Only a licensed engineer, or registered architect, by State Law, can evaluate a structure and specify corrective action.

Section 7202 of New York State Education law states that, only a person licensed or otherwise authorized under this article shall practice professional engineering or use the title, 'Professional Engineer.'

Only businesses wholy owned and operated by licensed professional engineers can provide engineering service.

www.op.nysed.gov/pefaq.htm

WHAT IS AN ENGINEER?;

Engineer is NOT a generic term. An engineer must complete a minimum four year approved college curriculum and, after an additional four years of working experience under a licensed engineer, pass a 16 hour examination on engineering principles.

Engineers providing home and building inspections will make an evaluation of structural, mechanical, and electrical systems and components, in addition to all of the other elements of the home or building. This will provide the buyer with a clearer understanding of the building's condition without delay and extra cost.

At Joseph Schmitt, Consulting Engineers, we will recommend corrective action as well as provide an expected cost for any corrective action recommended.

The following are the requirements for an home inspector working with Joseph Schmitt, Consulting Engineers:

• Completion of a four year approved college curriculum
• Four years of working experience under a licensed engineer
• Successful passing of a 16 hour examination on engineering principles

All our inspectors at Joseph Schmitt, Consulting Engineers are required to be licensed Professional Engineers with at least one year of experience in home inspections under the supervision of Joseph Schmitt.

WHAT IS AN HOME INSPECTOR?

An home inspector is anyone who chooses to become an home inspector. Trade organizations, such as the ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors, provide certification for home inspectors through a short course in inspections, usually a week or two. No prior education or experience is required to become an ASHI home inspector. The following excerpt from the ASHI website defines the non-specific qualities ASHI requires of home inspectors:

“This is what it takes to become an ASHI home inspector:

• Doesn’t want to be tied to a desk all day
• Has a desire to run a small business
• Is interested in construction and how things work
• Has a technical mind and likes to figure things out
• Is organized and clear-thinking
• Enjoys meeting and helping people, and
• Is willing to learn and take initiative?

If that sounds like you, then now is the perfect time to start taking steps toward a challenging and rewarding career in home inspection!”

The following is an excerpt from the ASHI website: “3.2     The inspector is NOT required to provide an engineering service or architectural service offer an opinion as to the adequacy of any structural system or components.”

By New York State Law, an inspector cannot provide this service.

If the inspector cannot give an opinion as to the adequacy of any structural system or component, what is the value of the inspection other than defining the systems and components of the house?  Our engineers are qualified by both their education and experience to determine the adequacy of structural systems and components.  If a deficiency is suspected, an inspector must refer you to an engineer for evaluation and recommendations of necessary corrective action.  As an engineering firm, Joseph Schmitt, Consulting Engineers is qualified to provide this kind of evaluation at the inspection.  No extra steps or appointments are necessary to fully determine the condition of the house. 

In fact, the ASHI website outlines the ASHI home inspectors Standards of Practice, clearly defining components that the ASHI inspector is not required to inspect.  Almost all of the items specified in these lists are items standard in our home inspection practices. 

Choosing an Home Inspector

• Look for membership in NABIE, the National Academy of Building Inspection Engineers.  All members of NABIE must be licensed Professional Engineers (P.E.) Or Registered Architects, (R.A.).
• If your agent recommends an inspector, be aware that unless you are represented by a buyer’s agent, most real estate agents are contractually obligated to represent the seller.
• If you have engaged an attorney, he or she may have recommendations.
• Ask how long the inspector has been doing home inspections
• Ask to see a sample of the kind of report they will generate.
• Ask if the inspector carries Professional Liability Insurance

Things you should know when purchasing property or a home: 

1. If getting a referral from anyone other than your attorney, you should be given the names of three or four qualified engineers, not just one.
2. It is advisable to have an accepted offer before ordering an engineer’s inspection.
3. When you get an accepted offer, try to have the seller agree to reimburse you for the inspection fee, if for any reason, the house is taken off the market or sold to another buyer.
4. Although every deal is different, a buyer usually has ten days to two weeks from when an offer is accepted until the contract is signed; enough time to choose an engineer or attorney of you choice.
5. One should avoid being pressured into accepting an inspector because he or she can “get it done right away.”
6. Although it may not be necessary, it is helpful to be present at the time of the inspection.
7. Unless you are represented by a buyer’s agent, most real estate agents are contractually obligated to represent the seller.
8. Inspection should be done before contract signing - not beforeclosing.  Before the contract is signed any deficiencies the engineer may find can be defined and corrected.
9. When purchasing an “as is” on a foreclosed property, it is important to have an engineering inspection.  You then know what “as is” means.  Also. There are certain conditions that the banks or mortgage companies will not finance.
10. Additions or extensions such as decks and pools are not always built with the proper town permits.  Therefore, a building inspector may not have had the opportunity to evaluate the structure for soundness or conformance with current building codes.  The buyer should be made aware of this possibility.
11. Choose an engineer that is available by phone at the time of the closing so that any questions or problems that may arise can be clarified.
12. Make sure that you get a narrative written report from your home inspector or engineer. A check sheet or verbal report gives you no recourse if the inspection is negligent.

A WORD ABOUT FEES

At Schmitt Engineering our fees are generally in line with other engineers who spend as long as necessary to  provide a complete and  thorough evaluation of the home or building. Our reports are in narrative form specific to the property inspected including description of any corrective work needed with budget figures for completing the repairs.

There are inspectors who will zip through an house for $150 to $300 and hand you a brief pre-printed check sheet with check marks.

There are also inspectors who will provide an 80 to 100 page report which is primarily boiler plate general information. In such reports it can be difficult to find the important information specific to your prospective property.

If you would like to see a sample of our reports please contact our office by email or telephone.

An home is the single most important purchase most people will make. It pays to get the best evaluation and information available.

As a result of the New York State Disclosure Law most sellers will give the buyer a $500 credit in lieu of completing the disclosure form. This can be used to offset the cost of a thorough quality inspection.