Home sweet home

Ross Nierman enjoys helping people, especially in stressful moments such as when they’re buying a home. The fact that his job as a home inspector engages this interest is not lost on him. “I truly enjoy being around people,”Nierman said. “I like being able to help put them at ease, make them feel secure and be someone they can trust.”

Nierman is president of Ross’ Inspection Technologies, a home inspection company that serves Maricopa, areas of Pinal County and metropolitan Phoenix. He’s been in the home inspection industry for four years and a construction practitioner for more than 10 years with experience in residential and commercial construction.

Nierman and his wife, Emmalou, moved to Maricopa two years ago from Chandler and could not be happier. “I love Maricopa,” he said. “The people are great. Everybody here has been relocated; therefore, the people are more open and still are very friendly. It’s what I call the true spirit of Western life.”

Ross’ Inspection Technologies covers the gambit of home-inspection services, providing both professional and residential inspections, pre-purchase analysis, home warranty and pre-sale assessment, and pool and spa inspections.

Nierman said a full home inspection takes between three and four hours to complete and involves checking the entire property, interior and exterior.

“I go room by room, seeing that everything has been properly constructed,” he said. He also checks water pressure, air conditioning and heating units, electrical and plumbing, the roof, garage, attic and even the foundation around the house. “I research the soil conditions and check to see if there are any fissures in the area.” When he’s done, he offers his clients an onsite, computerized assessment of their entire home.

Nierman says can do about two per day. He’s seen some strange things since he started in the business. “I inspected a 2,800 square-foot home in Arizona City, a beautiful home, but it had no insulation in it,” Nierman said.

But for the most part, he feels builders and contractors do a good job. One of the most common inspection issues Nierman sees is planting shrubbery and landscaping too close to the house. “This can damage the house over time,” he said.

Nierman says much of his business is word of mouth. “But since I moved down here, I need to get acquainted with the local realtors and market that I’m here.” And he brings an incredible amount to the table. He holds a civil engineering degree, a master’s degree in organizational behavior, and a bachelor’s degree in industrial education.

He taught at the university level for 17 years. But working in and around the construction industry has always been Nierman’s passion. “I feel good about what I can do for people,” Nierman said. “I get callbacks from clients I’ve worked for. I love doing what I’m doing. My advice to people is to never give up on your dreams.”

At a glance:

Business: Ross’ Inspection Technologies, LLC
Service area: Maricopa, Casa Grande and Metro Phoenix
Hours: Available by appointment
Cost: Varies by square footage
Information: 480-241-6756 or RossInspects.com

(A version of this story appeared in the February issue of InMaricopa News.)

Photo by Jim Williams