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Home Inspection Alternatives?

By Anthon Pang

Real Estate Sales Representative with iPro Realty Ltd., Brokerage

October 09, 2007 02:04 AM

How much bang for the buck do we get with a $200-$400 general home inspection? Home inspectors require breadth of knowledge, but the depth of such knowledge seems to vary quite a bit. How often are specialists brought in because of a concern raised in the general inspection?

One local HVAC service company says they'll clean (and at the same time, inspect) the HVAC system for $100. Imagine bringing in similar specialists for the electrical system, plumbing, and structure? I think we'd have a much higher confidence in the specialized inspection reports (and repair estimates), but how much more would it cost?

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Wayne Miller

San Diego, CA

That is an interesting comment, and yes it can be costly.

Oct 09, 2007 02:10 AM

Michael Mapes-Suntrust Mortgage

Sun Trust Mortgage - Newport News, VA

Interesting is a good word, good post

Oct 09, 2007 02:20 AM

Rick Bunzel

Pacific Crest Inspections - Anacortes, WA

Anthon,

Yes you could have a roofer, plumber, electrician, HVAC and pest inspector evaluate and service their respective areas or you could hire a home inspector. I have been inspecting since 2002 and see the number of items or defects we find. Many realtors don't realize that a experienced home inspector is going to be looking at 300-600 items during the inspection process. We are generalists with an experienced eye. A roofer is not necessarily care about looking in the attic and finding the cracked rafter or the missing insulation that was removed during a repair. An HVAC person is not going to care about improper electrical connections that are hidden by the furnace. However a home inspector will and document it.

I do hundreds of inspections a year and I have never heard from one of my clients that my service wasn't worth the fee charged. Occasionally I will hear from a Realtor that they are not happy about the issues found particularly mold related issues. My response is that it is better to expose the issues during the inspection contingency period than after the fact when the buyer is more likely to consult a lawyer!

//Rick

Rick Bunzel