Inspector: Peter F. Vang Dean
Peter F. Vang Dean, former long-time American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Certified Inspector (1996 through summer 2022), inspecting since 1993. Served a total of 9 years on boards of directors of Heartland Chapter ASHI and the Minnesota Society of Housing Inspectors. As a board member, my service was focused on providing continuing education opportunities for our members. Over 20 years experience in residential construction, remodeling, maintenance and property management. 16 years performed Truth-in-Housing and Time-of-Sale evaluations in St. Paul, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park and Bloomington. Performed radon testing for many years. Passed the National Radon Proficiency Exam in the late 1990s and in 2018 (I now offer radon testing through a licensed, reliable radon measurement sub-contractor).
Philosophy
I conduct every inspection as I would for a member of my own family. My goal is to help maximize what you get for your real estate dollar by 1) identifying major concerns, 2) seeking cost-effective solutions, 3) offering preventive maintenance information specifically tailored for each property, and 4) issuing well-reasoned reports that address likely implications of major inspection findings, to help buyers negotiate effectively. I try to envision hidden problems and costs you might otherwise only find out about later on, after a contractor starts digging into a job. I find technology such as moisture meters, infra-red imaging and flue gas testing for carbon monoxide useful at times, but secondary to careful observation, diligently checking operation of windows and many other items, and thoughtful analysis. Allowing enough time for each inspection and report is critical.
I can’t always prescribe the best remedy for a problem (that’s why we have trade and professional specialists), but I’m not afraid to do so when I’m confident of the best approach. An experienced inspector should be able to offer specific guidance about many issues, and in many cases can be your best resource for unbiased information.
One of the best examples of this is site drainage, where most of the specialists in the marketplace focus on only one aspect, such as gutter or drain tile systems. For landscaping and hardscaping contractors, ensuring that surfaces slope away from buildings when installed, as well as years down the road, may be a secondary consideration. A knowledgeable generalist can help steer you toward the most cost-effective solutions. Most of my reports offer detailed information to help you keep your basement dry.
Re: codes and older buildings: A buyer inspection isn’t a code inspection per se. I’m looking for pragmatic concerns, regardless of whether or not they reflect code deficiencies. There’s lots of overlap between the two, but they are far from identical. Codes vary by jurisdiction and over time. Older homes that don’t meet current codes aren’t necessarily in any sort of legal violation, but there may be safety or other concerns related to aging of materials, lifestyle changes (e.g. much greater use of electrical devices) and modern-day expectations about what our buildings should provide (e.g. energy efficiency). I believe my clients want to be made aware of issues like aged and outdated electrical systems that won’t support modern lifestyles safely and a likelihood of major ice damming that might lead to water infiltration through the roof.
Inspector: Peter F. Vang Dean
Philosophy
Peter F. Vang Dean, former long-time member American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI; full member / ASHI Certified Inspector from 1996 through summer 2022), inspecting since 1993. Served a total of 9 years on boards of directors of Heartland Chapter ASHI and the Minnesota Society of Housing Inspectors. As a board member, my service was focused on providing continuing education opportunities for our members. Over 20 years experience in residential construction, remodeling, maintenance and property management. 16 years performed Truth-in-Housing and Time-of-Sale evaluations in St. Paul, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park and Bloomington. Performed radon testing for many years. Passed the National Radon Proficiency Exam in the late 1990s and in 2018 (I now offer radon testing through a licensed, reliable radon measurement sub-contractor).
I conduct every inspection as I would for a member of my own family. My goal is to help maximize what you get for your real estate dollar by 1) identifying major concerns, 2) seeking cost-effective solutions, 3) offering preventive maintenance information specifically tailored for each property, and 4) issuing well-reasoned reports that address likely implications of major inspection findings, to help buyers negotiate effectively. I try to envision hidden problems and costs you might otherwise only find out about later on, such as after a contractor starts digging into a job. I find technology such as moisture meters, infra-red imaging and flue gas testing for carbon monoxide useful at times, but secondary to careful observation, diligently checking operation of windows and many other items, and thoughtful analysis. Allowing enough time for each inspection and report is critical.
I can’t always prescribe the best remedy for a problem (that’s why we have trade and professional specialists), but I’m not afraid to do so when I’m confident of the best approach. An experienced inspector should be able to offer specific guidance about many issues, and in many cases can be your best resource for unbiased information.
One of the best examples of this is site drainage, where most of the specialists in the marketplace focus on only one aspect, such as gutter or drain tile systems. For landscaping and hardscaping contractors, ensuring that surfaces slope away from buildings when installed, as well as years down the road, may be a secondary consideration. A knowledgeable generalist can help steer you toward the most cost-effective solutions. When appropriate, which is most of the time, my reports offer detailed information to help you keep your basement dry.
Re: codes and older buildings: A buyer inspection isn’t a code inspection per se. I’m looking for pragmatic concerns, regardless of whether or not they reflect code deficiencies. There’s lots of overlap between the two, but they are far from identical. Codes vary by jurisdiction and over time. Older homes that don’t meet current codes aren’t necessarily in any sort of legal violation, but there may be safety or other concerns related to aging of materials, lifestyle changes (e.g. much greater use of electrical devices) and modern-day expectations about what our buildings should provide (e.g. energy efficiency). I’ll also inform you about conditions that may cause problems or pose safety hazards, regardless of how common they may be in buildings of the same general age and type. I believe my clients want to be made aware of issues like aged and outdated electrical systems that won’t support modern lifestyles safely, and a likelihood of major ice damming that might lead to water infiltration through the roof.