect. A seller may adjust the purchase
price or contract terms if major problems are found. If your budget
is tight, or if you don't wish to become involved in future repair
work, this information will be extremely important to
you. Absolutely. Now
you can complete the purchase with full peace of mind. You will
also have learned many things about your new home from the
inspector's written report, and will want to keep that information
for future reference. Most of the information above
has been provided courtesy of the American Society of Home
Inspectors (ASHI). The price that
Camelot charges for a home inspection is typically based on the
age, type of foundation (slab or raised), and the total square
footage of the home. We may also take into consideration the
overall general condition, location, sales price, and
ownership/rental history. Employing this type of pricing structure
allows us to remain competitive with other qualified home
inspection companies and still provide you with a level of service
that the others cannot afford to match. Please give us a
call at 805-471-9447 or email us so that we can provide you with a personal
quote. If you would like
us to inspect a swimming pool, a spa, or any additional (secondary)
structures or components, please let us know so that we can include
those items in our quote. If
you would like to have us provide you with a quote by email, please
fill out the form below and we'll respond as quickly as
possible. Payment of
inspection fees are due and payable by cash or check upon
completion of the inspection. If you prefer, you can pay for our
services by credit card or PayPal by clicking the secure link
below.
Ask the inspectors you talk with to provide you with proof of ASHI or CREIA certification (not just paid "associate" status). Look for their names on the ASHI and CREIA websites. If they are not certified ASHI or CREIA members, just keep looking. There are plenty of certified ASHI or CREIA members who have justly earned the right to call themselves "home inspectors" and are truly worthy of your patronage.
Also, ask the inspector you choose to provide you with proof of insurance (both a general liability and an errors and omissions policy). Uninsured home inspectors should be avoided at any cost. Please read our Home Inspection Knol for more information.
What is a home
inspection?
What does an
inspection include?
Why do I need a
home inspection?
What does a home
inspection cost?
The type of inspection report that your home inspector provides is
also an important consideration. A detailed, typewritten narrative
report is far superior to a handwritten checklist report, and is
much easier to understand.Can't I do it
myself?
Can a house fail
an inspection?
How do I find a
home inspector?
What is ASHI?
Who belongs to
ASHI?
Do I have to be
there for the inspection?
What if the
inspection report reveals problems?
If the house
proves to be in good condition, did I really need an
inspection?
Pricing a
Home Inspection
Areas Served
Areas served include Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley Village, Del Rey Oaks, Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Prunedale, Salinas, Sand City, Seaside, and Soledad.
To provide our clients with the best possible home inspection
reports,
we proudly use InspectFaster Home Inspection
Software.