This is a great post about home inspections and an incorrect point of view from a townhome purchaser. Some people might be of the adage that a home inspector 'never finds anything wrong' with a property. Well, I can state for a fact that that is definitely not true!!
A good home inspector can make and does make a prospective buyer more comfortable and more knowledgeable about the mechanics of his new purchase. A home inspection gives the new buyer and the new home 'time to get to know each other'. At no other time has the buyer (and family, friends, relatives, grandmas) stayed in the home for that amount of time viewing every nook and cranny!
I highly recommend a home inspection with every purchase without exception. If you are concerned over an aspect of your home purchase, unlike this buyer, hire your own advocate. Hire someone that can give you their unbiased perspective on the roof or whatever issue concerns you! It's great for your piece of mind to spend the money and it will give you additional knowledge about your homes construction or mechanicals.
Another point not mentioned - maybe there was nothing bad about the house to report! Yes, it's happened and it's not that uncommon! Not every house is a mechanical misfit! Many sellers maintain their home well, others not so well. Should the inspector make something up for you?
Enjoy this perspective from home inspector Jay Markanich.
It was a phone call from a concerned, potential, client. He is building a new townhouse. A friend told him to hire a roofer to make sure that rubber was put between his roof and the houses next to his.
Yes, that puzzled me too.
I told him that step flashing and some form of counter flashing, even if it was vinyl siding, is an appropriate transition between roof and sides. And that I had never heard of using rubber. But, "I can check that flashing for you. You really don't need a roofer. In fact, a roofer is going to charge you almost as much as I will for a complete home inspection." Asking my price, he confirmed that.
He set up an inspection. "But, I might be calling you back because I want to check one more thing."
He called back. "I'm no longer going to need your services."
"Well, you're the boss," I said, "but why not?"
"Because I am told you home inspectors are just placebos."
Suppressing a laugh, honestly, I needed to pursue this one! "Sir, this is the first time I have heard that one! Please, explain!"
"Well, you almost never find anything. And when you do, the builder won't fix it anyway because they build everything to code and won't change that."
I am REALLY amused at this point and wouldn't want to do his inspection anyway, but this was too good. Now I am laughing. "Who in the world told you that?!"
"THE SALES LADY IN THE BUILDER'S OFFICE."
That's right! The sales lady. The sales lady!! Miss Information herself!! (Read that misinformation...)
"Sir, I am going to bet you did not have a pre-drywall inspection, am I right?"
"I didn't need one. The builder gave me a walk through."
During the conversation I found out what he did for a living. This is a very intelligent person. But, CLEARLY, not at all smart in this regard! Here is someone who CLEARLY doesn't know what he doesn't know. He is listening to a friend who CLEARLY doesn't know what he doesn't know. He is listening to his builder who CLEARLY doesn't want him to know what he doesn't know.
AND I AM A "PLACEBO..." How do you spell Aaaaaarggghhh? Is that close enough? I could say more, but I will leave this as polite as I can.
My recommendation: Don't call a placebo. Call a home inspector. Call an objective, independent home inspector. Call one with experience. Call one who stays current with annual continuing education (I usually do 35-40 hours annually). And call one who wants you to know what you don't know.
For sure you won't be calling one of these pills to the left.
Oh, and don't take your advice from friends or "the builder!!!" Because you never know.
© 2010 Lyn Sims and The Blog Dog
I agree 100%. Great post!
Thanks Scott - Jay did the real work, I just added my thoughts.
Hi Lyn ! I am always amazed when some buyers ask "do I really need to spend money on a Home Inspection ???" !
OF COURSE !!!
Nice Reblog
Thanks Lyn!
Lyn: No matter the means (whether an informational or comedic blog), it's always better when buyers and sellers are informed about the transaction they are participating in. Sometimes though .. you do remember the information better when delivered in a story such as yours and Jays. I'm sure this blog and the information/message to be learned from it, will make a real impression. It's very well done!
My best wishes to you and "Blog Dog" during the holidays ...
Thanks Gene, maybe a story told will be more remembered.