[Putthebottledown]

What are somethings I should look for when choosing a home inspector? What is the average price for a home inspection. I know my Realtor has one in mind but I was thinking of doing my own research. Any help from you guys would be very much appreciated!!

[macgeek]

home inspectors run about $250, but I have not had any stellar experience with any.
All of them give you a 30 page report with 2 pages of relevant data - I really recommend you BE THERE when the inspector shows (if you can) to ask questions.

DON'T USE "Spectrum Home Inspectors" (the one that I used)

Jonathan

[bayview6]

Originally Posted by Putthebottledown

What are somethings I should look for when choosing a home inspector? What is the average price for a home inspection. I know my Realtor has one in mind but I was thinking of doing my own research. Any help from you guys would be very much appreciated!!

Do it yourself and save the $400 bucks. Buy a home warranty policy instead.

All the home inspectors do is LOOK at the house. Run all the appliances and see how old the hot water, AC system, roof, etc. If you are totally clueless about houses, then get a relative or friend to help you.

Your best bet is to go to the library and check out a book on home inspections and read it cover to cover.

[olecapt]

Originally Posted by bayview6

Do it yourself and save the $400 bucks. Buy a home warranty policy instead.

All the home inspectors do is LOOK at the house. Run all the appliances and see how old the hot water, AC system, roof, etc. If you are totally clueless about houses, then get a relative or friend to help you.

Your best bet is to go to the library and check out a book on home inspections and read it cover to cover.

When you need your knee replaced go to the library and read how to do it.. You will save thousands of dollars if you or are close friend do it yourself..

If you have a reasonable background in residental construction you don't need an inspector...though you might choose to have on if certain things are wrong.

In the last 100 hundred deals I have had three or four buyers who did not need an inspector...but all chose to have one.

Unless you know your way around the local residental construction industry you probably shoud use the agents inspector.

YMMV

[bayview6]

Originally Posted by olecapt

When you need your knee replaced go to the library and read how to do it.. You will save thousands of dollars if you or are close friend do it yourself..

If you have a reasonable background in residental construction you don't need an inspector...though you might choose to have on if certain things are wrong.

In the last 100 hundred deals I have had three or four buyers who did not need an inspector...but all chose to have one.

Unless you know your way around the local residental construction industry you probably shoud use the agents inspector.

YMMV

ROTFLMAO. How in the world did you get from equalizing a home inspection with knee surgery? Now I would agree with you if a home inspector had to have a 4 year college degree followed by a 4 year graduate school followed by several years of more training.

I would agree that if the inspectors gave a warranty as to their inspections they might be worth the money, but they don't.

Inspectors ONLY inspect things that they can see. period.

I have bought 3 houses and never had an inspection on any of them.

If you do have a home inspection, make sure the inspector is not a former real estate salesman.

[Tires]

A home warranty you buy on a used home doesn't cover everything and doesn't cover pre-existing problems, so it isn't a substitute for an inspection.

[irishspy]

I believe Olecapt was refering that everthing can not be read in a book. Buying a house is a very big decision like Knee surgury sometimes it is better to let the experts handle it. Friends like to help but it's not their money or headache afterwards. Stick with the proven way vs trying to save a few dollars. Be there if possible when it is done so you can ask questions or point out stuff you feel is in questions. Good luck

[bayview6]

Originally Posted by Tires

A home warranty you buy on a used home doesn't cover everything and doesn't cover pre-existing problems, so it isn't a substitute for an inspection.

a home inspection doesn't cover anything. the pre-existing problems exclusion is only for like the first 60 days.

[bayview6]

Originally Posted by irishspy

I believe Olecapt was refering that everthing can not be read in a book. Buying a house is a very big decision like Knee surgury sometimes it is better to let the experts handle it. Friends like to help but it's not their money or headache afterwards. Stick with the proven way vs trying to save a few dollars. Be there if possible when it is done so you can ask questions or point out stuff you feel is in questions. Good luck

Yes, buying a house IS a big decision and that is why it is best for the future home owner NOT to rely on so-called "experts". The question is not saving a few dollars as not wanting to gain a basic understanding of what a home inspection is all about.

Read and understand a book on home inspection and most people can do their own. At least they will be better able to evaluate the qualifications of any home inspector that they hire.

[olecapt]

Ever try to get a warrantee from a surgeon?

For major appliances particularly air conditioners the inspection report is crucial. The standard defense for the first year is that it was inoperative before the contract or improperly maintained. And if you don't have an annual service call on your AC expect the warrantee company to turn down the claim.

A very large percentage of the time the inspector finds nothing of interest and certainly nothing a capable buyer could not find on their own. But one time in twenty something pops.

If it is a difficult house the inspection report gives you the check list to call in the contractors to quote what needs to be done.

And no you won't get it out of reading a single book or even a couple. You need to have done a few hundred before you are really qualified for the job.

As I said if you have the skills and knowledge you could do your own...but those that have that skill set generally chose to use an inspector.

As an example I just sold a down size home to a major LV contractor. He could have done his own. He was in fact in there with his son doing the plans to gut and revise part of the home while buying it. But he chose to have it inspected considering the detail checks worth the cost.