Home Inspections Save Time and Money
When purchasing a home, having it inspected by a licensed general contractor can save time and money. An experience builder can spot problems in their sleep, saving you a hassle and a fortune in the long run. A General Contractor has knowledge on all the trades imperative to your making a wise decision on just what home you choose. Some common important things they look for are:
- Water Heater Hook Up & Safety Straps
- Foundation Integrity
- Electrical
- Drywall & paint
- Termites
- Wood Rot
- Windows
- Doors
- Vents
- Attic
- insulation
- Exterior siding
- Masonry
- Pool & Spa
- Decks
- Appliances’
- Flooring
- H.V.A.C.
- Codes
- Structural Integrity {Frame}
- Hand rails
The list often ends up a stack of pages over an inch thick. On a recent job, the window handle cranks alone cost $3400 to replace as they turned out to be stripped from erosion due to the salt air near the sea. Do the toilets function properly. Does that addition have a permit?
Any regular home inspection person lacking building experience will not spot half the list above.
Even a good inspector can miss a flaw that later on rears its ugly head, usually costing the new homeowner thousands of dollars. Deck leaks can lead to health problems from rot and mold build up. Leaks can be very difficult to spot, but, a good contractor would flood the deck with a hose to measure its integrity. Would the less experienced Jr. inspector find that flaw using that particular technique? That is why it is better to have a more qualified inspector perform your inspection. Many experienced inspectors are also licensed general contractors. A licensed contractor usually has the experience from working on homes to inspect them more completely.