Is anyone here a Home Inspector?

[solomon751]

I couldn't disagree more - Any idea how much it would cost trying to get all of those folks to show up at the same time on the same day? Kelly hit the nail on the head insomuch that 90% of the time you don't need a structural engineer, electrician, HVAC contractor, roofer, plumber, and/or a general contractor to show up at a prospective new home. Someone that is professionally trained, part of a reputable organization, insured, and not in bed with the Realtor is about all you need for an honest, non-bias, and professional opinion about the true condition of a property.

Not only that but do you think each of these contractors will be a bit bias if they want to sell you a new furnace, hot water heater, roof covering, or electrical panel - the idea is to have someone that has no vested interest in recommending things in the report. ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), the largest and most respected home inspector organization in the United States, requires that I *NOT* so much as turn a screw driver on an inspected property for 2 years after the inspection but I am also forbidden from having any type of financial interest in any property I am inspecting.

While I appreciate your insight I disagree with you completely van7559.

no offense to kelly, but I garuntee you will get a hell of alot more professional answers, regarding any issues in your new homemay have.I cannot even begin to stress this enough get one of each: electrical contrator, hvac contractor, plumber, and a general contractor - to look at the roof/structural shit. If you use reputable contractors, it may be a little more expensive up front, abut if you have any issues, it will save you the money in the long run. The problem with home inspectors is the may know one maybe two of the feilds okay, but hire one from each, your get an expert opinion in each feld. Contractors deal with the building department regularly. Inspectorss, pay big bucks to have names like "US Home Inspect", and think they know every thing. 95% of the inspectors I deal with on residential real estate deals, don't know their ass from a hole in the ground, and that is putting it lightly! Just my two pennies

[van7559]

I'm sticking to my guns here guys, I did not say all home inspectors were lacking, just 95% I have come into contact/dealt with. I never said there are not guys who are home inspectors who are sharp as a razor blade either. I am sure they exsist. As far as cost I spent $450 bucks on a home inspector who came reffered by many, and the guy was a total dumbass. I can just about gaurantee that having the 4 contractors out will cost no more than $500. Scheduling, they don't all have to be there at once, and preferably there one at a time. If you are dealing with a professional company they tend to stick to there schedule pretty damn good. As far as people wanting to sell you new stuff ie w/h, furnaces etc. thats were you do your own homework and use someone reputable. I will never sell someone something they don't need. I guess that is just how I was raised ethically, and morally. Why not go through a little more hassle to get that expert opinion in the all major feilds, it is after all probably the biggest purchase you will ever make.

[van7559]

If you are not to even "turn a screwdriver" on a property how in the hell do you know the condition of a furnaces heat exchanger? You don't have a clue. That is why a good chunk of the inspectors say have the furnaces inspected and serviced by a "licensed" hvac contractor, because they are not allowed to turn that screwdriver which will just delay your schedule longer, because there is another thing added to the list. Do home inspectors require any local licenses? So in a sense by cutting to the chase and haveing the contractors out you save the middle man- the inspector/

[solomon751]

"turn a screwdriver" is a euphemism for being hired to work on anything in the home that was identified as a deficiency in the home inspection report. Ironically most furnace access panels are a lift-off type that aren't held on with screws or bolts. Not to split any hairs...

As far as professional licensing is concerned, Colorado has NO home inspector licensing requirements. That is why I mentioned ASHI as they have continuing education, standards of practice, and ethical requirements in order to maintain a membership in good standing.

Sounds like you have had a bad experience with home inspectors in the past - for that I don't know what to say. There are dirt bags in every profession and unfortunately can permeate every aspect of the professional trades.

[van7559]

Sounds like you have had a bad experience with home inspectors in the past - for that I don't know what to say. There are dirt bags in every profession and unfortunately can permeate every aspect of the professional trades.

I could not agree more, there are dirtbags in every field licensed or not.
Good luck on your future home purchase

[Byte Stryke]

Grandad used to tell me, "When you are neck deep in a hole, you are all alone and the water is starting to rise, Stop diggin."

I think that would be some useful advice here.

[cebeu]

Thanks for the referral Cebeu. PM me and let me know who you are - have I done an inspection for you in the past?

My privilege, you did and you provided the level of professional effort expected/needed for base inspection services and enviro monitoring (follow-up documentation was good as well). Did not know you were a member here when I posted the response, I did so simply because you do "good work" and are in the OP's target market requested. PM sent.