Guidelines To Select Your Home Inspector
As per the contract, an inspector is whoever calls himself one. Beware!
When you buy a home, most of the time (except with some foreclosures) you will have the right to
inspect the property and evaluate whether or not the condition is acceptable to you. You will
have, as per the contract, between 5 to 10 banking days to do the inspections, and decide
whether or not you want to proceed with the purchase. Some other times, when the contract is
not contingent on inspections (foreclosures).
Most homes in this market are being sold as-is; all foreclosures, all short sales, and about 60% -
70% of all regular sales. As-is means “what you see, and what you don’t see, is what you get”
However, you still have the right to inspect the property, and it will be wise on your part to do so,
to prevent walking into some major defects, such as foundation, plumbing, or seawall problems.
Because of possible time constraints, you should start looking for your inspector now and when
you need it, you would have done all your research ahead of time. The inspection is just one
phone call away.
When you shop for an inspector, it will be smart of you to keep in mind the following guidelines.
You will want the inspection report :
What to avoid:
What to be aware:
An inspector, as defined in the contract, is whoever calls himself one. And as you know, we are in
Florida… the scope of the Inspection is what the inspector sees during that day, only for what is
“visible at the time of the inspection”, and the only liability the inspector has is for "the cost of the
inspection". I have not referred clients to inspectors for at least 10 years…. sometimes
inspectors miss/don't see not working items that you find out only after you move in.
So do your research ahead of time, ask friends and relatives, call around, so when we find your
future home, you are ready to do that inspection, so you know what you are getting into ahead of
time and not after the fact.
You can read more about inspections here:
I look forward in helping you become a wise home buyer!
As per the contract, an inspector is whoever calls himself one. Beware!
When you buy a home, most of the time (except with some foreclosures) you will have the right to
inspect the property and evaluate whether or not the condition is acceptable to you. You will
have, as per the contract, between 5 to 10 banking days to do the inspections, and decide
whether or not you want to proceed with the purchase. Some other times, when the contract is
not contingent on inspections (foreclosures).
Most homes in this market are being sold as-is; all foreclosures, all short sales, and about 60% -
70% of all regular sales. As-is means “what you see, and what you don’t see, is what you get”
However, you still have the right to inspect the property, and it will be wise on your part to do so,
to prevent walking into some major defects, such as foundation, plumbing, or seawall problems.
Because of possible time constraints, you should start looking for your inspector now and when
you need it, you would have done all your research ahead of time. The inspection is just one
phone call away.
When you shop for an inspector, it will be smart of you to keep in mind the following guidelines.
You will want the inspection report :
- To be on a .PDF format, or any other electronic means, so it can be emailed and all
parties can clearly see the report. (faxes are sometimes messy and not clear) - To be typed, and not handwritten, so it is legible for all parties.
- To include color pictures next to the note defect, so all parties understand what the
inspector is talking about. - To include a repair estimate for all the defects, so you have an idea of how much it would
cost to fix the defect. - To have a 1 page summary, with estimates, so the real estate agents and attorneys
involved can quickly and easily identify what the problems are. - To include a roof inspection, from a licensed roofer only.
- To include a termite report inspection, from a licensed pest control company only.
- To include a free wind mitigation report, so you avoid paying another $150.00 to a
different company (this inspection can reduce the cost of hazard & flood insurance
significantly)
What to avoid:
- “Free” mold inspectors. Not all are the same, but they usually find mold when there is no
mold, and they have absurd costs to “fix”the so-called "mold". - High inspection costs. Normal range is between $200.00 & $400.00, payable when the
inspection is done. I have seen companies charging close to $1,000.00 to do the same
thing another company does for $300.00
What to be aware:
An inspector, as defined in the contract, is whoever calls himself one. And as you know, we are in
Florida… the scope of the Inspection is what the inspector sees during that day, only for what is
“visible at the time of the inspection”, and the only liability the inspector has is for "the cost of the
inspection". I have not referred clients to inspectors for at least 10 years…. sometimes
inspectors miss/don't see not working items that you find out only after you move in.
So do your research ahead of time, ask friends and relatives, call around, so when we find your
future home, you are ready to do that inspection, so you know what you are getting into ahead of
time and not after the fact.
You can read more about inspections here:
I look forward in helping you become a wise home buyer!
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