Gerard Skowronski

A Reliable Source for Home Inspection

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Stylish Detroit

After 20 years of working in photo processing labs and as a professional photographer, Gerard Skowronski was burned out and ready to try something new. His curiosity in home construction led him to discussions with a former supervisor who started doing home inspections and encouraged Gerard to observe the industry alongside him. In 2002, Gerard started Reliable Home Inspection Service, LLC. However, in the fall of 2006, he was given the chance to work at Protech Environmental Services in Ann Arbor, where he ran the department that specialized in indoor air quality and mold testing for 11 years.

In November 2016, Gerard’s wife of 25 years died unexpectedly. As a result, Gerard shifted his focus onto his family and pursued his original plan of being self-employed with Reliable Home Inspection Service, doing home inspections full time.

As Gerard continued to educate himself about the industry, he acquired a home inspection certificate from Macomb Community College, a residential builder’s license for the state of Michigan and a certification from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). He is also a background-verified inspector from the ASHI, which is a program that conducts background checks on inspectors entering a home to help bring peace of mind to clients. Additionally, Gerard is a council-certified indoor environmental consultant (CIEC) and a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA).

“I do my best to provide a thorough inspection of every property, but more than that, I also let my clients know that I am working for them and in their interest,” Gerard said. Most of his work comes from real estate agent referrals or past clients. “Just like the company name states, we are reliable,” he added.

Early in his career, Gerard realized how nerve-racking the inspection process can be for new-home purchasers, especially when repairs or issues arise. “I do not overhype a problem,” Gerard said. “I calmly explain the situation to the client so they can fully understand the circumstances, and I offer solutions to resolve or repair the issue. I’m sensitive to how trying it can be while purchasing a home — it’s an emotional time in people’s lives.”

What Gerard enjoys most is meeting new real estate agents and establishing lifelong relationships with everyone involved in a transaction. “I love getting emails a month or so after an inspection from a client who thanks me and tells me that they have closed on their new home,” he said.

When Gerard first launched his business, he was using a three-part carbon copy checklist and no photos. “Today, the inspection is on a computerized tablet along with a 40-page report and numerous photographs,” he shared.

“Flashlights are now super bright LEDs, and we’re using drones for high- and steep-pitched roofs. Beyond that, microcameras are used for hard-to-reach areas and crawl spaces. Technology has definitely advanced the home inspection process.”

When Gerard is not working, he fondly carries on the memory of his wife, Laura, with their two children — Paul, 21, and Gina, 18. “My kids keep me hopping with their activities,” he said. “We do an annual vacation to the Upper Peninsula every year. We pick a base camp and explore the area for a week. Needless to say, these trips are a yearly highlight for me.”

Gerard is a volunteer at Stahls Auto Foundation in Chesterfield, Michigan, and was the president of the Parents’ Advisory Association at Austin Catholic High School until his daughter graduated in May 2021. He also started the Austin Catholic Dads’ Club (AC/DC) as a way to show students how to work on cars and teach them the basic understanding of tools around the house. Gerard is also a soccer coach for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) VIP Program, which is a team of developmentally disabled adults, and is a volunteer for the Goodfellows paper sale.

Gerard defines success as having the ability to treat others as you wish to be treated and going to bed every night with a clear conscience.

“I have a passion for what I do, and wholeheartedly enjoy meeting new clients and real estate agents at inspections,” Gerard said. “I have met so many wonderful people over the years; I am a truly blessed man.”

Reliable Home Inspection Service specializes in home inspections, radon gas testing, indoor air quality mold testing, project management, construction and restoration. For more information about Reliable Home Inspection Service, visitreliablehomegroup.com.

Gerard Skowronski - PARTNER SPOTLIGHT