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July 6, 2009
inspection process
We are first time buyers. Just wondering what the process is after you get your inspection report. The inspector does not include any kind of cost to repair estimates in his report, does he? If there are major issues (heating systems, plumbing, electric, etc) which are problematic, how do you get an idea what they will realistically cost to fix? Do you have to get a contractor in at that point? I would appreciate any and all advice!
Comments
Some inspections give cost estimates although I wouldn't put money on their figures. Better to get your own estimates and even then, its not 100% certain.
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at July 6, 2009 2:56 PM
Most inspectors do not provide estimates. If you anticipate issues with the house I recommend you bring in a contractor either at the same time or very soon after the inspection.
Our inspector allowed several contractors/experts to accompany him, and we were able to get estimates pretty immediately. This was a must for us since we were set to close in two weeks.
Posted by: kdabrowski at July 6, 2009 3:21 PM
when we bought a coop, our inspector would not provide estimates either. he said it would be a conflict of interest for inspectors to also provide a real estimate. He actually found an electrical issue during inspection that we then worked out with the sellers (but electricians came to provide estimates separately).
Posted by: slope2009 at July 6, 2009 3:31 PM
I had estimates on my inspection report and they went into detail about why it should be repaired etc.
Posted by: staceys at July 6, 2009 5:16 PM
thanks everyone, this is so helpful. Staceys, do you mind telling me who you used? Was it Heimer engineering?
Posted by: indynycems at July 6, 2009 6:01 PM
Why is there a conflict of interest for an inspector to provide estimates of cost to fix?
Our inspector wouldn't do it in writing, but he did do it verbally. And every single thing he told us about was right. And 1 year after we bought, we emailed him because we were getting what we thought were high estimates on a job, and he was like "yep, somebody's trying to rip you off. Keep calling around, you can get the job done well for half of those quotes."
We LOVE our inspector. Rick Perry.
Posted by: bkrules at July 6, 2009 6:02 PM
Sorry -- realized what the conflict of interest was that our inspector referred to.
Not ballparking estimates, BUT recommending someone to actually do whatever the work required.
Posted by: slope2009 at July 6, 2009 6:10 PM
Do you have Rick Perry's contact info?
Posted by: indynycems at July 6, 2009 7:13 PM
Yes we used Heimer - I had a great experience with them and since we were doing a gut reno they were pretty on point with their estimates. Good luck
Posted by: staceys at July 8, 2009 11:05 AM
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