Finding the Right Home Inspector

Does this scenario sound familiar?

Some clients I worked with recently on a purchase wanted to find their own home inspector. I recommended they use somebody that has some credibility in our marketplace. I even gave them a few names to check out. Instead they went through the phonebook and found the cheapest guy in town.

When it came time for the inspection walkthrough, it turns out I had met this particular inspector before, about 5 years ago. I wasn't impressed back then, and I started to worry more than I already had been. This guy had no professional appearance, a weak presentation and a paper-clipped inspection report. You've got to be kidding me. This guy hasn't learned a thing in the last 5 years.

So we get the list of repairs, negotiate with the sellers, and come to an agreement. Everything seemed ok for the moment. I started to breathe easier. We closed the transaction, my buyers were very happy and I started thinking maybe my biased opinion was skewed. Then the phonecalls started.

The first issue was leaking water. It turns out that the water line to the refrigerator was drilled through the waste tube from the laundry room. The first time my clients did a load of laundry the waste water from the washing machine flooded the carpeted basement floor.

Then I get a call about an outlet hanging free somewhere near the furnace. After looking into it further, we find out it is a live outlet dangling from a junction box, just hanging out in space. Something I would consider a safety hazard.

There was also a list of other minor items that should have been brought to our attention. So I call back the inspector and tell him I need to see him back at the house again. After I point out these issues he says, "Well, looks like I missed these things. Sorry. I'm not qualified to repair these items."

I understand a home inspector isn't a licensed plumber, electrician, etc. But there needs to be some accountability somewhere. This guy completely missed the mark, then shoots down all of my suggestions to make this right. From his point of view, if he's only making $250 per inspection he doesn't want to spend more than that hiring somebody to make repairs.

From my point of view, if he is unable to properly inspect a house, he should have his licensed revoked. I don't think that is too much to ask for. Just like any other "professional," if you aren't able to act as a professional, you shouldn't be considered one.

I guess there's something to be said about being the cheapest guy in town. You get what you pay for.

Rob Luhrs CRS

Alliance Real Estate