Carl D. Hertzog, III is the owner of Hertzog Inspection Services, Inc. a home inspection company based out of West Chester. Carl has been an active member of the Association since 1996 and currently serves on the Association’s Affiliate Member Forum and his company has been a proud sponsor of many Association events.

Please share with us your background and your career track.

I started out in the construction field working summers in a family construction business when I was 16 years old. I continued working in this field during the summers through high school and college. I graduated college with a business degree; however, I soon realized that sitting in an office was not for me. I stayed in the construction field and worked as a carpenter. My experience in the construction field ranged from old house remodeling, additions, new construction, supervising construction jobs, installing custom kitchens and bathroom, estimating, etc. In 1984 I had an opportunity to get into the relatively new field of home inspections. Since that time I have been inspecting homes full time. In 1995 I started my own inspection company, Hertzog Inspection Services, Inc. We are a family owned and operated business. We take great pride in personal and high quality service before, during and after the inspection.

What can my seller do to prepare for their house to be inspected?

I would suggest clearing out significant clutter. Recommend having documentation available for any additions, or alterations that have been completed to the house. All access panels and electrical panel boxes should be readily accessible. Make sure all utilities are on and all gas pilots are lit. The seller should also strongly consider having a pre listing inspection done on the house before putting it on the market, especially if the house is older. This will identify any problems and would then give the seller the option of correcting or disclosing the issues. This will prevent surprises that could cause problems with a sale when the home is evaluated by the buyer’s home inspector.

Inspection contingency deadlines can make or break a transaction. How can a REALTOR® assist their client in meeting these deadlines?

Depending on who they choose to do the home inspection, and depending on what time of year it is, the length of time to have a home inspection performed is critical. For example, if you only allow 5 days to have an inspection performed, you may have a difficult time finding a high quality inspector during busy time periods. I would extend the time period to have an inspection performed during busy time periods.
It would also be advantageous if the inspection company could also set up any additional inspections that are required so they can be completed prior to or at the time of the home inspection. This way all reports can be received in a timely manner. With E mails being a common way to deliver home inspection reports, you should be able to get the report the day of, or the day after the inspection at the latest.

What are the most common problems you encounter during a typical home inspection?

Every home has its own set of problems; however, some of the more common problems are as follows:

• Basement and crawl space water penetration
• Roofing and flashing problems.
• Termite damage.
• Electrical safety problems.
• Forced air heating and air conditioning distribution system design problems.

At the end of a busy day, how do you prepare yourself for the next challenge?

I typically have a few hours of report work when I get home each day. After my reports are complete, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy watching sports. Playing the drums for a little while each evening, I find is a great way for me to relax and unwind.