Michigan Home Inspection, Master Home Inspector serving SE MI since 1994
Thank you for visiting... Our clients felt it was worthwhile to scroll through this site... to  get the most from their inspection. You can do likewise.  

    AwfullyPicky.com TM  ... Building and Home Inspection of Southeast Michigan - Where you, our client, are #1 since 1994 - Building and property inspections "Done Right for You" (TM) - (copyright 2008): Congratulations, you have picked the best time to buy a home in 2009. Mortgage rates are low and 1st time home buyers can get up to an $8,000 tax credit. I have recently inspected several good condition - newer homes selling below $60 a square foot.  Many good fixer-uppers sell for even less... and all these homes are in good neighborhoods. Since we are builders, building remodelers, and building scientists, we can talk about conditions, repair, update, repair costs, etc. at your inspection. 

Complete - Accurate - Detailed - Thorough

Free structural evaluation and energy audit (with each building/home inspection)

 Mini inspections also available: Attic, Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Foundation, Structure, Energy Audits, etc.

Foreclosures, Short Sales, Direct Purchases: Residential Houses -  Manufactured Homes - Farms - Commercial buildings - Light industrial -  Apartment buildings - Condominiums, Avoid  condo inspections that omit everything supposedly covered by the homeowners association fees, (roofs, walkways, attic, sump system, foundation, etc.)!  Don't become another surprised, tricked and trapped buyer!

Welcome - even though we are:  Competent, Licensed - Insured - Certified - Reasonably Priced and provide a Service Guarantee, you naturally expect this from all inspectors or professional engineers, (PE), plus more...  we are among the few professional's who actually provide these and more.  Things to know in selecting your inspector or PE .

   You may feel inspections are all the same, but our clients are delightfully surprised by the difference between their previous inspector or PE's work and the AwfulPicky.com experience... an inspection, "Done Right For You" TM. "No soft, average, sugar coated, or run of the mill inspections here." We get our business through satisfied customers and we appreciate your support.

Our services:

- Commercial & residential property condition assessments / home inspections -  Our proprietary camera techniques many times highlight mold infestation not readily observable with the naked eye.

 - New construction: (consultation/blue print, phase, final walk-through and warranty inspections) -

 - Building and condominium association maintenance and reserve fund analysis - 

special Energy Audit offer  - included Free with each home inspection

- Home sale and staging consultations -

 - Inspection training - 

- Out-of-state investor and foreclosed home services -

- Septic system inspections and Radon testing - 

- Termite & wood destroying organism inspections - 

  (Jerry Lootens - Master Home Inspector, Detroit, MI, ASHI member #107997 - J.A.L. & Assoc., Inc. - Home Inspection  & Energy Audits, Corp. offices: 287 E. Square Lake Road, Troy, MI, Michigan 48085, Licensed Commercial and Residential Builders, Roofing, Structure and Foundation Contractors.) 

- Experience the AwfullyPicky.com difference - it's more than just a better inspection - "Jerry, you're a thousand times better than my friend's inspector!!!"  (Ms. J. Miller, Livonia, 2009), Thank you Jennifer for your awesome hyperbole.  <{( :-)}{ Your unsolicited heartfelt exaggeration made my day.

Serving Southeast Michigan clients  since 1994

 248-224-0258 

Fun Fact for 2009: 96% of MI home inspectors do not bring a roof (snow) rake or shovel to inspect on snowy days. Yet many referring Real Estate Brokers and Service Magic supposedly vetted these obviously ill equipped inspectors as "the best" for their customers.  

Real estate concierge services limit their referrals to only their favorite inspectors.  Avoid inspectors who perform the soft inspections some brokers desire. 

To earn a good living, a large percentage of inspectors get the majority of their business from repeat real estate broker referrals, Avoid becoming less important to your inspector than the broker who referred you. Use an independent inspector. One who cares, remains objective, thorough, and cannot be subtly influenced by lucrative referrals. 

 

Fun Fact for 2009: 94% of MI home inspectors who carry errors & omission insurance to supposedly protect you if they make a serous mistake, actually limit their liability and reimbursement to you to the amount of your inspection fee. Referring Real Estate Brokers and Service Magic supposedly vetted these inspectors as "the best" for their customers.  Avoid these inspectors.

Friends and clients: 

call Jerry at 248-224-0258. 

(Jerry's been Green long before being country was cool, hip...  or what-ever. He's just short of an Eco-Nazi! so pick his brain for energy savings and efficiency ideas. He's also a builder, universal living, kitchen, and home & building designer)

 

Free and complete inspection training!!! (see link at page bottom) - Read - Study - Tell your friends. (60 hours of training can make you as knowledgeable as certified inspectors with 5 years experience.)

You don't have to compromise when hiring an inspector: Things to know in selecting an inspector Inspector errors can cost you a lot of grief, money, and unwanted surprises.  In the event of a major error, most Michigan inspectors and their insurance companies require a trick and trap clause in the inspection agreement so that they only have to refund your inspection fee even if the damages cost you tens of thousands of dollars. This is perfectly legal.  The insurance also protects the inspector's referring real estate agent and broker from your claim.  Avoid bad surprises. Many similarly priced inspections require you to take all the risk for inspector errors.  If you take the risk you should get the inspection at half price.  Also watch out for "inspection warranties". Have your attorney review the inspection warranty prior to hiring the inspector, well before its too late and you have no recourse or time to hire a professional.

Take the unwanted surprises out of buying, selling or building.   Buyer's be aware - the $400 home warranties provided you by home sellers usually will not cover the major problems I discover at inspections. Get the most  experienced inspector; one who is independent, concerned for your welfare and not beholding to anyone else.  Excellence does not cost more and may actually cost less at: *Affordable special offers*  

We always answer your question, "Mr. Inspector, would you allow your daughter to buy this house?"

We care about you and your family's well being...  

Friends and clients: call Jerry at 248-224-0258.

New visitors - congratulations on finding a home in 2009... or are you thinking of selling?    We help clients understand the physical condition of their real estate investments.  We tell you like it is, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Allow us to help you make a more informed buying or selling decision...Real estate investments are expensive... we help you avoid surprises, or wasting time and money.  

Please, take some time... surf this site... We know there is an awful lot of information. Give us a call.  We believe in truth in advertising and the honest American way. 

A knowledgeable consumer makes our best client.  We tell you many of the hidden problems and issues that most of our competitors as well as real estate agents, Angie's List, Service Magic and others do not necessarily want you to know.  We aspire to do the best in informing our clients about conditions and the ramifications on the house's future. We always appreciate your feedback. 

We know much of what you want to know.  We are active and licensed builders who also repair and stage homes for sale.  We know the hidden problems and pit-falls that affect buyers and sellers. We have the competence, diagnostic experience, and analytical backgrounds to  inspect all new or existing homes and commercial buildings. Take advantage of our extensive knowledge. Ask all the questions you want. Per Mike Holmes of Holmes on Homes, "Go in with your eyes wide open, and hire your own professional."  Call us with questions and for your free price quote  - we want to be your professionals. At AwfullyPicky.com - We Care.

It's all about you and your peace of mind. Get the professional inspection - "Done Right For You!" TM

Our clients are delighted: especially with their exclusive photo tour, "You did a lot more than my last inspector... you checked more, found more, and explained more... "What a difference!!!"  

"Experience the Difference!!!" We teach the art, science and ethics of professional inspection at Schoolcraft College and the Michigan Institute of Real Estate. A top quality inspection does not cost more.  

Master inspector:  Jerry A. Lootens. He cares for his clients, and tells it like it is. (he does not compromise and you don't need to either - AwfullyPicky.com, since 1994  

Yes, you can do your own inspection, but!!! - Why & what needs to be inspected in new or existing buildings and homes.

Knowledge - Experience - Excellence.  

"Experience the Difference" - a sample report and much more.

Unlike many inspectors, we give clients a price break when property conditions are so bad that the inspection is terminated before completion. Important unoccupied and foreclosed building problems to avoid. 

Call Jerry; - Add extensive knowledge, experience and competence to your team. "He works only for you".  - 248-224-0258 -  (since 1994)

"You are extremely knowledgeable, extremely thorough, and you love what you do.  I wouldn't want you inspecting my house, (now that I am selling). You would find far too much wrong with it." (T. Williams, home buying client - retired school administrator)

Some inspections are noticeably better: Our commitment to excellence, as well as our unique Quality First Program assures that you receive the profession's most thorough and accurate inspection which is tailored specifically for your needs.  We far exceed all licensing, insurance, and education standards required by the profession.  We are licensed builders and building remodelers. Our extensive knowledge and experience is second to none.  Invest with our inspection - you will better understand the conditions of your real estate asset while being better protected.  We tell you like it is, "No soft, average, sugar coated, or run of the mill inspections here." We get our business through satisfied customers and we appreciate your support.

Our guarantee: The highest quality services: If you're not satisfied, you need not pay - Is your inspector an AwfullyPicky.com Inspector?

"No building is perfect ..."

*Will it pass inspection? solutions for sellers, listing agents, & more*

*Why use an AwfullyPicky.com professional - your better value!*

*Planning and scheduling your inspection *

*Seller's Pre-sale Inspection - Free - with our Home Seller's Staging & Sales Analysis, - prevent unwanted surprises*

Call Jerry; - 248-224-0258,  We care about you, and your family and friends. (professionalism and innovation since 1994)

"I'm amazed... my newly built house passed all codes and received the City's Certificate of Occupancy, yet you found so much wrong...and everyone missed the missing foundation post, except you!"  (H. Otto, new construction - punch list "inspection", Dearborn)

You deserve Better:  You deserve a knowledgeable professional with over 20 years of experience.  We take pride in reporting more - more of what you need to know, and we do so in a complete, fair and balanced manner. You don't pay more for excellence, knowledge, experience, or for someone who cares: 

"Jerry, post this on your site: You saved my butt!!! (Todd Gidell, 2008, of Chesterfield, home builder)

"You saved me from my biggest mistake... with that last one!!!"  (Ms. D. Allen,  2008, Davison)

    Call Jerry; - "Let his extensive knowledge and experience work for you." - 248-224-0258, (since 1994)

My friend thought his inspector was good, but he says you're a lot better."  ( Michael Eichenbaum, home buyer, Berkley)

The highest compliment you can give me is the referral of your family and friends. My business comes from satisfied customers, and I appreciate your support.

"you need to know the building's condition before buying or selling." AwfullyPicky.com inspectors tell you all.

We find many problems, even in good homes.   90% of our inspections of existing homes and most of our new construction reports have one or more major issues to discuss. Additionally, all buildings have minor problems.  You will know how soon you will need to make the repairs and what is a reasonable cost.

Call as late as 10 PM - "We work only for you" - 248-224-0258

It's easy to overlook differences between inspectors and what they report, but the results can be devastating, especially to cash strapped first time home buyers. Some inspectors simply do not look hard enough, know enough, or communicate effectively."  (Don Kollmorgan, Financial Planner, Birmingham)

"We go where other inspectors won't - roof, attic, crawlspace,  electrical panel, etc.."

"Many Inspectors knowingly refuse to report to you the information you need to know for your full peace of mind, yet..."

Select an ASHI professional, they are required to tell you more of what you want and need to know.!

Call as early as 8 AM - 248-224-0258

"You're the only inspector who predicts what will need repair or replacement in the next five years. You've been right---so far !" (Brian Thomson, long time client and out of state real estate investor, Orlando)

"...they still meet their standards of practice, but not ours. At AwfullyPicky.com, we serve only you.  We do not color the facts. We tell you like it is. This is why only the best real estate professionals, as well as our clients, gladly refer us"

  Too much information? We will help you with your needs and put everything in perspective - 248-224-0258

"Our (half million dollar) home sold in one week after we implemented your staging and repair  recommendations." (Thomas O'neil, seller's inspection, Oakland Twp.)

"We tell you when costly components are at or near the end of their useful service lives.  We project out 5 years for your peace of mind. 3 to 4 years more than most inspectors. At AwfullyPicky.com we believe you need to know, and plan and budget for these upcoming major expenses"

AwfullyPicky.com continues to raise the standards of the profession. A knowledgeable and caring inspector gives you more than just a thorough inspection.  

Sellers' Disclosure Statements are not always complete or truthful; Many inspectors do not report obvious, costly or dangerous building code violations, or other safety issues. You may not know, until too late, that you bought an unreasonably dangerous home. This becomes an even a bigger problem when you signed away your rights, and the seller moved out of state. Protect yourself." 

The signed purchase agreement is your offer to buy.  Talk with your attorney before you sign it. Make sure your offer requires the gas, electricity and water utilities to be on and fully operating for the inspection. Allow adequate time to schedule an inspection and allow additional time for holiday weekends, etc. Avoid unnecessary conflicts when possible.

 

*We do Energy Audits and we have been doing them for years. Our expertise instantly saves you money*

* Some of the pros and cons *

"Heat loss and leaks that cost money and cause discomfort"

(Note: Our proprietary camera techniques used at all inspections many times highlight mold infestation not readily observable with the naked eye.) 

      We want the best for you, your family, and your friends - 248-224-0258,  (since 1994)

"Several agents use Jerry exclusively and solely for their own home purchases.  That says a lot about his knowledge and thoroughness ..." (Sandy Kelly) - see premier list of real estate professionals below

"Avoid unpleasant surprises. Many inspection firms do not report important health, safety and insurance issues to you.  At Awfully Picky, we also tell you the inconvenient truths."

*How to protect yourself when hiring contractors and trade persons *

"Lofty Living" (TM) - a deluxe housing concept - using green & universal access building techniques!!! Remember, Jerry was green long before being country was cool, hip - or whatever!

 - 248-224-0258 - The highest compliment you can give me is the referral of your family and friends, My business comes from satisfied customers and I appreciate your support.

We guarantee: top quality services. If you're not satisfied, you need not pay. Licensed, insured, certified, qualified, and we care. 

- Get the Professional Edge: 14 years in marketing, construction & quality control, 14+ additional years exclusively in home inspection and building science - serving clients, and teaching home inspection at Schoolcraft College and the Michigan Institute of Real Estate.

- Over 4,000 items and conditions inspected for - You receive two immediate on-site reports.  One identifies major issues and concerns thought to impact your purchase decision;  The other identifies important concerns, including safety, but are not thought to significantly impact your buying decision. You receive a FREE CD containing the digital photographs taken at your inspection. Your two custom reports will also reference these photographs. We tell you more, and utilize the most advanced quality control processes to provide you the highest quality in inspection services.

- You will receive my personal service, expertise, opinion, and guarantee -  not those of an employee, subcontractor, or someone with less than 15 years of inspection experience and 27+ years of construction knowledge - I will be your inspector, and unlike most inspectors, (who only refund your inspection fee when they make major errors), I am fully insured to protect you.  I work hard at creating effective quality control processes to protect you and assure you a thorough inspection. For your patronage, I guarantee a better inspection, inspector and a concise report that is "Factual and actual" and easy to read. I guarantee the quality of your inspection. If your not satisfied, you need not pay.

- I work only for you - not the referring real estate professionals, attorneys or mortgage brokers. I do not censor or minimize inspection findings to maintain lucrative referral relationships, nor do I unnecessarily scare clients just to get another inspection.   When real estate professionals refer me, they are expressing their genuine confidence in the knowledge, competence and integrity of AwfullyPicky.com home inspections.  You can feel assured they are looking out for your best interest.  You will receive a thorough and honest inspection, a great experience, and learn about the good, the bad, and anything ugly about the building's condition.  I don't hold anything back, and I put it in perspective without technical jargon. As my client, I am available to you to answer any building or maintenance questions you have, even long after the inspection. I want to be your and your family's preferred and referred inspector.

Are you selling your home?  We provide a state of the art staging consultation package that includes a  Free Pre-sale Home Inspection to help you sell... all for less than the inspection fee of a regular buyers home inspection!!!  How can we do this?  You help us by answering questions about your experiences in your home. The staging consultation includes the free Seller's Pre-sale Home Inspection, an inspection information binder, the inspection report, along with the inspector's consultation regarding conditions, witnessing of conditions for legal fact, preliminary staging, final staging and other poignant recommendations for selling.  Better prepare your home for the market place. Several leading Real Estate agents recommend an AwfullyPicky.com staging consultation and seller's inspection to their listing clients. It is so much more than just a free inspection all at a very reasonable price.  

Note: I know you hate to spend more money on a home that you are already selling for less than its worth. But, if the condition of your home does not meet the buyers expectations, buyer's will want an even larger discount, or they will walk, so call us first.

You don't have to compromise - 248-224-0258 - at AwfullyPicky.com where quality is #1

Don't compromise. A top quality inspection does not cost more - visit: Selecting an inspector for free tips.

Check-out the competition, get quotes for an inspection that does not limit inspector liability to the inspection fee... then give me a call at 248.224.0258 - To schedule a better inspection to meet your needs - Remember, I work only for you.

We strive for: "Continual Improvement & Excellence"

Thank you for visiting,   Jerry A. Lootens - Master Inspector - 

Long time ASHI & AAIHI member,  Licensed Builder - Aging in Place and Universal Access Specialist -  House, Kitchen and Bath Designer, and Building Scientist

  email: aawfulpicky.com@comcast.net -

(This personal e-mail account is checked weekly so give us a call for immediate information)

Congratulations - If you read or scrolled through this website to this point... you are an in-depth and exceptional person.  I look forward to meeting you.

Need inspection training?  Need repair / maintenance and staging training?  I teach home inspection at: The Michigan Institute of Real Estate, (serving over 20,000 real estate professionals, (Namir & Vicki George)), and Schoolcraft College. Personal instruction and consultations are also available.

At a minimum:  demand an ASHI professional:

Some of the Premier Southeast Michigan Real Estate Professionalso their clients,

Is your inspector an ASHI member, or 

better yet an AwfullyPicky.com professional?

AwfullyPicky.com inspectors tell you more, and in an honest and worthwhile way. 

Smart home buyers prefer an AwfullyPicky.com Home Inspection performed to ASHI Standards under the quality control safeguards by AwfullyPicky.com, (ISO 9003 - 2000 ready).  Buyers want to tour their home with someone they can trust, and ask questions of ... even long after the inspection.  Buyers want full disclosure about their home's conditions, and to fully understand what it all means both now and in the future.

Jerry A. Lootens - Master Inspector  

Check out my serious competition - the better ASHI inspectors, get inspection quotes... then give me a call at 248.224.0258 - to schedule the highest quality services at a competitive rate.

We strive for: "Continual Improvement & Excellence"

 AwfullyPicky.com Home Inspections of Southeast Michigan

 The Leader in Quality Control Processes for the Home and Building Inspection Profession

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For your convenience, our phones are answered from 8 AM to 10 PM. You can also leave a message - 248.224.0258

Need a professional guest speaker - free of charge?  Give me a call.

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