After a 30 year career in building and remodeling, half as a licensed General Contractor, I chose to take advantage of my experience by becoming a formally trained Residential Home Inspector.  Trained through the 160 hour Residential Home Inspection Program at the Bellingham Technical College, the only HI program that is part of the State College System, holding courses at community and technical colleges around the state.  I am licensed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture as a Structural Pest Inspector.  My extensive knowledge of structures prompted the Bellingham Technical College ( http://www.btc.ctc.edu/Courses/Programs/ResidentialHome/Instructors.asp ) to invite me to teach structural issues in their course.  I started my business, Helm Home Inspections shortly after completing the course.  I carry General Liability and Errors and Omissions Insurance.  I am a member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).  I do very thorough and comprehensive inspections, computerized reports with digital photos, but most importantly, because of my experience and maturity, put all issues in their proper perspective.  I am especially good with first time buyers who tend to be nervous about their large investment.  Experienced buyers also appreciate my thorough, common sense reporting style.

Helm Home Inspections is now available seven days a week!          

 And as has always been my policy, I am still available for questions 24/7.  I am always available to my clients.  There is no question too minor.  The only bad question is the unasked one.

Sometimes people want to know more about a person than just their professional profile.  With this in mind I would like to list some of my interests and passions.  All my life I have been an avid reader.  I always have at least three books going at a time, on a wide range of subjects.  I love cross country skiing and spend New Years every year in the cross country mecca of Mazama, Washington, where there is always excellent snow and over 200 miles of trails.  Another passion is gardening, both perennial and vegetable.  Working with wood has been a life long passion.  I carve masks in the Northwest Coast Indian style using modern versions of very traditional carving tools (adzes and crooked knives).  Recently, I made my first piece of furniture, a NW BigLeaf Maple coffee table that now sits in our living room.   I love older homes, especially, but not limited to, Craftsman style, and have completely remodeled our 1920s farmhouse in the Craftsman style.  I've been a cook for over fifty years and love that (along with the eating).  Lastly spending time with the grandchildren (currently 3 boys and a brand new girl!) is way more fun than I ever imagined it would be.

Washington Dept. of Agriculture Licensed Structural Pest Inspector #69844

National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) #05032996

National Association of Residential Real Estate Professionals #201376

See what Northwest Washington home buyers have to say about the home inspection and report from David Helm, Helm Home Inspections, Bellingham and Whatcom County Washington (http://www.helmhomeinspections.com)

"I will be sure to refer ANYONE I can think of to you.  I was very pleased with the thoroughness of your inspection.  I have been addressing many of the items you identified and feel like I am on top of things."

R. Murray, Bellingham, Wa.

"Great report; thanks a lot.  Only problem is that now I'm worried about what another competent inspector will find when examining the house I'm going to sell."

J. Goddard, Birch Bay, Wa.

"David, thanks for the newsletter; nice color and layout.  And by the way, you did a great job for my mother on her old home inspection. The house sold, no problems; I am told the purchaser really liked the detail of your inspection.  Keep me on the newsletter mailing list; it has some great tips for homeowners.  Again, you did a great job; fast and accurate."

P. Elvig, Everett, Wa.

"David, Both Robbyn and I are very impressed with the thoroughness and professional presentation of your inspection.  Thanks for all your efforts."

M. Bennett, Bellingham, Wa.

"David, Thanks a lot for the very complete report with photos.  We really appreciate the photos since we couldn't be there to see for ourselves."

S. Webster, Bellingham, Wa.

"Mr. Helm:   I visited this house over the past weekend (along with my architect father who says that your report is the best he has seen).  Having read your report, there were no surprises for me."

M. Gropp, Brussels, Belgium

"Thank you David!  It looks thorough and we really appreciate working with you.  See you at the house warming."

T. McHugh, Deming, Wa.