Do we need our own home inspector ? (Houston, Point: house, construction)

[Txgal33]

Originally Posted by jmeadors

As someone who has bought, sold, built, and renovated many houses, I would say that, if you are a fairly inexperienced buyer or homeowner, an inspection certainly couldn't hurt. But you can probably get more effective results by hiring specialized people in each of the major fields to do inspections. For example, a foundation company, and hvac company, a plumber, and electrician, etc. Most home inspectors know a little about a lot but not a lot about anything in particular. So, the end up with stuff like "needs a GFCI plug in the bathroom" instead of the more important and much more expensive problems that are harder to detect if you don't work in that field every day.
So my vote is that if you can find a great inspector at the right price or are willing to take the time & spend the energy that it takes to REALLY find out what's going on in that house--using specialists--then the inspection may just be a waste of money.
Price is more important than condition. Any house, in any condition, is a good buy--at the right price. Some people assume foreclosures are already listed at a discount to the market. Sometimes that is true. Sometimes it is not.

That is very true that they are not all at rock bottom pricing! Always room to play around with price! As for specialist in all areas, whew! That is a LOT of money and after building one home and purchasing two others my two cents is just highly certified inspector. Our was SUPER thorough in all he did which is why it took most of the day. If they notice something is wrong then they will say hey ya need a specialist to come in. There is just not enough time in the day for all of that unless you already know there is something worng.

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by jayden08

We are going to close a 7 year-old Perry home in Shadow creek ranch. The home looks good to us although there are some minor things need to be repaired here and there. I do think about the home inspection but most of my relatives said it 's a waste of money because the home is foreclosure so whatever the inspection comes out, I have to take it As-is! I really need you guys advices and comments !

Absolutely have an inspection! There are many issues that you might miss in your assessment of the home. A good home Inspector is going to take all the time necessary to literally scour over your home and find these issues. If the Inspector finds large items that you were not expecting then you can still back out of the purchase.

By the way, I know Mr. Houston-home-inspector (that is you, isn't it John?). If that is John you really can't go wrong using his services! John is a very knowledgeable Inspector who, unlike previous incorrect blanket statements about Inspectors, does take the time to keep himself informed of new materials, methods, etc., as well as old, in construction. The only good Inspectors out there are the ones who continually study and learn. John happens to be one of them, as am I.

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by Txgal33

That is very true that they are not all at rock bottom pricing! Always room to play around with price! As for specialist in all areas, whew! That is a LOT of money and after building one home and purchasing two others my two cents is just highly certified inspector. Our was SUPER thorough in all he did which is why it took most of the day. If they notice something is wrong then they will say hey ya need a specialist to come in. There is just not enough time in the day for all of that unless you already know there is something worng.

Sounds as if you did have a good Inspector! I am told many times that I need to cut my time on site as well. However, to do that I also would have to cut back on how thorough I am, and that just isn't a happening thing with me!! I only perform one inspection a day so I can take whatever time is needed with the inspection, and the client, and I go through that house with a fine tooth comb!!!! I honestly don't see how some of these Inspectors are performing a total of 2 hours on site for the inspection and client briefing???

[cheryjohns]

YES!!!!!
No, they probably won't repair - but sometimes, the price can be adjusted. Even if they won't adjust the price, you will have the choice of going forward and knowing about the problem, or backing out and getting your earnest money back. Saving about $300 to not get an inspection is a terrible idea.

[Point man]

Originally Posted by escanlan

By the way, I know Mr. Houston-home-inspector (that is you, isn't it John?). If that is John you really can't go wrong using his services! John is a very knowledgeable Inspector who, unlike previous incorrect blanket statements about Inspectors, does take the time to keep himself informed of new materials, methods, etc., as well as old, in construction. The only good Inspectors out there are the ones who continually study and learn. John happens to be one of them, as am I.

Hi Manny, yep it's me old friend.

[latetotheparty]

YES.... have a private building inspection and go on the inspection with the inspector........

[Txgal33]

Originally Posted by escanlan

Sounds as if you did have a good Inspector! I am told many times that I need to cut my time on site as well. However, to do that I also would have to cut back on how thorough I am, and that just isn't a happening thing with me!! I only perform one inspection a day so I can take whatever time is needed with the inspection, and the client, and I go through that house with a fine tooth comb!!!! I honestly don't see how some of these Inspectors are performing a total of 2 hours on site for the inspection and client briefing???

We actually built two homes and purchased two. The first we backed out of because of an awesome inspector. He said he would not buy the house so we did not buy it. We were building ground up. It was our first house as a married couple. It was a sad sad day but we are glad we listened. Our last inspection was a LONG one. We have approx 3700 sq ft and he was here from 9:30 am till almost 5. He had one more to do that day. We are glad he did such a great job since the house had sat a few years not lived in. He also did a termite inspection as well.

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by Txgal33

He also did a termite inspection as well.

Forgot to mention the termite inspection. Sometimes the regular inspector does not do this. A termite inspection will run about an extra $75 or so. You would be very surprised about the number of newer homes (less than 5 years old) that have termites. In fact, if you are doing an FHA loan, they will require it.

[Point man]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

Forgot to mention the termite inspection. Sometimes the regular inspector does not do this. A termite inspection will run about an extra $75 or so. You would be very surprised about the number of newer homes (less than 5 years old) that have termites. In fact, if you are doing an FHA loan, they will require it.

Correct, also beware of many unlicensed termite inspectors out there. A tip off is usually a price for a termite inspection that is too cheap. You can check for the name of your termite inspector here: Licensed WDI Inspectors
their name should be on the Certified Applicator license report or the Technician license report. The report looks a little convoluted but the names are in alphabetical order so it is easy to scroll the two lists. A termite inspection is a taxable service, (so says my CPA) so that also adds to the cost. No tax is required for a home inspection, go figure.

[jayden08]

Thank you so much for those 2 cents thoughts. Now I have to look for someone do the job great even though this guy may hurt my dream. I hate to back out and find another home if anything happens. We have been looking for a house for like 4 months and we are almost exhausted.
Anyone knows any good inspector please recommend ?