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Answers (15)
- Antoinette Iemma, "AIEMMA"
- Contributions:93
I always tell buyers, whether they are first or multi time purchasers, the inspection is most important in the home buying process. An inspector should expect "shadowing" by the buyer for several reasons. From realizing condition of the property to understanding the mechanics of the house, how it operates etc and the fact that you are paying for the inspectors service, you should be there. Ask questions, interupt when you do not understand something but do keep in mind the inspector is there to do a job. Some common inclusions to a home inspection is testing for radon, lead, termites and an oil tank if it is buried underground. Good luck in your new home.
- Amy Robinson, "Amy Robinson Realtor"
- Contributions:80
First and foremost, get the Inspection! I see too many buyers who are trying to save a dollar, and opt not to have the home inspected. Keep in mind, for most of us, buying or selling real estate is the largest financial transaction of our life - so spend the $350-$550 (or whatever the going rate is for your area) for the inspection - it's WORTH IT!
Keep in mind; YOU are hiring the inspector to perform a SERVICE for YOU! It's your money, it's your purchase, it's your responsibility to get the information you need and want! I think it is prudent for you to be at the inspection, and feel free to advise the inspector you will feel most comfortable "accompanying" him or her throughout the process. I always tell my buyers it's a great opportunity to ask any questions and get answers that you may not have another opportunity to get answered. If you don't feel comfortable "accompanying" the inspector throughout the entire process, make sure they go through an end-of-inspection verbal report of the findings with you - while still at the property.
Be assertive, be inquisitive, and remember - it's YOUR money paying for the service!
As far as what to expect? In my market, the inspectors are required to be licensed by the state - and they have a pretty standard inspection that they go through. It's very comprehensive and typically takes 2-4 hours. You will receive a written report with photos that are usually 30-50 pages long. This is where you will consult with your Real Estate agent to go through the inspection and the language and terms of your contract to determine what repairs you will request, and what repairs the seller is obligated to make. Again, this varies from state to state, and contract to contract - so consult your Realtor at this critical point in the process.
Good luck and good inspecting!
Keep in mind; YOU are hiring the inspector to perform a SERVICE for YOU! It's your money, it's your purchase, it's your responsibility to get the information you need and want! I think it is prudent for you to be at the inspection, and feel free to advise the inspector you will feel most comfortable "accompanying" him or her throughout the process. I always tell my buyers it's a great opportunity to ask any questions and get answers that you may not have another opportunity to get answered. If you don't feel comfortable "accompanying" the inspector throughout the entire process, make sure they go through an end-of-inspection verbal report of the findings with you - while still at the property.
Be assertive, be inquisitive, and remember - it's YOUR money paying for the service!
As far as what to expect? In my market, the inspectors are required to be licensed by the state - and they have a pretty standard inspection that they go through. It's very comprehensive and typically takes 2-4 hours. You will receive a written report with photos that are usually 30-50 pages long. This is where you will consult with your Real Estate agent to go through the inspection and the language and terms of your contract to determine what repairs you will request, and what repairs the seller is obligated to make. Again, this varies from state to state, and contract to contract - so consult your Realtor at this critical point in the process.
Good luck and good inspecting!
- Matthew Dorsey, "Matt Dorsey"
- Contributions:30
You are paying for the inspection and want to be informed on what you are buying so you can ask any questions you want, however, you don't want to prevent him from doing his job. A good inspector will explain what he is seeing and answer your questions. Just go with the flow and you'll be fine. Also, the inspector should check the oulets, have your wife with you so you both can be informed.
- Sharon Lewis, "Sharon Lewis"
- Contributions:3898
Actually, you should not ask the inspector questions when they are doing your inspection. Let them concentrate on what they are doing. At the end, they will take up to an hour with pictures to show you the trouble spot. My buyers generally come out for the full 4 plus hours,and spend that time getting to know their new home, doing measurements, discussing furniture placement etc.
You should ask where the water and gas turn off valves are. How old the furnace is and whether you need to bring in a specialist for that and the AC. While your inspector is working, write down trouble spots you see. You can take a look at the attic when they are up there. Just ask how they like to work. Most of my guys like to stay quiet and focused.
You should ask where the water and gas turn off valves are. How old the furnace is and whether you need to bring in a specialist for that and the AC. While your inspector is working, write down trouble spots you see. You can take a look at the attic when they are up there. Just ask how they like to work. Most of my guys like to stay quiet and focused.
- SouthBayProperty
- Contributions:60
It's common for a buyer to shadow an inspector. Most homebuyers are not familiar with the lingo, so what usually works best is at the conclusion of the inspection to consult with your agent. For instance terms that often come up are: legal, non-conforming; cal-shake roof; stab-lock breakers; romex; any many more terms the average home-buyer may have never heard of -- let along understand the implications. Best advice is to make sure your agent is experienced and hence will guide you through the process. Best of luck.
- sunnyview
- Contributions:25046
I always talk directly with the inspector the day of the inspection and ask if I can shadow them. I give them space to work, but watch what they are doing. That gives me an opportunity to make a list of questions as I go trough the house with them to ask at the end of the inspection. It also gives them an opportunity to be able to do a good job.
A the end of the inspection, I ask my questions. We may walk back to areas where I can point things out and ask about them. I always got under the house or on the roof with the inspector. I want to see it for myself and be able to ask about anything that I need to know. Typically, my agents have been there, but I do not ask for input and feel that the inspection appointment is between me and the inspector.
A the end of the inspection, I ask my questions. We may walk back to areas where I can point things out and ask about them. I always got under the house or on the roof with the inspector. I want to see it for myself and be able to ask about anything that I need to know. Typically, my agents have been there, but I do not ask for input and feel that the inspection appointment is between me and the inspector.
- Lynne Horner GRI, ABR, SFR, "Lynne Horner"
- Contributions:33
A lot of inspectors will welcome questions along the way. They usually have a certain flow to the inspection and will update you on major components (roof, structural, HVAC, water heater) along the way. You are paying them to do the job, so ask your questions.
- Michael Emery, "MikeEmery"
- Contributions:7262
It depends on the style of the inspector. I've had some inspectors go through the house alone and towards the end of the inspection they fielded questions from the buyer. Other inspectors will want the buyer there for the whole inspection.
Many first time homebuyers don't know the basics of home maintenance which is why a good inspector will welcome questions. They're not just there to inspect, they're there to teach.
As an agent, I always go to the buyers inspections. I learn more and more about homes with each inspection I attend and I'm not afraid to ask questions. But I always leave some time for the inspector to do their work.
Many first time homebuyers don't know the basics of home maintenance which is why a good inspector will welcome questions. They're not just there to inspect, they're there to teach.
As an agent, I always go to the buyers inspections. I learn more and more about homes with each inspection I attend and I'm not afraid to ask questions. But I always leave some time for the inspector to do their work.
- Clay Branch, "Georgia Loans"
- Contributions:7786
I paid $3800 for a new heater 4 months after buying my first home, problem was several cracks in the heat exchanger. I learned the hard way to have an expert inspect the HVAC system if it is older.
- Hamp Yonce, "Zilluminati"
- Contributions:3463
I think that all good inspectors welcome questions, too, but they may not want to be over-the-shouldered. They can't stop you from giving them the OTS treatment, but it could be distracting. I think you'll be surprised at the cursory nature of what they do. They go down a checklist. They cut the water on and let it get hot, they turn the oven on and watch it heat up, they poke the floor joists with moisture meter, etc... it is normally a really uneventful event. When they see an issue, they say this could be an issue, but you'll have to call a whatever-the-issue-is expert for further examination. Ask your Agent if they would follow, just stay handy, or drive the bus. Contrary to Sam's opinion, I would tell the inspector to be available for questions after you receive the comprehensive report. There will be questions. Hopefully, your being there will allow any major questions to be answered then, rather than at report time. Don't worry about it. It ain't rocket science. How old is the house?
- Trump Junior
- Contributions:82
In my experience (one time), the only opportunity you will have to speak with the inspector is while he is doing the inspection. After that, he has no reason to talk to you. It will be thanks for paying, so long. But while he is inspecting, before he has been paid he will be pleasant and happy to talk to you. Here are some things my inspector missed: Water damage in some areas. Bad electrical wiring. Leaky gas pipes. I eventually fixed them or got them fixed. They simply can't check everything in 45 minutes to an hour, but in that time they will give you some good advice ESPECIALLY if you tag along and show some interest.
- shasta_steve
- Contributions:448
The only reason a realtor does not want you talking to your home inspector is he is afraid the inspector might tell you something your realtor does not want you to know. Realtors love to be able to "filter" information as they see fit.
You don't need to shadow your inspector but if your inspector has a problem with you being there or asking a few questions, find a new inspector. You are paying him and if he has a problem there are others who won't. Personally I would be more interested in just talking to him for 10 minutes or so after he was done.
If your realtor does not want you to talk to your inspector personally, find a new realtor.
You don't need to shadow your inspector but if your inspector has a problem with you being there or asking a few questions, find a new inspector. You are paying him and if he has a problem there are others who won't. Personally I would be more interested in just talking to him for 10 minutes or so after he was done.
If your realtor does not want you to talk to your inspector personally, find a new realtor.
- solar5000
- Contributions:8
Wow Sam, you have a quite a hostile demeanor. I am not there to "wait for a comprehensive report". I am there to learn what I can about MY future house. I do not plan on being intrusive, but from what I've been reading, the good inspectors WELCOME questions, etc.
If you were an inspector, I sure wouldn't be calling upon you.
To answer toad, yes agent will be there.
If you were an inspector, I sure wouldn't be calling upon you.
To answer toad, yes agent will be there.
- Sam Shueh
- Contributions:379
You are there to wait for a comprehensive report. It is up to the inspector
to allow you to shadow him.
Do not bug or ask him questions. You want him to focus to find
things wrong doing his job.
After the report is completed feel free to ask your realtor if you can contact him for questions.
Last if not least, for gods sake leave the inspector alone and never interrupt his work. Ask your wife not to bother the inspector and that includes you!
to allow you to shadow him.
Do not bug or ask him questions. You want him to focus to find
things wrong doing his job.
After the report is completed feel free to ask your realtor if you can contact him for questions.
Last if not least, for gods sake leave the inspector alone and never interrupt his work. Ask your wife not to bother the inspector and that includes you!
- Hamp Yonce, "Zilluminati"
- Contributions:3463
The inspector should check the outlets. I guess your wife could help. I would meet the inspector and tell them you are present because you want as clear an understanding of any issues as possible. Chances are he will suggest his preferred method of giving you that satisfaction. It may mean crawling the crawl space with him, or standing in the kitchen until he says "come look at this". You're going to have to play it by ear. Will your Agent be there?
Doing a home inspection tomorrow - I'm a first time home buyer.
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