Conflict Free Analysis: The CHES Difference
DeWitt Kimball of Complete Home Evaluation Services is Maine’s premier home analysis contractor. Technology plays a key role in DeWitt’s work. He uses the most advanced tools and reporting software to provide in-depth and easily understood reports. He is independent and does not adjust his recommendations to have future financial gains based on his reports. He does not work for installation contractors, mold remediation contractors, or real estate brokers. His sole purpose is to give his clients complete, detailed, and informative reports that will help them make decisions about the purchase of a home or upgrade of an existing home to make it more efficient and healthy. This philosophy clearly separates him from the “All in One” and “One Stop Shopping” competition.
FAQ:
What sets Complete Home Evaluation Services apart from other energy auditing businesses in the state?
DeWitt uses advanced energy modeling software, which is not currently required by Efficiency Maine, to ensure quantifiable energy savings. His position as an audit-only firm prevents the conflict of interest inherent in the standard "One Stop Shopping" contractor model.
What sets Complete Home Evaluation Services apart from other building inspection businesses in the state?
The majority of home inspectors and building inspectors work on behalf of the realtor. Consequently, they have a vested interest in selling a home, which presents a potential conflict of interest if there are problems with the building. They're looking out for the best interests of the realtor that's hiring them, and not your best interests.
Complete Home Evaluation Services works first and foremost as an advocate on behalf of the homebuyer or homeowner. We don’t work for the broker’s sale, rather we're fully responsible to the buyer and helping the buyer understand the home so they don’t have surprises and buyer’s remorse. That's the 3rd party difference, and that's the Complete Home Evaluation Services difference.
What are the benefits of a third-party energy audit?
A “conflict free” energy audit by an independent, third-party energy auditor ensures that the auditor not attempt to sell products or services that may not be necessary in a particular home. An independent energy auditor acts as a trusted guide through what can be a complex energy retrofit process. DeWitt is always on the homeowner’s side, and has no financial gain when helping the homeowner choose which efficiency upgrades should be undertaken. He will also carefully explain to homeowners which efficiency upgrades they can undertake to save money.
What is unique about DeWitt’s diagnostic software?
While the standard energy modeling system relies on user inputs that are open to operator adjustment, DeWitt’s cutting edge software minimizes the risk of human error, and goes above and beyond simple figures to include the actual cost of heat loss, and financial savings predictions that are tangible and comprehensible to homeowners. The software generates a comparison graph that shows the effectiveness of the efficiency upgrades.
DeWitt’s home inspection reports go way beyond the standard reporting style. He evaluates every component of the home and presents the results in an easy to understand manner. DeWitt is also licensed by the State of Maine to do accurate digital heating system analysis. This is far superior to relying on just a visual inspection.
Why is it important to have a “test out” audit after energy retrofit work?
DeWitt believes that a follow-up energy audit after energy saving improvements are made is a necessary component of an effective energy retrofit. DeWitt only refers clients to contractors that have agreed to his “Quality Assurance Pledge” which states that the contractors will not receive final payment until DeWitt signs off on their work. This incentivizes quality work, and ensures that predicted savings become reality. DeWitt also does an in depth safety test to make sure that homes do not become unhealthy becuase they are too tight after work has been completed.
