Why should I hire an inspector when my friend will look for free?
I
t seems that every so often, my client begins by telling me about their friend or relative who's in the trades, and they're going to have this person come over to the house and look at it with me.
The implication being, "I don't know why my agent thinks YOU need to get involved, Mr. Inspector."
I understand. The buyer doesn't know me. They do know this other person. This other person's a contractor. And let's face it, lots of contractors have pretty low opinions on inspectors. I understand that, too.
I spent some time working for a friend of mine, an architect, helping to expedite permits. Wow. If that doesn't give you unhappy feelings about the powers that be, you must be a saint. And I've worked in the trades, too. I know, from a hired grunt's perspective, the tension that creeps into the air when the inspector's walking around the job site. It's a shame, but sometimes the working relationship isn't the best. It's a shame, but it happens.
The buyer doesn't know me. The tradesman doesn't trust me. But the agent, who's been through this before, thinks that it would be good if "uncle Bob" isn't the only one evaluating the condition of the house.
Please, don't get me wrong. A career plumber will know more than I ever will about plumbing. I mean a real plumber, someone who learned the trade through an accredited program, or in an old-style apprenticeship, spending long years of learning and labor under the direct supervision of a master plumber. Same thing for any other trade: electrician, carpenter, roofer, mason. I have tremendous respect for the men and women who've taken the time to learn their craft. They deserve every dollar they earn, and more.
And I always welcome the interested third party to come along and accompany me on the inspection. The more the merrier. I do better work when I keep my ego out of it. So sure, by all means, invite your friend. I might just learn something.
But here's the thing. I've had some very smart tradesmen tag along on my inspections. And, most of the time, they know more about their particular niche than I do. But I've never met one who could look with confidence at all the major systems of the house like a home inspector does.
I'm a trained generalist. I look at the whole picture. And that's why hiring a professional home inspector is a good idea. What I bring, as an inspector, is a broad overview of every major system of the house.
You're hiring me for my training and experience, for my dedication to practicing my profession, which is Home Inspection. You're hiring me because I have a commitment to rigorous continuing education through InterNACHI. You're hiring me for my ability to observe, evaluate, and communicate.
Hiring a professional home inspector is an essential part of buying a home. I can't bend conduit as good as uncle Chuck, but I know my craft. I am the outside eye.
When you're about to make a purchase this big, it's worth it to hire someone who's well-versed in his profession. It pays to hire a professional inspector.
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