Byron Duerksen - House Inspector
A few weeks ago during an office training session, our Healdsburg Sotheby's International Realty agents were introduced to Byron Duerkson, a home inspector who works in several counties in our area. Byron had an impressive stack of credentials behind him. He's certified not just by the major building inspection organizations, but by outfits I've never heard of. If it has to do with inspecting, Byron has probably done it and gotten his certificate.
Now, we all know that having credentials isn't the same thing as knowing what you're doing, but I figured with his background and the knowledge he demonstrated at our staff meeting that I would take him for a test drive on my next escrow. Luckily for both of us, I needed his services within a few days of our initial meeting. I have a buyer who is herself very skilled in home renovation and building technology so I figured it was a great chance to see what he could do.
From the minute he showed up on the property he demonstrated a strong sense of competence and cooperation. The power was off. He got it on. The water was off. He got it on. My buyer had some initial questions about potential sloping floors and irregular base board. He handled her questions with aplomb and continued with his detailed inspection.
Later in the process, more questions occured that had to do with future improvements and wall moving. Byron gave careful and detailed answers, explaining the roof truss layout and where they were floating over the walls rather than bearing on them. It's a question we might have answered by crawling around the attic ourselves, but Byron was willing to work with the buyer to answer her questions and to take the extra time to make sure all her questions about the property were answered. In my experience, some inspectors are unwilling to go the extra mile to handle questions from the seller that might not be related to the inspection. Byron didn't give any indication of boredom or overwork. He was delighted to share his knowledge and it showed.
By the end of the day, I really wouldn't have cared if Byron had any credentials or not. He demonstrated deep knowledge of his profession and a bedside manner towards the client that made her feel respected and appreciated as the client. Not every inspector...or every real estate agent...can pull that off.
If you're in Sonoma, Lake, or other nearby areas, I highly recommend Byron Duerkson as a home inspector.
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