Jeff Bakewell's Experience & Qualifications
I have been involved in construction and design since my early teens. I actually read the (abridged) National Electric Code as a kid. I read all the books I could get my hands on if it had to do with home construction, plumbing, how things work, etc. I have created the working drawings for large custom homes and supervised their construction from the footers up to the ridge vents. I am one of those "jacks of all trades". My favorite place is the basement where I can check out the plumbing, wiring, HVAC and framing. Point is, I have a passion for probing around houses, knowing all I can about them, knowing how everything works, seeing the different methods of construction. Allow me to take my lifetime of experience and go over your current or next home with you. I promise you it will be money well spent. It will be an education as well as a report on the home's condition.
I also served in the United States Air Force and have been pre-flighting and flying airplanes for my entire adult life--I can preflight your home! This translates to attention to detail, experienced eye, disciplined process, integrity.
Some things about me:
- By my first birthday I was yearning for spiffy tools of all types (if only I could speak adult English!).
- As a teenager I learned to wire, plumb, point, repair, troubleshoot, plan, build, re-roof, and improvise while growing up in a circa 1760 colonial home (with a 150 year old barn).
- As an adult I have lived in twelve homes with every type of heating system except solar, geothermal, and nuclear (ok, so I can't inspect warships!).
- I have a natural inclination and desire to know how everything works. I read more manuals than novels (not that I am not a well rounded individual!)
- I am a graduate of INSPECTION TRAINING ASSOCIATE'S (ITA - now owned by Kaplan Professional Schools) Residential Inspection and New Construction long courses.
- I fulfill a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every year, as well as attending annual conventions and seminars.
- I am a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED HOME INSPECTORS (NACHI) and follow their Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
- I have passed the National Home Inspectors Exam, as well as NACHI's annual exams.
- I am a VIRGINIA CERTIFIED HOME INSPECTOR (#3380 000290). (See vachi.info for complete list.)
- I have recently completed a 21 hour continuing education HVAC course (2009), as well as refresher Electrical, Roofing, and Structural Issues courses (2008).
- I am a member of the VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE INSPECTORS.
- I am available 7 days a week. If I am not on a job, then I can do your job, no matter when.
- I will climb the roof if roof type, conditions and accessibility permit.
- I will crawl thru that nasty, dirty, buggy crawlspace--it's a great view of the structure.
- I will go into the attic and endure the heat, the insulation, the tricky walking.
- I have no conflicts of interest--I do not offer any contracting work, repair or service for your home, nor do I have any distant cousins to whom I will refer you. In fact Virginia's Standards of Conduct do not allow me to make referrals.
- I am available for free phone/email consultation for as long as I have a beating heart.
- I never stop learning!