FAQ's for Lenders
What documents are necessary for progress inspections?
A completed construction line item budget.
A draw request in an Excel spreadsheet (or AIA format).
Project plans in electronic format (PDF), if available.
Contractor’s cost breakdown providing additional details as to the scope of work for budgeted items, if available.
Do you provide the following Construction Analysis Services: Cost to Construct Analysis, Percentage of Completion Analysis, Cost to Complete Analysis, Cost to Cure Analysis, Constructability Reviews?
Yes, we do provide all of the above services to our clients across the country. Our firm has many years of experience in performing these services for our lenders. Working with highly skilled construction estimators and project managers, we are able to develop costs for projects locally, regionally and nationally.
What is the typical background of your inspectors?
Each construction inspection project that comes to CIS can vary in complexity. As such, we have a wide range of independent inspectors on our team with varying backgrounds including: general contractors, Certified Master Inspectors, construction managers, estimators, surveyors, architects, engineers and home inspectors.
Does the complexity of the project determine which inspector to use?
Absolutely! We have found that having a wide range of inspectors with varying skill sets available to us, allows us to determine the appropriate inspector to assign based on the project’s complexity.
What information is typically requested for a construction cost analysis?
A full set of construction drawings including architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and landscape plans. A complete line item budget. Either a complete schedule of materials or set of project specifications. A copy of the owner/contractor agreement. Any available contractor or supplier estimates and a project schedule.
Do you provide construction oversight services?
Yes, we provide both construction oversight and owner representation for our clients nationwide. The complexity of the project will determine the skillset that will be assigned to the site to perform the detailed scope of work.
Do you have licenses and certifications for construction?
Yes, CIS has earned many construction industry certifications and licensures. The Company is a licensed general engineering and general building contractor in the State of California. The firm has also achieved certifications as registered construction inspectors and certified contract document technologists. The firm had also been certified by OSHA to provide construction safety training and as a construction safety inspector.
LIST:
- California General Engineering Contractor #783342
- California General Building Contractor #783342
- Registered Construction Inspector #5719, American Construction Inspectors Association
- Concrete Field Testing Technician, Grade I, American Concrete Institute
- Certified Horizontal Directional Drilling Inspector
- Certified Storm Water Pollution Prevention (SWPPP) Inspector
- Certified High Speed Traffic Control Safety Inspector
- Certified FEMA Disaster Inspector
- California Land Surveyor I.T. #ZL003461
Can’t our loan officer just perform the progress inspections?
The use of unbiased, third party inspectors is vital as it provides a checks-and-balance system for construction projects, keeping the lender informed of the actual levels of completion of a project which helps to manage the risk of a loan not becoming upside-down and keeps the entire process at an arm’s length position. Additionally, they provide an objective opinion through the inspector’s knowledge of the construction process and experience in the field. Use of third party inspectors also offers another objective opportunity to analyze projects in an effort to help keep each one on schedule and within budget.
How long does a typical progress inspection take?
Depending on the time of receipt of the inspection request, we typically process requests the day we receive them. Our goal is always to have “boots on site” within 24-48-hours of receipt of the request. Upon receipt of photos and results from the onsite inspector, our well-trained in-house staff begins processing reports here in our office. Our goal is to have reports sent to the lender within two-four days of our receiving the requests.
FAQ's for Owners/Builders
Why shouldn’t I just perform my progress inspections?
The use of unbiased, third party inspectors is vital as it provides a checks-and-balance system for construction projects, keeping the owner/builder informed of the actual levels of completion of a project which helps to manage the risk of a loan not becoming upside-down and keeps the entire process at an arm’s length position. Additionally, they provide an objective opinion through the inspector’s knowledge of the construction process and experience in the field. Use of third party inspectors also offers another objective opportunity to analyze projects in an effort to help keep each one on schedule and within budget.
Do you provide complete fund control services?
We provide the majority of fund control services to our nationwide lending clients. Due to our not being a licensed escrow agent in the State of California, we are unable to perform actual fund disbursement services. We have existing relationships with California licensed escrow agents whom we work with to perform the disbursement transactions.
Does CIS provide construction management or oversight services?
Yes, we have the ability to provide both construction management and construction oversight services for our clients nationwide. Our expertise allows us to monitor a construction project from an oversight standpoint or actually functioning as the onsite construction manager. We feel it is imperative that someone with construction experience be the buffer between the general contractor and the project owner to ensure the lines of communication are kept open to all parties involved.
Does CIS vet general and subcontractors?
Yes, we have developed a comprehensive process that allows us to vet both general contractors and subcontractors for any construction project across the country. We have found this vetting crucial to the integration of an experienced licensed and competent general contractor and/or subcontractors to ensure a project’s success. Our considerations include the contractor’s experience with the specific scope of work, their licensure status, relationship with the local subcontractors and vendors, the ability to meet schedules, past litigation, etc.
FAQ's for Inspectors
What type of background must I have to become an inspector team member?
Each construction inspection project that comes to CIS can vary in complexity. As such, we have a wide range of independent inspectors on our team with varying backgrounds including: general contractors, Certified Master Inspectors, home inspectors, construction managers, estimators, civil engineers, land surveyors, architects and other individuals who have extensive construction experience.
How far must I travel for the inspections?
Most of our inspectors have specific service areas they choose to travel to for our projects. We typically dispatch inspectors based on their service areas as well as the expertise level needed for any particular project.
Where/how do I apply for this position?
We are always interested in hearing from qualified potential new inspectors who wish to join our inspector team. If you would like to join our team, please click here or email your resume (in a pdf) to
inspects@cisinspects.com.
How often are we paid as an inspector?
Our inspectors are typically paid once a month. Checks are mailed on the 10th day of the month following the month of the inspection.
Does the same inspector follow a project through completion?
Most projects are inspected by the same inspector throughout the life of the project. We feel this allows the inspector to have a full historical view of the project which we have found to be beneficial especially in the more complex construction projects.
