| Author | Message |
Roland Thompson 
Posts: 281
Since: 2/27/2008
|  6/19/2008 11:01:24 PM 
David to answer you yes you can do inspections even if you are not inline with a certifying body, I have been called in buy all three of the major milss and even some of the smaller mills to do inspections. I have been brought into curt and had to go up against one of the local inspection companys and have never lost to them.
With that being said if I was to go into it as my main source of income I would be like Selva and Ray anhd take every certification I could to inhance my job.
FD
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Stephen Perrera
Posts: 823
Since: 5/27/2008
| 6/20/2008 1:44:48 AM
There are many who would not want others to think a lowly installer could be as smart as anyone thats certified.
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Ray Darrah
Posts: 1411
Since: 2/18/2008
| 6/20/2008 7:11:51 AM
I was an installer. There will be a time, soon, that you will be a "has been" installer too. Age has it's way of dictating futures.
There are many inspectors whom are has-been installers.
I would suggest you invest the time and money into attending the NOFMA Cert. Training this August. It's in Memphis.
IF you cannot afford it, I understand;;; but that is where you will learn to inspect and write a report. That is the best program.
Last Edited 6/20/2008
7:22:38 AM
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Stephen Perrera
Posts: 823
Since: 5/27/2008
| 6/20/2008 10:48:17 AM
You only installed shag  )) In apartments no less.
but that is where you will learn to inspect and write a report. That is the best program.
I take offense to that verminous fetid remark.
:-/
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Darian Brown
Posts: 712
Since: 2/5/2008
| 6/20/2008 2:17:53 PM
Ray there other ways to get your point across like you will get older and your back is not going to hold up, or as you get older things don’t work the same trust me I’m old so I know but you should never call a installer a has been it’s just plan rude that’s like say organizations are for uneducated flooring cleaners or installers that need to be told what to say and do. I’m sure we all know that’s not the case with any organizations. All I’m try to say is comments like that make every one look bad.
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Darian Brown
Posts: 712
Since: 2/5/2008
| 6/20/2008 2:23:03 PM
Let's try this again and I do value everyone's opinion.
What about the different organizations is one better than the other?
Is there any books that you would recommend?
I have a lot of question still to come.
Last Edited 6/20/2008
2:23:43 PM
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Ray Darrah
Posts: 1411
Since: 2/18/2008
| 6/20/2008 5:24:29 PM
That was rude, but meant to be a description and joke.
So, us old guys have to move on and yes I was a shag/hack. However;;; Stephen forgets we had LOTS of multi-level-loops we installed too.
They call them "berbers" today, but back then we called them "popcorn patterns or Scroll Patterned" multi-level-loop.
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David Kern
Posts: 518
Since: 2/20/2008
| 6/20/2008 5:37:35 PM
quote:
That was rude, but meant to be a description and joke.
So, us old guys have to move on and yes I was a shag/hack. However;;; Stephen forgets we had LOTS of multi-level-loops we installed too.
They call them "berbers" today, but back then we called them "popcorn patterns or Scroll Patterned" multi-level-loop.
Now you really are dating yourself...
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Selva Lee Tucker
Posts: 634
Since: 5/25/2008
| 6/20/2008 6:13:13 PM
go to fcits, in dalton,
then, the trade associations for your wood and tile,
best buy for your money,
slt
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Stephen Perrera
Posts: 823
Since: 5/27/2008
| 6/20/2008 6:41:44 PM
I was taking classes with NOFMA/NWFA before you guys knew the difference between engineered and solid.
Who is kidding who here?
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Stephen Perrera
Posts: 823
Since: 5/27/2008
| 6/20/2008 6:46:14 PM
So, us old guys have to move on and yes I was a shag/hack. However;;; Stephen forgets we had LOTS of multi-level-loops we installed too.
They call them "berbers" today, but back then we called them "popcorn patterns or Scroll Patterned" multi-level-loop.
Your forgetting I am 52 and have been doing floors for over 30 years.
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Darian Brown
Posts: 712
Since: 2/5/2008
| 6/20/2008 6:49:36 PM
Ray this is a good suggest to attending the NOFMA cert. I know this is were the money is going be at for all the inspectors because all them carpet men are making the jump to hard surfaces. I feel that my thing is carpet I mean I love all carpets and rugs and I excel in this area. I do feel a little incomplete because I have never been to a Mill tour which The LGM Carpet Seminar is going to guide me through this area hopefully. I’m thinking that need more knowledge in the clean area.
Is there inspectors that specialize in one thing or do have to know it all?
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Selva Lee Tucker
Posts: 634
Since: 5/25/2008
| 6/20/2008 7:01:00 PM
go to your strength
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David Kern
Posts: 518
Since: 2/20/2008
| 6/20/2008 7:07:09 PM
Darian,
There is no better teacher than experience. Trust your instincts and go for it!
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Roger Gerber
Posts: 327
Since: 3/17/2008
| 6/20/2008 7:41:58 PM
Set some goals and formulate a plan, then work towards that end.
If you wanted I am sure those on this board would offer suggestions. "In a multitude of counselors there is much wisdom."
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Darian Brown
Posts: 712
Since: 2/5/2008
| 6/20/2008 8:11:32 PM
Roger that is very good advice to formulate a plan. I’m thinking a lot of reading is need first so any good books suggestion will help me to get started or any online suggestion will help me get as well.
Think you all for putting up with me.
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Ray Darrah
Posts: 1411
Since: 2/18/2008
| 6/20/2008 8:27:02 PM
Darian,
Frankly, if you want to work full time inspecting you do have to inspect all flooring materials.
Start with your strength, as Selva suggests, and grow from there.
Another truth: You learn by doing the inspections. You are fortunate because you have inspectors that will help you and message boards to post photos to obtain input. I started in 1988 and had no such help because there were few inspectors to learn from and no such thing as message boards.
Your problem: Jacksonville.
By that I mean there is very little work up there so you would have to travel Northern Florida and into Georgia to make a living. One inspector living in North Florida travels the entire state.....
Two inspectors quit the business from Jacksonville so now I'll have to cover that area on a monthly basis... QuestInspect has had maybe 4 inspections in that area in the last 4 years.............. IF that tells you anything.
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Darian Brown
Posts: 712
Since: 2/5/2008
| 6/20/2008 10:32:19 PM
I'm thinking about becoming an inspector.
Let me say this first of all, I already know I don't know it all. With that said I personally have a need to keep my mind occupied. I think every one knows a little bit about my situation by now and can understand my need to keep my mind occupied.
Ray this is really more for my wellbeing than anything. I'm 37 years old and healthy But you are right I do need Learn all the different flooring.
Thank you
Last Edited 6/20/2008
10:36:15 PM
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Selva Lee Tucker
Posts: 634
Since: 5/25/2008
| 6/20/2008 11:47:00 PM
now now, remember, Ray will be competing with you for work!
I'm not sure you should be asking your future competition for
advice!!!!!!!!! 
There is little work in South GA.,,,I know, years ago that was part
of my coverage area,,,,,long drives, little work,,,,
Jacksonville has work I hear, so does the area from Jacksonville
straight west to Al. ,,,heck, you never know, Savannah is not that
far from Jacksonville,,,,
I love Savannah, beautiful old city, way old, I think fourth or fifth
in country in age,,,,
so, don't worry about it, just go to FCITS, pass the course, start
out part time to fill in time, and as time goes by, in just a short
time, you will be putting Ray out of biz! he will be wanting to
move again,,
anyway, do it.... 
Last Edited 6/21/2008
3:17:09 PM
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Ray Darrah
Posts: 1411
Since: 2/18/2008
| 6/21/2008 7:06:13 AM
Darian,
Nobody knows it all.
We all have our mentors. We use these experts to help in some of the inspections. By attending training you meet experts in Ceramic tile and wood, ect... and they are always willing to help.
Inspecting is not about knowing it all. It's about gathering evidence, taking photos, listing what you see and do the best you can... and ask for help from others when needed.
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)) In apartments no less. 
