Our Story
As a business owner I believe it is very important to accurately Identify the answer to the question of “why?”. Why did I start THIS business? With over twenty years working in a variety of professional positions, I looked to find an industry in which I could not only utilize but also pass on as much useful information as possible to others in a way that will help them not only improve their lives but improve the community in which we all live.
I come from a family with strong beliefs and convictions. A common sentiment that has been passed down within my family is that everything you do has your name on it, and in the end, all you have is your name. Because of this, I knew I had to develop a business wherein I could harness the skills and knowledge from my past; and utilize them in a manner that fits well with my own core values. My objective is to build a business that provides services with not just monetary value to the customer, but intrinsic value to the whole of the community.
One of the elements necessary to provide that value to our customers and to the community is a commitment to always treat our clients and the community at large with respect.
We all live together in a society that is filled with challenges at every corner. This same community also contains within it a wealth of information that if shared properly can improve the quality of life for everyone in the community. I want to apply this principal to EHI, forming a business model which focuses on and promotes: equality and equity; the sharing of information and knowledge; ownership in community; responsibility for the community; and stewardship for the environment we live in. And does so with honor and integrity.
The marriage of these beliefs with my experience and skills provides a unique opportunity for me to build a company to be proud of.
How?
Next, as a company, EHI had to determine “how” we were going to achieve our vision – what we set out to do.
One of the keys to making this happen is sticking to several core values including ensuring that we as a company stay current with our own education, as well as changes within the industry. In the building trades, standards for construction and safety change on a regular basis; in addition, there is a continual influx of new discoveries. Similarly, with advancements in technology, there is a wide variety of equipment available to provide extremely accurate and important information. Thermal inspection imaging is a technology that we apply to the Inspection process and offer to our clients as an opportunity to assess the energy efficiencies in their home. Using infrared technology, EHI can conduct a Thermal Inspection that will reveal sources of energy loss in your home. By ensuring that EHI stays current in respect to both education and technology, we can be certain we will be able to meet the needs of our customers. This leads us to the next important step in how we plan to accomplish our goals.
I want the home inspection process to be more than a “checklist”, to be truly an education. When a customer orders a home inspection, the question is why? It should not be because they are looking to complete the “checklist” of things you do when you buy a home. Even brand new homes have problems; no house is entirely perfect. When getting a home inspection, the customer has a right to expect a true introduction to and education about the home they are considering buying.
If you were to compare it to dating, the showing of a home would be like a date. You get to see the home, see what it looks like and get a general feel for what the home will be like. Now when dating, you do not go from 1 or 2 dates to marriage, (typically!). Over the course of the dating and courtship process you determine if this person is compatible with you and your lifestyle before you make a long-term commitment. Just as with people, homes have personalities, traits, even faults. When purchasing a home, we do not have the luxury of being able to “hang out” with the home for many months before we make that decision. A home inspection, a GOOD home inspection is like getting an interview with your dates’ doctor and therapist to find out exactly what gems are hidden beneath the surface. With a date, you shower, dress up, and put your best foot forward. Before you make a commitment you really want to see what is behind the “Sunday best” clean up.
I believe that just as every person has a “mate” out there, for every home for sale, there is a buyer who would love to make that house their home. When you change the purpose of the inspection from a list of “broken parts” or a pass/fail paradigm, to one of educating the buyer about the personality and character of a home, the buyer can begin to appreciate the finer points of the home, and start looking at the “issues” as parts of that home that they either can or cannot accept. For instance, on an 1890’s Victorian style home, I may find pages upon pages of “problems” from outdated mechanicals, to inefficient windows and insulation. But none of these things necessarily indicate the home is bad or will be a nightmare for a new owner. By properly educating the buyer on that era home, and what can be expected over the years, the buyer(s) can then choose if the historic style and character of such a period home is right for them as homeowners. For a person willing, able, and excited to preserve history, the detail and craftsmanship of that home may well fit their personality and skills much more than a modern 2000’s site condo that is structurally maintained by an association.
While as a company we offer a plethora of services, it is not our goal to sell as many services as possible to every customer. Instead, we focus on listening to our customers in order to understand their concerns and prerequisites, so we can identify the services that will truly meet their individual needs. The services we provide offer us a unique opportunity to spend time with buyers. Our goal is to use that time to provide as much education about the home and even the community they are considering. Once we understand what the customer is looking for, only then can we begin to effectively share our knowledge with them. Together we can choose the best services and ensure that our services will provide them with the maximum benefit for the long term.
Our goal is to educate our customers not just about our services, but more importantly to familiarize them with their new home and how it functions as a complete system. It is only with this education that EHI will be able to truly realize our goal of not just making our customers happy with our service but helping them be better citizens of the world. Our aim is to teach our customers how to operate their home in the most efficient manner possible; thus making their home better and safer for them, the environment and the community.
Credentials
• The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI®) “promotes a high standard of professionalism, business ethics and inspection procedures”. Members in good standing complete continuing education courses annually and complete an examination every three years.
• ASHI “inspectors…have passed the most rigorous technical examinations in effect today”. The ASHI inspector will provide you with a report “that is valuable, informative and educational”.
• Insured – We are fully bonded and insured so that you can feel confident and protected.
• Over 20 years experience in the construction industry, including commercial, residential and industrial.
With a construction repertoire expanding from foundations to rooftops,
• With both the Owner and staff of EHI having held Realtor licenses, and having worked as both commercial and residential real estate agents, we are able to bring solid inside knowledge, enabling us to provide a finished product that exceeds the industry standard.
• Pet-Friendly
• Small, local Michigan company
• Expert Home Inspections is a personal service home inspection company whose mission is to provide our customers with prompt, accurate, responsive, quality service.
• We are a small company with the ability and experience to provide quick, accurate personalized service.
• You will not be a number at Expert Home Inspections. We treat each customer and their concerns individually.
• We will make your concerns ours
Certified Inter NACHI Inspector and ASHI Member
