Payment, Contract and Cancellations:
About the Inspection and Report:
About Us:
Who is FDRW, Inc.?
FDRW stands for Foundation, Drainage and Retaining Walls. We inspect foundations, drainage and retaining wall issues and provide recommendations for remediation, improvement or installation.
What are your licenses or qualifications?
We are licensed by the California Contractors State Licensing Board as an “A” (General Engineering) and a “B” (General Building) contractor. We are considered an expert on Foundations, Drainage and Retaining Walls.
Who completes your inspections?
Robert J. Brockman is our principle inspector. He returned as our principle inspector when his father, Bob Brockman, retired in 2015. He has personally evaluated more than 4,500 structures throughout the entire Bay Area, specializing in foundation, drainage and retaining wall issues.
Do you provide expert witness testimonies?
Yes, we have extensive litigation experience.
Are you structural engineers?
No.
Who do you provide inspections for?
We work with homeowners, Realtors, buyers and sellers, property management companies, attorney and contractors. A lot of our referrals come from Home Inspectors who have called out items in their reports recommending further evaluation by a specialist.
Payment, Contract and Cancellations:
When is the site visit inspection fee due?
The inspection fee is due and payable on-site at the completion of the site visit. Cash / check can be given to the inspector; credit cards must be called into the office prior to the time of the inspection. Credit cards will not be processed until the inspection has been completed.
Do you accept credit cards for payment?
Yes. We do offer a discount when paying by cash / check.
Can we pay through an escrow?
No
What is the cancelation policy?
We confirm appointment times the day prior to the inspection and request inspections be cancelled by 4 pm the day prior. We have a cancellation policy that inspections cancelled after we have closed and / or on the same day will be charged a no show / same day cancellation fee of $100.00 payable by credit card.
Do you require a contract?
Yes, a site visit form must be signed by the client or their representative to authorize our access to the property prior to the completion of the inspection.
About the Inspection and Report:
What exactly does a foundation inspection entail?
The foundation is observed in all accessible areas and reviewed for defects, distresses, deficiencies and serviceability. General elevation tolerance levels are explored. No destructive testing is performed.
What exactly does a drainage inspection entail?
Existing site drainage systems are located where practical and systems are cursorily tested to verify operation and functionality. Sites are evaluated as to likely deficiencies.
Do you provide a written report of the inspection?
After our site visit, we provide a written document for all inspections outlining our onsite observation summarizing our observations, conclusions and recommendations.
Do you offer a verbal only inspection?
No, all inspections are followed with a written report.
How long does an appointment take?
A typical inspection takes between an hour and an hour and a half on site for the inspection and on-site summary.
How long does it take to get my written report after the inspection?
Written reports are typically released within one to three business days; however, we do our best to provide the report as soon as possible. We email and/or fax all reports and will provide a hard copy mailing when requested.
Do you offer re-inspections?
Yes, we will revisit the property within thirty days for a re-inspection at a discounted rate.
Do you provide a full home inspection?
No, we only inspect foundations, site drainage, retaining walls and related items.
We already had other reports completed (home inspection, pest, etc.); do you need to see them?
No; however, we will be happy to review them if requested. You can submit them to us via email, fax or while on-site.
Do you complete a floor level survey during the inspection?
We generally perform a cursory floor level survey with a high precision digital altimeter to confirm general level variations. A full floor level survey requires additional time and is separate from the inspection. This can be scheduled by contacting our office.
Do you take pictures?
We do not take pictures during an inspection unless specifically requested prior to the inspection. There is an additional $50.00 fee if requested, also due on-site. Pictures are emailed along with the report.
Do all parties have to be present for the inspection?
We recommend having all parties present to allow discussion and explanation of our observations, conclusions and recommendations.
I cannot be there at the time of the inspection; can we still have an inspection?
Yes, the inspection can still be completed as long as there is access to the home; however, payments must be arranged prior to the time and date of the inspection. We strongly recommend all interested parties be on-site.
Will you discuss your findings with everyone on-site?
It is at the discretion of the party who schedules the inspection.
Who will you send the report to?
When the inspection is originally scheduled, we obtain as much contact information as is available. Whoever is requesting the inspection will get a copy of the report, as well as anyone authorized within the transaction. We will not release information to anyone not authorized as per the originally scheduled inspection without written authorization.
Do you perform corrective work?
We do not complete any corrective work; however, when we provide recommendations for corrective work we will provide various options as well as a reasonable range of costs for the corrective work. We will also refer a competent contractor if requested.
Do I have to disclose your findings or reports?
All knowledge of findings should be disclosed to all interested parties, your realtor can advise you further. We will not release information to others without authorization from our client.
Do you do inspections on the weekend?
No, inspections are only scheduled Monday through Thursday.
Do you need access into the crawlspace?
Yes, it allows a more thorough and comprehensive review.
What if my crawlspace is flooded? Will you still inspect it?
We will attempt to inspect the crawlspace; however, complete flooding creates a safety hazard. Pockets of standing water and muddy soils generally allow adequate access. If full access is not available, a visual inspection will be made from perimeter openings and ventilation screens where practical.
If you cannot enter the crawlspace, do I get a discount?
No.
Do we need to pull back carpeting?
We do not require that carpet be pulled back or removed. In some cases it is helpful and will be pulled back if requested and with authorization of the owner of the property.
Do you need to have access to my neighbor’s property?
Access is only needed when an issue is specifically concerning a neighboring property. We will not access a neighboring property without authorization and access should be authorized prior to the inspection date and time.