[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/colorado\/boulder\/conversation-bryan-zenner\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/homeinspectionsovercoffee.com\/colorado\/boulder\/conversation-bryan-zenner\/","headline":"Inspecting with Integrity: A Conversation with Bryan Zenner","name":"Inspecting with Integrity: A Conversation with Bryan Zenner","description":"Meet Bryan Zenner: Your Trusted Inspections Over Coffee Owner in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins At Inspections Over Coffee, we believe that understanding your home inspector's philosophy and approach is crucial. Bryan Zenner, our dedicated owner and inspector for the Denver and Boulder areas, shares his insights and experiences in the field. We hope you'll gain a deeper understanding of his commitment to thoroughness, honesty, and client education. Interview with Bryan Zenner 1. What is the most serious issue you\u2019ve missed in an inspection \u2014 and what did you learn from it? The most serious issue I have missed was not calling out a knob & tube insulator that was visible in an attic. There was no visible wiring so I thought it was no longer running that type of electrical wiring since the house was completely updated. They later discovered that there was an active knob & tube wiring buried under the attic insulation. I learned that as an inspector I need to point out everything visible even if I feel that there is no inherent issue. I don\u2019t want our clients moving in and discovering something potentially costly that could have been negotiated before the purchase of the home. 2. How do you evaluate hidden moisture or mold issues in areas that are not visibly damaged? I evaluate by using my thermal cameras to try and identify hidden moisture in walls, ceilings, floors, attics, basements and crawlspaces. Using my senses is very important as well. I listen for water leaks or drips, I smell and feel the air for changes in moisture and scents. I also use moisture meters to test for moisture in walls and floors that have not leeched through to the surface. For the discovery of airborne molds I test with an air sampler that will not only identify the type of molds but at what levels they are present so we can report to the client if there is a present danger or not. 3. How do you maintain objectivity when the agent or seller pressures you to \u2018downplay\u2019 issues? I would never downplay an issue but I have learned over the years how to speak about problems so that the client is fully informed in a non alarmist fashion and feels confident by the time our conversation is complete. This style of conversation takes away the pressures agents deal with after inspection and usually never have to ask us to downplay anything. 4. What standards do you exceed that aren't required by state or association guidelines? I exceed all requirements as a home inspector. I do not have to be licensed in this state but I felt it was important so that I can deliver the best inspection for the clients I serve. I am a InterNachi certified master inspector, hold multiple environmental testing licenses and for every class that was required for my InterNachi home inspection certification I have completed the advanced level certification classes as well. I continually take courses every year to advance my knowledge in this industry. 5. Have you ever recommended that a buyer walk away from a house? Why? I would never tell a client to walk away from a house. My job is to inform them about everything that comes with the purchase of that home whether good or bad. Every buyer has different expectations and I need to keep my opinions to myself. I do ask the client what the goals are for the house so that I can tailor my conversations with them. It may need a lot of work and that may work for some and not others. At the end of the day most everything can be fixed or even negotiated in the sale. There was only one house that was beyond repair and luckily the agent recognized that before the client showed up and they personally steered them away from the purchase. 6. How do you inspect homes that are newly renovated or flipped, where cosmetic work might be hiding deeper problems? Just like any job you learn to hone your skills. For me observation is key and I have gotten better every inspection at recognizing any potential problems that can come from a flipped or newly renovated home. It\u2019s become easier to spot and so I inspect the obvious alterations to make sure they were done properly and that they are not hiding something behind it. I also make sure the client understands that work has been done to the home and while I wish I had x-ray vision, problems may occur in the future due to the level of craftsmanship. 7. Can I see a sample of your most detailed report \u2014 including the worst property you\u2019ve inspected? I am happy to show any of my reports. I may find it difficult to provide the worst report since that was years ago but I am happy to look for it. 8. How do you detect unpermitted work or code violations that aren\u2019t obvious on the surface? I use a website called Buildfax that provides all of the permits known for that property. I research it before I enter the home so that I can inform the client that something like a recent water heater replacement potentially wasn\u2019t permitted. Because of this the installer may have not properly installed it according to code and I will direct them to have that particular service person to evaluate it further. 9. How do you inspect complex systems like radiant floor heating, gray water systems, or solar setups? In regards to radiant floor I inspect the heating system and all of its visible components. I then use thermal imagery to make sure all lines are working when the thermostat is engaged. For gray water systems I look over the visible plumbing, I have our sewer inspector run a camera down the piping to the tank, and I inspect the landscape the water is being delivered to for noticeable issues. 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