Eight! Count them! Eight costly misconceptions about home inspections. My longtime friend, Doug Corbridge, is the owner of Premier Home Inspection in Billings, MT. And he’s one of the great home inspectors around. Recently, he wrote an eight-point article about his profession and the mistakes homebuyers make when it comes time for the home inspection. With his permission, I am blogging his remarks out to you in a series. Herewith, Part 1.
“Inspections are a subject of much confusion. In fact, there are so many misconceptions about home inspections, I decided to offer the following consumer education information to help you, the consumer, make an informed, intelligent decision when choosing a home inspector. There is a good chance your realtor will provide you with 2 or 3 brochures, business cards or names of home inspection companies. This is a good starting point, however, before you choose you should have more information.
I’m going to share with you eight misconceptions about home inspections, which can be costly if not understood. I will also offer some recommendations and give you questions you should ask any inspection company before you let them inspect what may be the largest investment you ever make.
Misconception #1: You should wait as long as possible before getting your home inspection.
No. Waiting until the last minute to get your home inspection leaves you in a position of not having adequate information you need to make an informed decision. Your contract most likely has specific dates in it which, if you don’t respond in a timely manner, can cost you the opportunity to cancel your contract on this house and still be able to recoup your earnest money. You need to have the inspection scheduled and completed as quickly as possible so if something significant turns up, there is adequate time to have a specialist help you understand the depth of the issue. (My comment: I agree. And yes, it has happened.)
Misconception #2: You don’t need a home inspection if you are getting a home warranty.
No. As you probably know, very few homes are perfect. A home inspector is going to be looking for major concerns that you need to be aware of in the structural and mechanical areas of the home. Some inspections turn up items which are simply too expensive to repair or that may not be repairable. You will find most home warranties will not cover these items if they are pre-existing conditions.
*One of the best reasons for having an inspection is to prove a problem was not pre-existing.
Misconception #3: One inspection is as good as another. One inspector is as good as another. One inspection company is as good as another.
Being a contractor is very different from being a Professional Home Inspector. Home inspectors are responsible for evaluating all of the systems and components of the home — not just one aspect, like the brick or the framing. To be able to provide a competent evaluation of all of these elements takes formal education and training. Did the inspector attend one of the top home inspection schools, or did he complete a correspondence course, or have his brother-in-law show him how to inspect?
Comprehensive continuing education and training is a must! In Montana, home inspectors are not required to be licensed by the State. Anyone can set up shop and call himself or herself a home inspector.”
…Are you shopping for a home inspector? The misconceptions I’ve passed on here are absolutely on the money. All inspectors are not alike; some are meticulous, careful, reasonable and well-trained, and some are not. Your REALTOR cannot recommend a home inspector to you. They CAN provide you with options and answer any questions you may have about each of the inspectors whose names they have given you.
Tomorrow I will share 3 more misconceptions, authored by Doug Corbridge, owner of Premier Home Inspection in Billings, MT.
In the meantime, if you have questions about this topic or ANY of your real estate needs, call me at 406.869.7677. Or Facebook me at the group BILLINGS.
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