As a home inspector, we encourage our clients, and especially first time homeowners to follow us around during the inspection. This enables them to ask questions about the house, as well having us explain what we are looking for, how systems work, what we find wrong and what corrections should be made. As stated in the article, home inspectors can only see whats visible, so if the defect is hidden, it may just be missed. Get references, and don't rely solely on the real estate agent for a home inspectors name.
Barry www.thelongislandhomeinspector.comof NY2:27PM August 29, 2012
FLORIDA requires a home inspection licensce now.
John of FL2:19PM May 22, 2011
RJ did a home inspection for me last Fall.
The cons:
* Missed a lot (A LOT) of issues that I truly believe many other home inspectors would have found.
* Poor level of customer service. I found the owner to be, at first, unresponsive, and later very insulting.
The pros:
* When I complained about how dissatisfied I was with the initial inspection (and my agent agreed that it was a very poor job), a new inspection was conducted at no additional charge.
* When I brought some of the issues discovered after I purchased the house to the attention of the owner, he provided a total refund of the inspection cost.
Bottom line: I would never use again nor would I recommend this service to anyone seeking advice on a home inspection.
Kevinof MA12:46PM May 12, 2011
Seriously, Iatola (?) You are so so very wrong...
PEOPLE- PLEASE DO NOT FOLLOW "IATOLAS" BAD ADVICE...
The first time home buyer needs an inspection more than anyone, for there are too many wolves out there in sheep's clothing. An inspector is trying to make sure the buyers are as informed as possible and the only get a few hours to inspect the home. Why not mention seller disclosures where EVERY ONE is directed by their listing agent to lie and pretend they are unaware of everything.
You couldn't be causing more of a disservice to people by saying that a home inspector is not necessary - YOU MUST BE A GREEDY USED HOME SALESPERSON, or a person who just sold their house.
If you don't understand the reason a home inspection is extremely important, well then put your money where your mouth is - go forth , be a know it all and buy a property based on what the "agent" says .....good luck.
And Bimbo (?) i had to laugh when i read your post too...
People should choose an INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTOR THAT IS CERTIFIED AS WELL AS LICENSED ( IF IN YOUR STATE) -- look for testimonials, word of mouth, BBB ( better business bureau accreditation)
JTof IL10:38AM May 10, 2011
Homebuyers looking for an inspection company must first realize that not all states require home inspectors to be licensed as such and nor do I believe they should be, its a visual or non destructive inspection of the obvious.
1. Look for an inspector that is bonded not just insured, boding companies are not providing coverage to just anyone that says I can do this.
2. You wouldn't just open the first email link and take your newborn to that pediatrician so stop being so lazy and do the same for the most expensive purchase you will make, a fraction of research goes a long way.
3. Re agents, they will claim ignorance cause its out of thier job description so getting cushy with one will not help your cause, they are there to sell not to inspect.
4. No one can see through walls is a valid comment to a reasonable degree but in addition, as the potential homeowner maybe you should take initiative yourself thereby ceasing to pass the buck about how you got ripped off. Gather select family or friend for advise, you will not listen to everything but you will have the ability to consider what advise you recieved.
Rich of FL9:25AM May 09, 2011
Home inspectors are a TOTALLY unnecessary ripoff. Especially if you are going to turn around and flip it the first chance you get.
Just close your eyes, harness your psychic powers and keep visualizing your new McMansion..
"I can't be overdrawn! I still have checks!"
Bimbo Lee Palmer1:12AM May 07, 2011
Home inspectors aren't even necessary to begin with, especially for first time home buyers. Who cares if there are a few defects with the home, save the few hundred bucks.
Iatolaof GA1:38PM May 04, 2011
Think about it the real estate dealer is on the side of the seller,do you think if he hires a home inspector. That he is going to tell you the buyer, that there are major problems with the home hell no!. Educate yourself talk to others who have bought homes,ask about there experiences with home inspectors.
royalfuzzinessof IL12:34PM May 02, 2011
This is why you should ask your home inspector for a copy of his Standards of Practice, which details what will and will not be inspected. It should also be noted that most home inspectors will not move furniture or stored items in order to inspect obscured areas of the home, nor will they remove access panels to inspect obscured plumbing components, etc. Ask SPECIFIC questions of your inspector so that you know exactly what your home inspection includes.
Kenof NY7:57AM April 28, 2011
Yes, buyers should definitely be there for the inspection - I thought that was so obvious I didn't even mention it!
Reader Comments
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Barry www.thelongislandhomeinspector.com of NY 2:27PM August 29, 2012
John of FL 2:19PM May 22, 2011
Kevin of MA 12:46PM May 12, 2011
JT of IL 10:38AM May 10, 2011
Rich of FL 9:25AM May 09, 2011
Bimbo Lee Palmer 1:12AM May 07, 2011
Iatola of GA 1:38PM May 04, 2011
royalfuzziness of IL 12:34PM May 02, 2011
Ken of NY 7:57AM April 28, 2011
Kimberly Palmer of DC 11:56AM April 27, 2011