Buying or Selling a Home/Home Inspection

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Expert: John McKenna, CMI - 9/15/2008


Question
Hi John

My family has an old home we use to use for summer vacations. The roof is now bad and it leaking. Also the power is off and so is the water..
I would like to have an expert opinion of what it will take to fix up this house..would you recommend a general inspector or is there professionals who specialize in these run down historic homes I shold look for and contact? This inspection is not for a reasle but to know what needs to be done to make the house liveable again..and its not your typical subrban home.
Thanks for your time to answer. Ted

Answer
If you live in a state that requires that an inspector go by a "STANDARDS OF PRACTICE" then you may discover things about the house that may not be revealed by a contractor who is just trying to analyze how to fix the house at the lowest cost.  

Many times you can get a contractor to look at your house at no cost because they want to do the work.  However, a home inspector will charge you a fee and normally will not be the one doing any repairs.

Finding prices for repairs may not be part of your home inspection report and will usually require an additional visit from a contractor for this information, who follows the inspectors recommendations.

Your ultimate goal is to find someone who will give you the truth, which can be a challenge in of itself.  Look for an inspector with a strong background in construction. Good luck.

Hope this helps,

John McKenna, CMI
Certified Master Inspector
http://texas-inspection.com

Infrared Certified Training
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John McKenna, CMI

Expertise

I can answer your question about home inspections and the hidden aspects of of the industry. I own American Home Inspection for east Texas and am a Certified Master Inspector. Sometimes there are questions about buying and selling a home that a qualified and honest home inspector can answer. Many people are led to believe incomplete information about repair items and make costly mistakes when they respond. If you do not know enough information or know what to ask, you can buy a nightmare instead of a home. Is your home inspector working for you or the Realtor? Is the owner of the home telling the truth? How do you make sure the contractor who makes repairs will do it right? Is the Realtor moving too fast and causing a person to make hasty choices? What are some of the things the Realtor does not want you to know? What you discover after you are the owner of the home and then decide to sell? What type of box can the home inspector put you in when the new buyer is now inspecting your home? What can you do if the home inspector was negligent? How do you prepare for a home inspection? What should you do with the home inspection report at the negotiating table? What are the signs of sheeple being led to the slaughter? Why do some realtors hate the "deal killer" home inspector? What type of action can you take now to protect yourself from law suite after someone buys your home? When is something a minor or major problem? What are the most common problems found in a home inspection? What can you do to prepare for a home inspection? What questions can you ask the home inspector so you choose the right one? The list goes on and on... "The truth will make you free"

Experience

Over 25 years experience in construction and board certified as a Certified Master Inspector. Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Home Inspector (TREC #4565) and Certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).

Education/Credentials
Certified Master Inspector (CMI) National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC #4565)
See more info: http://texas-inspection.com

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