Have an inspection or NOT?

06Jun08

Home inspection is to protect buyer from surprised and possible damaged in plumbing, electrical, etc…

I am so surprised that some people decide to safe a couple of hundreds dollars in inspection for an over $400k, brand new house.   Warranty does not guarantee quality of work.  I am not saying builders are bad nor do lousy jobs.  However, builder’s work is usually done by sub-contractors and their quality of work, sometimes, has no guarantee.  I have seen sharp nails on top of cabinets, missed insulation on bottom of the house, electrical panel not up to standard, reversed light switch, etc.   Especially for condo conversion, there are many underlying issues from original builder who built the community a few years ago.  The builder who converted the community for sale have no warranty to the work that previous owner had done.

We should better be safe than sorry.  I always recommend my clients or friends when they buy a new house, get a home inspection!  Please pay attention to the followings and I hope that helps you protect yourself:

1. Check credential, experience and reputation of your inspector;

2. Check warranty of the property (structure, flooring, plumbing or window, etc.)  Builders’ warranty is varies from individual builder, style of the property, region and if there be law & legislation in the state.

3. What is/are NOT covered?

4. Warranty coverage period.

5. Contacts of builder’s warranty department Vs manufacturers.

6. Who is responsible?  You and/or your HOA follow up with builder or manufacturer.  Whether there is mentioning in the CC&R’s or move-in binder.

Last but not least, BE THERE with your realtor at the inspection although some states does not have law that requires realtor be at the inspection.  Ask your inspector when you have questions.

Good luck!


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