The All-Seeing Eye	All-Valley Home Inspections         an affiliate service of the SCV Home Team 'The Home Buyer's Professional Eye' 661-312-9461          Inspections.SCVhometeam.com
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All-Valley Home Inspections is dedicated to providing reliable, detailed and honest Home Inspection services, and further strives to be absolutely the best inspection service in our area.
BASIC FAQs
General Questions What Is An Inspection and What Does It Include? Why Should I Have An Inspection? What Is A Material Defect? What Kind of Report Will I Get... And When? What Are The Inspector's Qualifications? What Geographic Area Does This Inspector Cover? How Much Does An Inspection Cost? When Is Payment for Services Made? Frequently Asked Questions from Home Buyers Why Do I Need An Inspection? When Do I Request An Inspector? Can a Building Fail The Inspection? What If The Report Reveals Problems? If The Report Is Favorable, Did I Really Need An Inspection? Can I Inspect The Building Myself? Should I Attend The Inspection? Frequently Asked Questions from Home Sellers As a Seller, Do I Really Need To Hire A Home Inspector? Home Seller Disclosure Obligations How Does An Inspection Ease The Transaction For A Home Seller? Do I Have To Repair Everything Wrong With The House? Will You Do The Home Inspection For the Replacement Home I Buy? Frequently Asked Questions from Realtors Should I Leave the Selection of Home Inspector to the Buyer? Why Should I Include Ray Kutylo and All-Valley Home Inspections in My Recommendation? Is The Inspector Also A Licensed Realtor? Is That A Problem? Do You Have A Brochure I Can Download and Print For My Clients? General Questions A Home Inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects affecting its safety, livability, or resale value. Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to or during the inspection process. A home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection and not the determination of future conditions.A home inspection will not reveal every problem that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the day of the inspection. They are not designed to disclose cosmetic deficiencies (for example, an interior wall that needs paint touch up or the condition of carpeting, which often is obscured from observation by furniture or rugs). You will need to determine on your own those type of items that will need attention: don't expect a whole house inspection to reveal them to you.  A complete inspection includes a visual examination of the building from top to bottom. The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, electrical system, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors. Options include swimming pools and spas and detached buildings. Only those items that are visible and accessible by normal means are included in the report. Our observations are communicated to you simply, clearly, and completely. We explain the differences between significant and cosmetic items. We will answer any and all of your questions during or after the inspection process. A Material Defect is a problem with a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system or subsystem is not by itself a material defect. An Inspection Report shall describe and identify in written format the inspected systems, structures, and components of the dwelling and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals. All-Valley Home Inspections uses the best computer software available to the industry, InspectVue R3. Our comprehensive and easy-to-read narrative reports typically run 25 to 40 pages in length and include digital photos as needed for illustration. We preface our Full Report with a Summary Report that highlights our most important findings, although we strongly urge our clients to read the full report. This inspector is trained and qualified to do your home inspection. Ray Kutylo is an experienced inspector, having done his first inspection in the late 1970s and well over a thousand since then. He has continued to update his knowledge through specialized training in all aspects of the industry through coursework, industry seminars, and field training. Ray also has over ten years experience as an independent contractor, specializing in residential renovation and energy conservation as a certified energy auditor. Ray is a certified FEMA inspector. More recently, Ray has had another ten plus years of experience working with home buyers as a Realtor. With this range of experience and training, Ray has examined thousands of homes on behalf of homeowners and home buyers using his Professional Eye. In addition, every reporting system commonly used in the California home inspection industry was evaluated before Ray chose the InspectVue R3 report system for his clients. It is by far the most comprehensive reporting system available and our clients love it! The Inspector covers the northern Los Angeles area. The Home Buyer's Professional Eye inspects residential property in the Santa Clarita Valley, north including Palmdale, Quartz Hill and the Lake Elizabeth area west to Fillmore, and south including the San Fernando Valley from Agoura Hills and Simi Valley to Glendale, Pasadena, and Crescenta Valley. CLICK for map of coverage area. Regarding the Cost of Inspections: All-Valley Home Inspections considers the size of the building, particular features of the building, age, type of structure, etc. as well as other features of the property to be inspected including a pool and/or spa or outbuildings in determining the inspection service charge. The range of prices goes from just under $200 to $500. However, the cost should not be a factor in the decision whether or not to have a physical inspection. You might save many times the cost of the inspection if you are able to have the seller perform repairs or provide a credit based on significant problems revealed by the inspector. Consult your professional Realtor for guidance. All inspection companies do not charge the same amount, and the quality of the inspectors and their reports also vary widely. We provide great inspections and reports for a modest price. Payment for inspection services is made prior to the inspection and at the time when a Standard Inspection Agreement is signed. Checks are to be made payable to 'Ray Kutylo'. FAQs from Home Buyers Why Do I Need An Inspection? The purchase of a home is one of the largest single investments you will ever make. You should know exactly what to expect --- both indoors and out -- in terms of needed and future repairs and maintenance. A fresh coat of paint could be hiding serious structural problems. Stains on the ceiling may indicate a chronic roof leakage problem or may be simply the result of a single incident. The inspector interprets these and other clues, then presents a professional opinion as to the condition of the property so you can avoid unpleasant surprises afterward. Of course, the inspector may also point out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the type of maintenance needed to keep it in good shape. After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of the property you are about to purchase, and be able to make your decision confidently. When Do I Request An Inspector? The best time to consult the inspector is right after your offer to purchase has been accepted. The real estate contract allows for a grace period to inspect the property. Ask your Realtor to include this inspection clause in the contract, making your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional inspection. Can a Building Fail The Inspection? No. A professional inspection is simply an examination into the current condition of your prospective real estate purchase. It is not an appraisal or a Municipal Code inspection. An inspector, therefore, will not pass or fail a home, but will simply describe its condition and indicate which items will be in need of minor or major repairs or replacement. What If The Report Reveals Problems? Nearly every home inspection report will reveal information previously unknown to the buyer. If the inspector finds problems in a home, it does not necessarily mean you shouldn't buy it, only that you will know in advance what type of repairs or maintenance items to anticipate. A seller may be willing to make repairs because of significant problems discovered by the inspector. If your budget is tight, or if you do not wish to become involved in future repair work, you may decide that this is not the property for you. The choice is yours. You will need to discuss your options with your Realtor. If The Report Is Favorable, Did I Really Need An Inspection? Definitely! Now you can complete your purchase with peace of mind about the condition of the property and its equipment and systems. You may have learned a few things about your property from the inspection report, and will want to keep that information for your future reference. Above all, you can rest assured that you are making a well-informed purchase decision and that you will be able to enjoy your new home the way you want. Can I Inspect The Building Myself? Even the most experienced home buyer lacks the knowledge and expertise of a professional inspector who has inspected hundreds, and perhaps thousands of homes and buildings in their career. An inspector is equally familiar with the critical elements of construction and with the proper installation, maintenance and inter-relationships of these elements. Above all, most buyers find it difficult to remain completely objective and unemotional about the home that they are purchasing, and this may lead to a poor assessment. Similarly, the buyer may have friends and/or relatives who are in the construction industry, but they are rarely objective about property condition nor are they trained in performing a complete inspection or preparing a professional report. Should I Attend The Inspection? It is not necessary for you to be present for the inspection, but it is a good idea and you are encouraged to attend. The inspector believes it is of great value to the buyer to be able to see any problems that are found, not just read about them in a report. Also, you will have the opportunity to see cosmetic deficiencies (if any), and do things like measure rooms for furniture. You will learn about your home purchase and get some tips on general maintenance information that will be of great help to you after you've moved in. FAQs from Home Sellers As a Seller, Do I Really Need To Hire A Home Inspector? Truth is, many sellers do not obtain a home inspection prior to listing their home for sale and leave it to the buyer to hire a home inspector on their own. However, I have gotten more and more requests for pre-listing and pre-sale inspections from the sellers. I see three primary situations where sellers hire a home inspector: when the house needs a lot of work, when the home needs no work, and when the seller just doesn't know much about the home. When a home needs a lot of work of the deferred maintanence variety, sometimes Sellers want to document the problems, hire contractors or handymen to fix it, and then have a re-inspection to show that they did fix the problems and didn't just throw paint over the problems to cover them up. This type of diligence and openness can be rewarded with higher selling prices by buyers. There are homes that need no work, but the seller wants an inspection to make sure. I often find things that the seller has no idea is there, or is a common situation that comes up regularly, like recommended GFCIs or water heater seismic bracing. Sometimes more serious items do come up that can involve more costly repairs. In both instances, the sellers provide the home inspection as part of their disclosure obligations.  The final category would be sellers who aren't familiar with their property such as out-of-area investors, REOs, and others who want an inspection to determine rehab or R&I needs. Does An Inspection Affect Home Seller Disclosure Obligations? As a seller you are legally obligated to disclose all items that may affect the buyer's decision to buy, with few exceptions. You are also obligated to provide to the Buyer any reports in your possession on the condition of the property, including any home inspections. You should consult with your professional listing Realtor regarding your disclosure obligations. How Does An Inspection Ease The Transaction For A Home Seller? Before the home is put on the market just knowing some of the things that will likely come up in the buyer's home inspection will help you, and perhaps spur you to fixing the items before an offer comes in. In this market, with so many choices available for the buyer, getting problems fixed first may help sell your home faster and with fewer problems. Do I Have To Repair Everything Wrong With The House? You should consult with your Realtor who has listed your home. As an Inspector, my job is to inspect and report what I see. Negotiations, if any, should be done under the provisions of your sales agreement and in consultation with your professional Realtor. Will You Do My Home Inspection For the Replacement Home I Buy? Yes. I often get new inspection clients when the sellers of a home see the type of home inspection that I do for their buyers. Call me at 661-287-9164 and we can schedule an appointment. FAQs from Realtors Should I Leave the Selection of Home Inspector to the Buyer? Just as you guide the Buyer in the choice of escrow company, mortgage company, title company, and other professional services, so should you guide the Buyer in the choice of home inspection companies. If you have used AVHI before, you know our work. If you haven't referred us yet, please include us among the two or three inspection companies for your buyer to try. National Association of Realtors analysts note that many brokers recommend at least three inspectors to buyers to reduce liability for assigning only one to them. If you have examined our website or seen our reports, you know that we approach our business with professionalism, training and experience. Why Should I Include Ray Kutylo and All-Valley Home Inspections in My Recommendation? It comes down to four reasons: fair and objective reports, timely response, fair pricing, experience. My reports are among the best available, and there is only one inspector working in our local area who I regard as better than I am. He uses the same inspection report format, but he tops me with length of time as an inspector and general experience. I was first involved in the building trades in the early 1970s and have worked with buyers, sellers, inspectors, contractors and Realtors for a very long time. I have been specifically trained for inspections, and have continued that training. My first inspections were in the late 1970s and I have done well over a thousand since then. Is The Inspector Also A Licensed Realtor? Yes, Ray Kutylo is a licensed Realtor affiliated with Keller Williams VIP Properties in Santa Clarita. The inspector does not provide inspection services for his own real estate clients. Furthermore, the inspector will not contract for inspection services for a home buyer where either either the listing or selling agent is a Keller Williams VIP Properties Realtor. We do not want to be involved in any situation where there is either a conflict of interest or a perceived conflict of interest. When we are hired as an inspector by the buyer, we work exclusively for the buyer to provide a fair and objective inspection report. Do You Have A Brochure I Can Download and Print For My Clients? Of course! AVHI brochure All-Valley Home Inspections looks forward to being your home inspection service!