Inspections...We Don't need no stinking Inspections

Inspections...We Don't need no stinking Inspections

It always amazes me that I get asked repeatedly by first time home buyers here in the Gettysburg Pa area, "Do we need to get an inspection?".  My answer is always the same, yes you do need to get an inspection, why would you not want one on probably the most important purchase of your life. Depending on where in the country you are buying, whether it is the Gettysburg, Adams County area or San Francisco, Calif, you are going to be spending at least $100,000 for a building that you are not only going to be living in, but most likely raising your children in, and you don't want to be sure the home is safe. I don't get it.
So where do you find a good inspector? Ask your agent, make some phone calls and do your homework. Ask questions, how much for what, how long will it take, is the inspector insured, licensed. Do they have references. One of the tell tale questions to ask is where does the inspector plan going in the house. If the inspector indicates that they will not be going into attic or crawl space area's, it is probably best to move onto the next inspector on the list. That is their job, it's what you are paying them for!
It is very important that you be there for the inspection as you need to ask questions and see first hand what the inspector is pointing out. Besides any issues with the home, you will learn about where important things are in potential new home, gas & water main valves for example. Take the time to be there, put the effort into it that your purchase deserves. By all means do not substitute your friend who is a contractor do the inspection for you. Home inspecting is a specialized field and needs to be done by a professional inspector.

If you or a friend or family member are thinking about buying or selling a home, feel free to contact GettysburgGerry for assistance