Home Repairs, Don't send a boy to do a man's job!

      I recently inspected a home that had multiple electrical, plumbing and HVAC issues as well as other issues such as damaged siding, wood rot and peeling paint. I stated in my report that I recommend having licensed qualified electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors as well as a licensed qualified contractor do repairs. The home owner hired a handy man to do all the repairs. Now I have nothing against handymen, they serve a need and there are some very good ones out there, but when it comes to the skilled trades such as electrical, plumbing and HVAC, most just don't have the training and experience. In this case the handyman did a decent job on the wood rot, peeling paint and replacing damaged siding and some other minor jobs he did. However, there are still major issues with the electrical. plumbing and HVAC. Now the buyer is mad, the realtor is mad and the former homeowner is long gone, moved out of state and left no forwarding address. I wish the homeowner had taken my advice and hired qualified tradesmen to do the work. If you're buying a home and the homeowner agrees to fix any issues, make sure you know that they hired licensed qualified contractors for specific skills. When it comes to Home Repairs, Don't send a boy to do a man's job!

David DiRienzo

Richmond Virginia Home Inspector

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