Dennis Norman
By: Dennis Norman
Dennis-OK, the $64 question…Why should a home buyer obtain a private building inspection?
Jerry-A buyer should have a building inspection performed so that he/she can make an educated and unbiased decision on the largest purchase of their life. When I purchased my home I had it inspected by another inspector because I wanted to take the bias out of the opinion and have that third set of eyes. Buyers have the right to have an inspection in the contract, typically. I would recommend buyers be present for the inspection as the inspector can provide some valuable information on the conditions in the home they find during the inspection.
Dennis-What if a seller provides the buyer with a recent building inspection? Is there a need for the buyer to have a new one done?
Jerry-In my opinion, yes, the buyer should obtain their own inspection. The purchaser was not present for the initial inspection and therefore is not aware of the inspector’s comments. While the major issues will generally be in the written report there will be other comments passed on in conversation between an inspector and the client. Having your own inspection also means the inspector is working for you and you can ask questions. In addition, while it is not always the case; things can change with regard to conditions in the home. The drought experienced in 2006 and 2007 definitely proved this. During this period significant changes occurred in many homes within a very short period of time.Dennis-What about when buying a new home? Is there any reason to get a private building inspection?Jerry-I also suggest new homes to be inspected. Bottom line; no builder is perfect. God did not build the home, so therefore problems could exist. People make mistakes and in most cases they are unintentional. They get missed in the local inspections, missed by the builder’s representative and the buyer can be left holding the bag. In addition, an inspection provides the buyer, and sometimes the builder, an objective opinion from an unbiased third party. Some issues (such as concrete and drywall cracking) will occur in every house. It takes a trained person to know if, and when, the cracks are beyond the norm. I have seen new homes where pipes were not connected and when the water was turned on a large mess occurred. In addition I have also seen framing and foundation issues in new homes.
If you would like to contact Gerry direct, he can be reached via email at GLoesch@LandAm.com or GerryL11@Earthlink.net , or by phone at (314) 249-8370 (cell) 1-800-285-3001 (office).
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