How to find a home inspector (Charlotte: new home, purchasing, construction)

[shaylahc]

We are probably going in to contract soon to build a house, and I was interested in hiring a home inspector to come several times during the process to inspect the home. Since we aren't in Charlotte and don't know anyone there, we have no idea how to find one. Are there inspectors that specialize in new home construction? If someone has hired one that did several inspections, did you pay for it all up front or was each inspection scheduled and billed seperately?

Since we won't be IN Charlotte while the house is being built (at least not at first) it would be hard to know WHEN to send the inspector over and at what stages.

Anyone else deal with this, do you have any advice? Thanks so much.

[saralee]

Bankrate advises that you hire someone certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors. Their website maintains a list of certified inspectors by zip code. Go to ASHI dot org. Maybe talk to three of four inspectors and they can guide you through the process.

Good luck.

SL

[shaylahc]

Originally Posted by saralee

Bankrate advises that you hire someone certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors. Their website maintains a list of certified inspectors by zip code. Go to ASHI dot org. Maybe talk to three of four inspectors and they can guide you through the process.

Good luck.

SL

I will do that, thank you!

[Washingtonian]

The inspector has certain phases that they will go out and inspect the home. Wiring, before drywall, prior to closing, etc. If you get an experienced inspector, they will be able to tell you all of that upfront and give you reports. At the end, I had a entire book on the inspections and how to take care of the house.

[mmdj43]

Originally Posted by shaylahc

We are probably going in to contract soon to build a house, and I was interested in hiring a home inspector to come several times during the process to inspect the home. Since we aren't in Charlotte and don't know anyone there, we have no idea how to find one. Are there inspectors that specialize in new home construction? If someone has hired one that did several inspections, did you pay for it all up front or was each inspection scheduled and billed seperately?

Since we won't be IN Charlotte while the house is being built (at least not at first) it would be hard to know WHEN to send the inspector over and at what stages.

Anyone else deal with this, do you have any advice? Thanks so much.

We just had our home inspected by Housemasters in the Charlotte area. My husband said that he was impressed by the thorough job they did. The inspector went through every little aspect of the house, right down to the grout lines in our bathroom tilework. He had even taken pictures of the minor problem areas and made a very detailed report which was then emailed to us. We've used Housemasters here in NY when we had purchased our home several years ago and we were very happy with them as well. They do a really good job, but I'm sure that there are other reputable ones as well. Bottom line, spend the money because it's definitely worth every dollar, especially if you're from out of state like we are. Good luck!

[pt burnam]

I am purchasing a home in Sun City in Lancaster County and have used RPI Inspecting & Consulting as have several others. I knew nothing of the construction process and these inspectors gave me an education I could have only hoped for. I would highly recommend them. There number is 803 246-5568

[Nspect]

One good way to find an inspector is to google "city state home inspector"

charlotte nc home inspector
rock hill sc home inspector

[NYtoNC07]

What are the going rates for a home inspector in the Charlotte area? Do they charge by the square foot - can you select them for just one part of the process (i.e. pre drywall, finished product etc). I'm very new to this and curious!

[Nspect]

Yes, some offer pre-drywall inspections, some do not because it requires more knowledge than typical existing home inspection requirements.
New construction needs 3 to 4 trips usually. At least one trip will be to verify that the predrywall items were corrected. The most I have seen properly corrected by a builder is 70 percent of the items reported. They gamble on the inspector not coming back to check up.

Less than 10 percent of new homes are professionally inspected by an independent private inspector when purchased. This leaves a lot of problem houses on the market after a few years. Fees are based on square footage and the age. Let me know if I can help more.