Can My Uncle Inspect My New Huntsville Alabama Home For Me?

Nick, this is a great post!  Another thing to consider in NJ, the contractual provision for home inspections regarding seller response times and negotating repairs only kicks in when a licensed home inspector issues a report.

In Pennsylvania a "home inspector" has to have certain certifications.  If Uncle Bob inspects and you want out you may not be able to get out. 

We are hiring another set of specific eyes...get the best you can and you get what you pay for too

Nick, I have a couple this year where the wife's dad was a "contractor", and she wanted him involved in the home inspection. They had a home inspector do the inspection, but "dad" torpedoed every inch of the process and ultimately encouraged his daughterr to walk away from an amazing house. He then tried to encourage her to buy one that was a dump. No, dad, grandpa, unlce Bob, you cannot do the home inspection.

Of course they couldbut your points are well taken. It would be like me entering into a Nascar race. Yeah I know how to drive, actually very well, but that doesnt mean I am ready to drive at 200 miles an hour inches from someone else lol

I agree with this article except for the first two questions. Home inspectors do not report code violations and asking them if they know all the codes for a water heater isn't a good way to determine their qualifications.

We get that a lot too, Nick. Sounds good for the buyer to get a "free" inspection but anything serious could easily be missed. They'll pay the price in the long run sadly. ALWAYS hire a professional. You wouldn't hire somebody that took a CPR class to perform an operation...

Yes, Uncle Sam can inspect the property . . . but as you write, the sellers/seller's agent might not take the findings seriously.  Uncle Joe and Nephew Buyer are more likely to be in cahoots after what they want the seller to do.  Oh, like that would never happen {rolling eyes}.  

You have the right to use whomever you choose, but my advice is to use a licensed professional.  That saying, "you pay for what you get" can come back and bite you in the butt.

 

Nick, You said it best with "Let Uncle Bob give you his opinion, but pay for the services of a home inspector.  The seller and their agent will accept the report of a licensed home inspector more readily than the opinion of Uncle Bob."

Nick - you are so right! Yes, they absolutely have the right to have whomever they want but even if their 'uncle Bob' is licensed anywhere - even if it is locally - I always encourage them to use a detached, objective inspector. If they really feel safer with a friend/relative then I suggest that this party go along with the inspector. This can totally put the friend/relative in a bad situation if something is not identified, or even if it is, it can get awkward.

Inspectors aren't licensed in Colorado, but can (should) be certified.  I think not having licensing laws for inspectors devalues their service and opens up the subject of Uncle Bob inspecting even more strongly.  

For some buyers as long as the toilets flush and the lights work it is a good home! Love what Gabe #22 said.

Nick-You are so right about not just Uncle's or even Dad's, if they're not licensed home inspectors the Buyer is better off with someone who is a licensed professional.

If one thing is clear after reading many inspector blogs pertaining to the common pitfalls they encounter daily is-- there are no short cuts when it comes to hiring a professional home inspector.

Of course he can!  He can also fix the TV and replace the shocks on the car maybe.  But does he know what he's doing?  Not in the same vein as a certified home inspector. 

Oh, what Ralph just said - word...

The Uncle Bob I run into is pretty savvy, local and knows the ins and outs. Seems rural markets have more jack of all trades for the once over to consider the lift on the hoist and kick the tire inspection first. Sure, bring the family member along and make sure to work with him, have him on your side if you want the sale. Don't get snarky, roll the eyes, or be annoyed. Negativity of any kind blows the sale. Pushes away the buyer, seller who trust you...until you give them a reason not to.

Great post Nick highlighting the message that processionals do it better. .and a house is juts too important!

Nick I had to laugh. You cant win using family members for any kind of service unless Uncle Fred is a property inspector and even then he wont look objectively. I have had this happen and always try to tell people to separate business from family. Would you want your uncle the doctor to give you a full physical examination? I think not, there are some things in life suited for professionals unrelated to you.

Looks like I'm late to the party, Nick. your post is right on target. I get that a lot too. And if someone insists, I get a waiver of PROFESSIONAL Inspection signed.