Should you use a home inspector or a general contractor
Posted 05-14-2014 at 02:13 PM by EricB515
A licensed home inspector is the usual go-to guy for a general home inspection, but as you point out it is common to bring in specialists. If you have concerns about a particular feature of the home, for example the wiring, it's a good idea to bring in a licensed electrician for a second opinion, same with the roof, plumbing, etc. It is impossible to "over inspect" when you have a concern about something the home inspector did not cover sufficiently for you. Always bring in a general contractor when there is a question regarding building code compliance for the general structure. Inspectors can usually tell you if something doesn't function or is broken, worn, or rotten, but they typically don't have sufficient knowledge of building codes to tell you if something is designed and built correctly.
If the home you're looking at is older and has been remodeled a few times, it's probably a good idea to have a general contractor help you verify that each remodel was permitted and installed correctly. Any concern is always a concern.
If the home you're looking at is older and has been remodeled a few times, it's probably a good idea to have a general contractor help you verify that each remodel was permitted and installed correctly. Any concern is always a concern.
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Both! But if you are buying a home - please do not use only a GC. The GC wants more work and find something to work on. Legit or not.
The last house I bought - the inspector sent over a GC - and I knew there was a leak somewhere around the area the 2nd level deck attached to the house. The GC quoted me $13,000 to remove the deck attachment and seal and reattach.
Found out later - it was the door threshold out to the deck. The threshold was leveled so that rain ran into the house instead of away from the house. $200 fixed it.
Fast House Inspections in Texas is TREC certified.Posted 08-31-2016 at 08:08 AM by blueCI01
