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Hi - a builder that I know and trust offered to do a home inspection for us on the home we buy or build. We won't be able to use him as our builder b/c the lot we want to purchase will only let you use specific builders. I have seen comments from this forum saying inspectors are in bed with realtors and was wondering if I am better off using a reputable builder as the inspector rather than an inspection company. Would love to know your thoughts on this. Thx!
Last edited by dmwlakewylie; 10-13-2009 at 01:04 PM..
Reason: trying to fix typo in title
Because you read a comment made by an anonymous poster, on an internet forum, does not make it true. It is one person's generalization.
As for me, if in your situation, I would defer a final home inspection to a home inspector with thousands of personal inspections under his/her belt, as opposed to an inspection by a builder peer.
Having said this, new construction is not the same thing as resale. There are critical points during the build process that should be inspected by someone qualified to do so. Perhaps this is where you pal could serve a purpose.
Hi - a builder that I know and trust offered to do a home inspection for us on the home we buy or build. We won't be able to use him as our builder b/c the lot we want to purchase will only let you use specific builders. I have seen comments from this forum saying inspectors are in bed with realtors and was wondering if I am better off using a reputable builder as the inspector rather than an inspection company. Would love to know your thoughts on this. Thx!
If the builder you know is not charging you for performing the Home Inspection, is very knowledgeable in building and you not only trust them implicitly and are willing to take the chance then why not? The NC laws require anyone performing a home inspection for a fee be licensed to do so. You can find the HI laws for NC at Welcome to NC Office of State Fire Marshal.
Unfortunately you are correct that there are Home Inspectors out there "in bed with realtors". But one thing to consider is that as a licensed individual you will have more recourse against them than using an unlicensed and/or unpaid individual in the event your inspection is botched.
If the builder you know is not charging you for performing the Home Inspection, is very knowledgeable in building and you not only trust them implicitly and are willing to take the chance then why not? The NC laws require anyone performing a home inspection for a fee be licensed to do so. You can find the HI laws for NC at Welcome to NC Office of State Fire Marshal.
Unfortunately you are correct that there are Home Inspectors out there "in bed with realtors". But one thing to consider is that as a licensed individual you will have more recourse against them than using an unlicensed and/or unpaid individual in the event your inspection is botched.
Good luck!
Thanks for the HI laws website, I did not know there was one.
Because you read a comment made by an anonymous poster, on an internet forum, does not make it true. It is one person's generalization.
As for me, if in your situation, I would defer a final home inspection to a home inspector with thousands of personal inspections under his/her belt, as opposed to an inspection by a builder peer.
Having said this, new construction is not the same thing as resale. There are critical points during the build process that should be inspected by someone qualified to do so. Perhaps this is where you pal could serve a purpose.
I'm having a new villa/condo built. Throughout the process the county inspectors have been checking on the work "according to code" - and the builder has a good reputation.
REAL ESTATE EXPERTS: curious if I should still have a final inspection (on my dime) by an independent inspector before accepting the house. It'll have a 2-10 warranty as well.
If the builder you know is not charging you for performing the Home Inspection, is very knowledgeable in building and you not only trust them implicitly and are willing to take the chance then why not? The NC laws require anyone performing a home inspection for a fee be licensed to do so. You can find the HI laws for NC at Welcome to NC Office of State Fire Marshal.
Unfortunately you are correct that there are Home Inspectors out there "in bed with realtors". But one thing to consider is that as a licensed individual you will have more recourse against them than using an unlicensed and/or unpaid individual in the event your inspection is botched.
Good luck!
I agree with MaM.
I copied the quote because I don't believe there is much of this going on as I see posted. HI depend on doing home inspections for a living. If they miss things, they could get sued and/or lose their license. I don't know too many people willing to put their livelihood on the line for that, reward vs. risk. I think most Realtors and HI are good honest people but like anything else some are better than others.
My wife and her fellow judges ruled on a massive case where thousands of new homes in a dozen 'resort style' areas were signed off by inspectors who never saw the houses. Fees were paid to te inspectors, including a guy who was dead bbefore he signed papers. Police are involved. I suspect the practice will go on a lot everywhere. Bear in mind hard times encourage desperation and short cuts too.
I suggest you make sure your building contract allows you/your builder to inspect each stage.
If that contract doesn't give you rights of access and inspection, you will be barred from the site.
And beware of clauses that might trigger payment if you set foot on the property early. I bet these 'standard terms' are drafted by the builders lawyers as his standard terms to stitch you up.
My wife and her fellow judges ruled on a massive case where thousands of new homes in a dozen 'resort style' areas were signed off by inspectors who never saw the houses. Fees were paid to te inspectors, including a guy who was dead bbefore he signed papers. Police are involved. I suspect the practice will go on a lot everywhere. Bear in mind hard times encourage desperation and short cuts too.
I suggest you make sure your building contract allows you/your builder to inspect each stage.
If that contract doesn't give you rights of access and inspection, you will be barred from the site.
And beware of clauses that might trigger payment if you set foot on the property early. I bet these 'standard terms' are drafted by the builders lawyers as his standard terms to stitch you up.
Read those contracts with a fine tooth comb.
Good words of wisdom on the contract aspect!
skilaketahoe,
Do you have any links to that incident? It would most definitely be an interesting read and worth passing around to other Inspectors.
I'm having a new villa/condo built. Throughout the process the county inspectors have been checking on the work "according to code" - and the builder has a good reputation.
REAL ESTATE EXPERTS: curious if I should still have a final inspection (on my dime) by an independent inspector before accepting the house. It'll have a 2-10 warranty as well.
BucFan,
Yes, it is always well worth having an independent Inspector perform a final inspection prior to possession. It is very interesting the number of issues found on some of even the best builders homes. Builders want to build the perfect home for you but things happen and fall through the cracks sometimes. There are advantages to an inspection before possession and no real disadvantages. If you have a good Inspector and they find nothing then you have the peace of mind knowing nothing was wrong. I have yet to be in a new construction home where I did not find issues.
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