AmeriSpec
of Northeast Florida, Inc.
Excellence
in Home Inspections.
We
perform our home inspections with you in mind. From the first contact with our
courteous office staff to our expertly trained inspectors, we promise timely
service, thorough inspections, clearly written reports and a guarantee of
satisfaction. No one does it better!
904-399-3177 or toll free at 1-877-399-3177
AmeriSpec Serving Your Area
AmeriSpec of Northeast Florida, Inc. is the number one
AmeriSpec Office in Florida. Each of our inspectors is certified and utilizes
state-of-the-art inspection equipment to deliver a comprehensive written report.
We welcome the opportunity to serve you and offer a wide range of services.
AmeriSpec of Northeast Florida has been in business serving
homebuyers and sellers since 1992. We have conducted several thousand home and
building inspections and in this business experience counts.
AmeriSpec of Northeast Florida, Inc. is
owned and operated by Charles S. Gifford. Charles has over fifteen years of home
and building inspection and construction related experience in the greater
Jacksonville, Florida area. He is a Professional Member of the American
Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI), is a Registered Professional Inspector with
the Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI) ® and a Professional
Member of the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) ®. Charles
is also a State of Florida Certified Residential Contractor.
We have grown this business one inspection
and one customer at a time. We believe that our continued success, growth and
ever increasing referral base is attributed to this philosophy and our desire to
serve our customers in a professional manner.
Our Office Staff
Our General Manager is Betsy Iodice. She
manages our office and will assist you in making arrangements to select one of
our experienced home inspectors and make scheduling arrangements with the
Realtors® and sellers, if needed. Betsy can be reached at 904-399-3177.
Jessica Mason assists Betsy in her
day-to-day duties, conducts special projects and manages our Marketing Program.
Our Inspectors
Charles Gifford
Charles has over fifteen years of home and building inspection
and construction related experience in the greater Jacksonville, Florida area.
He is a Professional Member of the American Society of Home Inspectors®
(ASHI), is a Registered Professional Inspector with the Florida Association of
Building Inspectors (FABI) ® and a Professional Member of the Southern Building
Code Congress International (SBCCI) ®. Charles is also a State of Florida
Certified Residential Contractor.
Danny Pritchard
Danny Pritchard was a career project manager with several
major commercial contractors in the greater Jacksonville area and was
responsible for some significant buildings in our area. He made a career change
and came to us several years ago and has been a valued asset to this company. He
is also a professional member of the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Raymond Fields
Raymond Fields is a detail
oriented retired Marine Corps Master Gunnery Seargent (over 30 years). Raymond
has several years of inspection experience and he is a professional member
of the American Society of Home Inspectors.
James O'Brien
Jim is one of newest inspectors. He is a detailed and
conscientious inspector who has rapidly become a valuable member of our
team of professional inspectors. Jim is a professional member of the
American Society of Home Inspectors.
Peace of Mind
The home buying and selling process can be very stressful. We
will provide you with a thorough and professional home inspection to make sure
that you are well-informed about the home you are listing or purchasing. You can
rest easy knowing that we have examined your home and reported all findings to
you in our easy-to-read AmeriSpec Report™.
Fewer Surprises
 Nothing
could be worse than suddenly finding out that there are major defects with the
home you are trying to list or buy. We take measures to make sure that you are
very familiar with the home and the condition of its major systems. If you are
listing your home, we can help you feel more secure that there are fewer
surprises about your home's condition. If you are buying a home, we can help you
feel more secure about your home purchase decision.
The AmeriSpec Report™
We understand that listing and purchasing a home take a lot of
your time and energy. That's why we provide you with The AmeriSpec Report™
- a comprehensive summary of your home's condition. The easy-to-read format
makes the report useful as a quick reference tool should questions arise
regarding the home.
Helpful Tips
AmeriSpec also supplies you with a 190-page
"do-it-yourself" Home Maintenance Manual to assist you with home
projects. In addition, we provide you with a Seasonal Maintenance Checklist to
help you care for your home all year round.
Why Choose AmeriSpec?
Choosing a home
inspector within the limited time constraints of purchase agreement deadlines is
difficult. AmeriSpec®
makes scheduling home
inspections easy. Our AmeriSpec® franchise has been conducting
home inspections in the greater Jacksonville area (Duval, Clay, St. Johns and
Nassau Counties and South Georgia) since 1992; and we pride ourselves on
providing our customers with the peace of mind they deserve in the time frame
they need it. That is one of the reasons why AmeriSpec is the Number One Home
Inspection Service in North America.
The home buying and selling process can be very stressful. So,
we provide our clients with a thorough and professional inspection, performed
pursuant to the Standards
of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) to make
sure that clients are well informed about the house they are listing or
purchasing. Our inspectors educate the client about the condition of the home
and its operating systems. Our customers can rest easy knowing that we have
checked over 400 items in the home and reported all findings in the easy-to-read
AmeriSpec
ReportTM. We are also available for complimentary follow-up phone
consultations when needed.
Click
here to view our Inspection Agreement
To view this
document you may need Adobe Acrobat Viewer
Click
here to meet the American Home Shield Team
About AmeriSpec®
 AmeriSpec
is North America's Number One Home Inspection Service. As the recognized
industry leader, AmeriSpec has performed over a million inspections nationwide
and is currently doing an average of 150,000 inspections each year.
AmeriSpec, Inc. was founded in 1987 and began franchising in 1988. The
AmeriSpec corporate office moved from Orange California to Memphis Tennessee in
1996 when it was acquired by ServiceMaster. AmeriSpec has approximately 360
franchises throughout the United States and Canada.
AmeriSpec®
Services
General
Home Inspection: A home inspection helps provide
buyers peace of mind by giving valuable information on the investment they are
about to make. An AmeriSpec inspection provides a visual examination of more
than 400 items in a home from the foundation to the roof. Our inspectors are
trained to perform a professional inspection that meets the highest standards in
the industry-the Standards of Practice established by the American
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
Our 400+ item
inspection findings are packaged in an attractive, easy-to-reference, three-ring
binder. The
AmeriSpec ReportTM-acknowledged by Realtors® as the
gold standard for home inspection reports-features a comprehensive evaluation of
the home, a 192 page Home Repair Manual, a Seasonal Maintenance Checklist,
and a variety of home-related services from our ServiceMaster®
partner companies.
AmeriSpec inspector's go through
extensive training and continuing education, always striving to enhance the
quality of each inspection conducted. AmeriSpec offers the best training in the
industry by combining classroom instruction and hands-on technical training in
our state of the art training facility. To enhance training in the classroom,
AmeriSpec uses a complete educational training system developed specifically for
AmeriSpec by Carson Dunlop and Associates, one of the most respected names in
professional home inspection training.
The Inspector's Top
10 is a website that has useful information identifying the
top 10 defects common in most homes. Know what to fix and
what to avoid whether owning, buying or selling a home.
URL: http://realestate.msn.com/buying/InspectionTopTen.aspx
In addition to general home inspections, AmeriSpec inspectors are trained to
perform a large variety of ancillary services. Ancillary services vary by area
but can include:
Radon:
This inspection includes the placement of testing devices to measure the ongoing
level of radon in the habitable areas of the home. These measurements evaluate
the level of radon to determine if any form of improvement is required. The EPA
document A
Citizen's Guide To Radon (Third Edition) provides the basic information
everyone should know about Radon. For more information on how to reduce your
radon health risk, call your state
radon office for copies of these guides:
If you plan to make repairs yourself, be sure to
contact your state
radon office or visit our publications site for a current copy of EPA's
technical guidance on radon mitigation, "Application of Radon Reduction
Techniques for Detached Houses. "
Another great site for additional information is www.howstuffworks.com/radon.htm.
Carbon
Monoxide: This service
determines if the combustible appliances in the home are releasing harmful
levels of carbon monoxide. Exposure to carbon monoxide reduces the blood's
ability to carry oxygen. Often a person or an entire family may not recognize
that carbon monoxide is poisoning them. The chemical is odorless and some of the
symptoms are similar to common illnesses. This can be particularly dangerous
because carbon monoxide's deadly effects are rarely recognized until it is too
late to take action against them. For more information visit:
Sources of Information on Indoor Air
Quality: Carbon Monoxide (CO)
This page provides information about carbon monoxide.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html
Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a
person in minutes.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html
Termite
& WDI / WDO Inspections:
When obtaining a mortgage or a
mortgage guarantee to finance the purchase of a home, you most likely will be
required to obtain a WDI inspection by the bank, the mortgage company, or the
guarantor (FHA, VA, HUD, etc.).
Although commonly referred to as a "termite
inspection," WDI stands for "wood-destroying insect," and a
proper WDI inspection looks for evidence of infestation by termites, carpenter
ants, wood-devouring beetles, and carpenter bees, as well as evidence of past
infestations, damage to wood, or conditions conducive to infestation. (The term
WDO, for "wood-destroying organism," is also sometimes used.)
Water: This inspection is a limited sampling
of certain water systems and components using normal operating controls. The
purpose of the Inspection is to provide you with information about the condition
of quality of the water of the home at the time of the Inspection. The test will
be performed in accordance with the Laboratory and/or manufacturers guidelines
for the collection of water samples. For more information visit:
Lead in Drinking Water
Answers questions about dangers of lead in drinking water, gives
techniques for reducing lead exposure.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/seahome/leaddw.html
Drinking Water Standards Program
Contains information on standards EPA has implemented on a number
of topics related to Drinking Water.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/standards.html
Ground Water & Drinking Water Homepage
EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water protects public
health and the environment by setting standards for drinking water contaminants
and protecting sources of drinking water.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/
Local Drinking Water Information
Provides local drinking water information for each state.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo.htm
Water on Tap: A Consumer`s Guide to the Nation`s Drinking Water
Report provides information about the quality of U.S. drinking water safety.
URL:http://www.epa.gov/safewater/wot/index.html
Drinking Water contaminants
These fact sheets are about chemicals that may be found in some public or
private drinking water supplies.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/hfacts.html
Septic:
Using current testing protocol, the septic system is subjected to above average
water exposure. The system is evaluated for evidence of above ground septic
breakout. Without a test, clear failure of the septic system is the only
evidence of problems as most components are underground. For more information
visit:
Principles/Design of
Onsite Waste Disposal with Septic Systems
Basics of on-site treatment: septic tanks, drainfields, mounds, and
water conservation.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/seahome/onsite.html
Septic Tank Inspection
and Trouble-Shooting
Some great information a buyer, seller and agent
involved with a real estate sale involving a property with a septic system.
URL:http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt9403.html
Lead Based Paint:
Lead is ever-present in all urban environments due to its pervasive use for
industrial, automotive, and household used over the past 100 years. It remains a
common element in older homes, either as paint, dusts, or in the sites soil. The
presence of lead can only be determined by a professional assessment of the
physical characteristics of the material, such as its susceptibility to damage,
and the potential for interface between the building occupants and the material
is critical to assess the real hazard (and to then define an appropriate
response action.) For more information visit the HUD
Web Site.
LEAD HAZARD INFORMATION
PAMPHLET
This section provides copies of
the EPA Lead Hazard Information Pamphlet, "Protect Your Family From Lead In
Your Home" in various formats.
URL: http://www.hud.gov/lea/leadhelp.html
EPA/HUD Residential
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Program - (Section 1018 of Title X)
Recognizing that families have a
right to know about lead-based paint and potential lead hazards in their homes,
Congress directed EPA and HUD to work together to develop disclosure
requirements for sales and leases of older housing. Under section 1018 of the
Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (also known as Title
X), EPA and HUD published the Federal lead disclosure regulations on March 6,
1996.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/leadbase.htm
Pool/Spa:
This inspection is a visual examination of a pool/spa installation. This review
includes the pool equipment, electrical supply, and pool liner. The equipment is
run, except for the pool heater if the pilot is not lit.
National Spa & Pool Institute
Founded in 1956, the National Spa & Pool Institute (NSPI) is an
international trade association of more than 5,000 manufacturers, distributors,
retailers, service companies, and builders in the pool/spa and hot tub industry.
URL: http://www.nspi.org/
Roof: This test
evaluates the serviceability of the roof in relation to the trouble free useful
life. This inspection includes the entrance of the attic area to determine leak
activity. For more information visit www.roofonline.org.
EIFS:
This inspection is performed to review the application and condition of
artificial stucco on an existing property. It may be a nondestructive visual
inspection, or a destructive analysis. The inspection is performed in order to
reveal conditions conducive to, or the presence of, moisture inside the siding
of the surface. For more information visit:
EIFS
and Building Defects Home Page which has good general information on
EIFS.
EIFS
Industry Members Association who are the makers of these systems.
http://www.eifs.com/
has probably more information than anyone would ever need.
Mold:
This service determines whether harmful mold is present in a home. Exposure to
bacteria and fungus in indoor air has emerged as a significant health problem in
residential environments as well as in occupational settings. Molds and mildews
are names given to thousands of species of filamentous fungi. The molds have
clusters of spores that are located on the end of tiny stalks. The spores are
the reproductive product of the mature mold. The web like body, or mycelium,
attaches to porous surfaces. Mycelia and spores may contain chemical compounds,
some of which can be poisonous and toxic to humans. They can also create a large
range of health problems depending on the exposure and tolerance of the
individual. Spores pose a larger health concern because they become airborne and
can be inhaled. The health related problems associated with exposure to mold
range from allergic reactions, to respiratory tract inflammation and infection.
Some molds can be extremely dangerous such as legionella, which is the cause of
Legionnaires Disease. For more information visit:
Sources of Information
on Indoor Air Quality: Mold
This page provides information
about Mold.
URL: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/moldresources.html
Commercial Property
Inspections: Commercial inspections include properties such as
apartment complexes, motels, office buildings, retail stores and warehouses. The
inspection evaluates the major systems of the property and the visible
structural components; it also catalogs the type and condition of HVAC
equipment. The commercial inspection results in a concise, computer generated,
narrative report of the building's overall condition adhearing to current
ASTM standards.
Guide
E2018-01 Standard Guide for Property Condition Assessments: Baseline Property
Condition Assessment Process The purpose of this guide is to define
good commercial and customary practice in the United States of America for
conducting a baseline property condition assessment (PCA) of the improvements
located on a parcel of commercial real estate by performing a walk-through
survey and conducting research as outlined within this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are answers to frequently asked questions from homeowners
and realtors.
Homeowner Frequently Asked Questions
|
Q.
|
Why should I have a home
inspection? |
| A. |
A home purchase is one of the biggest
investments you will ever make. A home inspection provides you with the
information you need to feel more confident in your decision. An
AmeriSpec inspection will provide you with a detailed, objective report
of the home's condition so you can be aware of what you are about to
invest in. |
| |
|
Q.
|
How long does the inspection take? |
| A. |
A typical inspection of a property less
than 2,000 square feet lasts approximately two and a half hours. |
| |
|
Q.
|
Do I need to be present at the
time of the inspection? |
| A. |
Yes, it is to the buyer or seller's
benefit to be
present at the time of the inspection. The point of a home
inspection is not just to inspect the property, but also to educate the
homeowner or potential buyer of the condition of the property. This can
be better achieved if you are present at the time of the inspection. |
| |
|
Q.
|
How will the inspection help me
determine the condition of the home? |
| A. |
During the course of the inspection, the
inspector will explain the condition o f the property. After the
inspection if performed pursuant to the standards of the American
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the inspector will provide you with
The AmeriSpec
ReportTM so you can make an informed decision on
purchasing or listing the property. |
| |
|
Q.
|
What is included in The AmeriSpec
ReportTM? |
| A. |
The inspector will provide you with a
15-20 page detailed report in an AmeriSpec binder. The report outlines
all major areas of the home including heating, air conditioning,
plumbing, electrical, roofing and more. You will receive a Seasonal
Maintenance Checklist that outlines tips on keeping your home in shape.
The report also contains a 192-page do-it-yourself home repair manual as
well as savings on home services form the Service Master family of
companies. |
| |
|
Q.
|
Why should I choose AmeriSpec over
a local competitor? |
| A. |
AmeriSpec is the number one home
inspection company in North America. We have performed over 1,000,000
home inspections. AmeriSpec's inspectors are professionals trained to
give you an objective view of a home's condition. We provide you with a
detailed report of the findings in our AmeriSpec ReportTM. |
| |
|
Q.
|
What are AmeriSpec's inspector's
qualifications? |
| A. |
AmeriSpec offers the best training in the
industry by combining classroom instruction and hands-on technical
training in a state-of-the-art training facility. To enhance training in
the classroom, AmeriSpec uses a complete educational training system
developed by Carson and Dunlop and Associates, one of the most respected
names in professional home inspection training. Technical training
classes are also held periodically throughout the year to inform
business owners about ancillary services and other inspection
specialties. AmeriSpec inspectors are trained to perform a professional
inspection that meets the highest standards in the industry-the
standards of Practice established by the American
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). |
Realtors' Frequently Asked Questions
|
Q.
|
If I refer AmeriSpec to a
customer, am I liable? |
| A. |
AmeriSpec Inspectors have extensive Errors
and Omissions insurance. Furthermore, we offer additional insurance
coverage to help protect Realtors from claims based upon the inspection.
Realtors, closing attorneys and mortgage bankers must register with
AmeriSpec in order to qualify for coverage. See additional insured
certificate for details on coverage. |
| |
|
Q.
|
Why choose AmeriSpec instead of an
independent company? |
| A. |
AmeriSpec is nationwide. AmeriSpec
inspectors undergo extensive training and are backed by insurance.
AmeriSpec is also a part of ServiceMaster, a Fortune 500 company with
6.5 billion in assets. |
| |
|
Q.
|
How many items are inspected? |
| A. |
Over 400 items are inspected including
foundation, roof, structural components, plus all major electrical,
plumbing and mechanical operating systems of the property. See our Services
section for details. |
| |
|
Q.
|
What will my client receive in
writing as part of the inspection? |
| A. |
The inspector will provide your client
with a 15-20-page computer generated report in an AmeriSpec binder. The AmeriSpec
ReportTM contains a letter of introduction, our
inspection report, a seasonal maintenance checklist and a complete
90-page home repair handbook. |
| |
|
Q.
|
How long does an inspection take,
and does my client need to be present at the time of the inspection? |
| A. |
A typical inspection of a property less
than 2,000 square feet lasts approximately two and a half hours. It is
to your client's benefit to be
present at the time of the inspection. AmeriSpec's job is to inspect
the property and educate the client about the condition of the property. |
| |
|
Q.
|
What are your inspector's
qualifications? |
| A. |
Our inspectors are trained and certified.
Our inspectors adhere to the standards set by the American
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). |
Being Present During Inspections
It is important that you, as a homebuyer, be present during
the two to three hour inspection. By accompanying the inspector you will gain
additional insight.
- See first hand the condition of each key component
throughout the house and property so you will have a better understanding of
your house and of the inspection report.
- Allay concerns about findings which, on paper may seem
distressing buy in fact may be superficial. For example, the inspector might
explain that some lubricant can quiet an alarming noise coming from an
appliance; that an unsightly column needs only a coat of paint, or that the
problem that caused a water spot has previously been corrected.
- Learn about the operation of your new home-how the heating
system works, how to control pilot lights, how to turn on various appliances
and components, where shutoffs are to save time and avoid frustration. The
inspector can point out maintenance needs and procedures and explain how and
when to check items needing periodic monitoring.
- Have all of your questions and concerns addressed
immediately as they arise.
Prior to the inspection, prepare a list of questions or
concerns about the property. Relate these to the inspection company in advance
to ensure that such matters will be properly addressed and that any special
arrangements can be made if necessary. Bring your list to the inspection.
|
