After three decades of swinging a hammer, central Oklahoma carpenter and home repair expert, Mark Morris, is launching Oklahoma’s newest home inspection company, My Favorite Inspector. As a Certified Property Inspector, with the International Association of Home Inspectors, Morris adds over 120 credit hours of inspection training to his extensive 35 years of home construction and repair.
“For me, it was just the next step in my professional evolution,” Morris said. “I feel like I’m just getting paid to do the part of the job most contractor’s do for free before the real work starts, assessing the property and suggesting solutions.”
Home inspectors are professionals trained to assess the condition of residential properties. Their primary role is to conduct a thorough and objective examination of a home's various components and systems. Here are some key aspects of what home inspectors typically do:
Inspect Structural Components: They inspect the foundation, walls, roof, and other structural elements to identify any issues or potential problems.
Inspect Exterior: This involves assessing the exterior of the home, including the siding, windows, doors, and any attached structures like decks or porches.
Inspect Roof: Home inspectors examine the roof for signs of damage, leaks, or the need for repairs. They may also check the condition of the gutters and downspouts.
Inspect Plumbing System: They inspect plumbing fixtures, pipes, water heaters, and drainage systems to ensure proper functioning and identify any leaks or concerns.
Inspect Electrical System: This includes checking the electrical panel, outlets, switches, and the overall wiring to ensure safety and compliance with electrical codes.
Inspect Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems: Home inspectors assess the condition and performance of the heating and cooling systems to identify any issues or maintenance needs.
Interior Features: They inspect the interior spaces, including walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows, looking for signs of damage or structural issues.
Insulation and Ventilation: Home inspectors evaluate the insulation in the attic and walls, as well as the ventilation systems, to ensure energy efficiency and prevent potential problems.
Appliances: Inspectors may check the condition and functionality of major appliances, such as the stove, oven, dishwasher, and others included with the property.
After completing the inspection, home inspectors provide a detailed report to the client, outlining their findings and any recommendations for repairs or maintenance. It's important to note that while home inspectors can identify visible issues, they may not uncover hidden or latent defects that could require specialized inspections or testing.
In an industry that tends toward distancing itself from the client, My Favorite Inspector is hoping to set a new tone. “Anyone who passes the test and buys an insurance policy can offer you an inspection, but I’m looking to partner with realtors, sellers and buyers to provide a much needed outside point of view.”
In Oklahoma, home inspectors are required to be licensed by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB). This board oversees the licensing and regulation of home inspectors in the state to ensure they meet certain standards of competency and professionalism. Home inspectors play a crucial role in the real estate process by thoroughly evaluating the condition of a property and providing valuable insights to both buyers and sellers.
Rather than earning his reputation as an inspector by simply pointing out a property’s flaws, Morris say the process can be more cooperative. “I want to provide a realistic view of the conditions and what it will take to improve them. I can’t make the decision for the client, but I want them to walk away with an accurate picture of the decision they are making.”
While every home inspector in OKC is required to follow the state’s extensive standards of practice, they’re not prevented from going above and beyond. “I want to provide more than just a flashy report. I’ve noticed a lot of inspectors seem to thrive on the idea that anything wrong with a home should be a major red flag, but that’s simply not true.”
Home inspectors are expected to adhere to a set of ethical standards to ensure professionalism, integrity, and fairness in their practice. Some common ethical standards for home inspectors include:
Impartiality: Home inspectors should maintain objectivity and impartiality throughout the inspection process, providing fair assessments without bias or undue influence.
Honesty and Transparency: Inspectors are expected to communicate findings truthfully and transparently. They should accurately report the condition of the property, disclose any limitations in the inspection, and avoid misleading clients.
Confidentiality: Home inspectors should respect client confidentiality and not disclose inspection findings to unauthorized parties without the client's consent.
Competence: Inspectors are obligated to possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to conduct thorough inspections. They should stay informed about industry standards, regulations, and best practices.
Professionalism: Home inspectors should conduct themselves in a professional manner, treating clients, real estate professionals, and others with courtesy and respect. They should also dress appropriately and act in a manner that upholds the reputation of the profession.
Conflict of Interest: Inspectors should avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise their ability to provide an unbiased assessment. This includes refraining from performing repairs on properties they have inspected.
Continuous Education: Ethical home inspectors strive for ongoing professional development to stay current with industry trends, technological advancements, and changes in regulations.
Compliance with Standards: Home inspectors should adhere to relevant industry standards and codes of practice, ensuring their inspections meet or exceed established guidelines.
Client Education: Inspectors have an ethical responsibility to educate clients about the inspection process, the significance of findings, and potential maintenance or repair needs. This empowers clients to make informed decisions.
Prompt Reporting: Inspectors should deliver inspection reports promptly after completing the assessment, allowing clients sufficient time to review the findings and make informed decisions.
Adhering to these ethical standards helps maintain the trust and confidence of clients and contributes to the overall professionalism of the home inspection industry.
Those who have questions or would like to learn more about My Favorite Inspector, the company can be found on the My Favorite Inspector website, or by visiting their Google Business profile.
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For more information about My Favorite Inspector, contact the company here:
My Favorite Inspector
Mark Morris
405-535-1456
MarkRMorris2@gmail.com
3711 Grove Ave
Warr Acres, OK, 73122