How do i know if I'm getting a good deal or not or how much one generally costs?
2007-06-15 07:20:12 · 7 answers · asked by channy 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Home inspectors do not ensure that you are buying a home without latent, hidden defects. In fact, most do not know codes or even much about what they are looking at. You can do as good a job as most if you take the time. They look for evidence of water coming into the house as around windows, through basement walls, thought the roof by looking for staining and tracking, which you can do. They then test everything to make sure it works, outlets, GFI outlets which require an outlet tester with a button, faucets, sink drains, machines such as furnace, dishwasher, fridge,etc. They do not look for anything that is not obvious, they might find a big crack in a foundation but will not normally care about small things like driveway cracks. While this will find the obvious, that is all it will find.
They generally cost in the neighborhood of a couple hundred. Your mortgage company will probably require one unless it is new construction. The code compliance building inspectors have done a much better job inspecting new construction than an after the fact inspector can do. If I were you I would look the place over carefully myself including going into the attic with a flashlight to look for leak stains and forget the inspector.
2007-06-15 09:08:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Home inspectors need to be certified from the state to do what they do. I do not know a good price, as area pricing might be different. Home inspections are very important, new home or not. I have seen many problems in new homes that inspectors should have found. I would just pay a reasonable amount and try to ask around to find a good home inspector.
2007-06-15 07:30:04 · answer #2 · answered by lilbono01 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A new constuction home should come with a one year waranty. Some contractors ask that you wait the full time to get everything fixed at one time unless it is a safety issue. Not sure why you need a Home Inspector. The City/county inspectors should have done most of the work already.
2007-06-15 07:48:46 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
USA Pennsylvania There are many home inspectors. But, as of 2004, there are also building inspectors who inspect home construction in progress, to make sure the home complies with the codes. They inspect the construction of the home as construction progresses. If you are buying a new home, request the inspection reports and the certificate of occupancy.
2007-06-15 15:24:00 · answer #4 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
UInfortunately the time for a home inspector is prior to purchase. All they can do now is tell you what is wrong instead of having the owner fix or credit you for any major repairs. Probably $150.
2007-06-15 15:32:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those guys are worthless.
Most states have no requirements for them.
All lot of them are home coursed.
When they say they are certified, it's the home school course certificate they are talking about.
I know one that just one day decided to be a home inspector.
And he did it for two years.
They write up the littlest crap and blow it out of proportion to justify their high charge.
They don't know most code requirements on plumbing I know for a fact.
They are worthless.
If you really need more than the city and state inspections on the new home, you are really better off the get a few good contractors to come by and look the house over.
2007-06-15 07:39:15 · answer #6 · answered by rangedog 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Go with a reputable company. Most inspections range from about $250 to $400 depending on the size of the property.
2007-06-15 07:29:00 · answer #7 · answered by progunr 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋