View Full Version : Looking for a Home Inspector
Boblobla
04-21-2009, 03:06 PM
The offer the Mrs. and I just made on a house has been accepted. One of our conditions is a home inspection. Does anyone have a reference for a good home inspector?
Thanks
EVERLAST
04-21-2009, 06:30 PM
be very very careful first off.
allot of these guys ARE deal killers. I say this and I know there are some realtors that arent going to like what I have to offer but here it is.
They usually have no idea that overlooking the most important and most expensive appliance in your house (the furnace) is beyond the 1-2% given for an appropriate amount of leverage if the furnace requires replacement.
If the guy doing it is not a former ticketed plumber, gasfitter or electrician dont waste your time.
You can know the AB building codes inside and out but that wont save you life if you depended on it.
JMO
I-Hate-Hulse
04-22-2009, 06:26 AM
One thing about all inspectors that made them seemingly pointless when I used one was that they make you sign something acknowledging that their inspection will not involve anything with Codes of any sort...you know, the really expensive things?
The place we bought had an open permit from the last owner and they didn't catch that or the lack of a big fat florescent yellow 3x3" City of Calgary inspection sticker affixed to the water heater. Things I'd expect that would be caught for a $400 fee. Instead they chose to tell me that the fridge was humming, the oven was hot, and a few minor exterior things needed paint - all things I was replacing anyways. As a result I had to pay $500 to clear up deficiencies on the permitted work.
As a result, I'll tell you who not to use... Housemasters. I'd have gotten more watching a season of Holmes on Holmes.
Boblobla
04-22-2009, 08:36 AM
Anyone heard anything about HomeCrafters®
http://www.homecrafters.net/schedule.htm
MickMcGeough
04-22-2009, 08:47 AM
Anyone heard anything about HomeCrafters®
http://www.homecrafters.net/schedule.htm
I was just about to recommend them. I just used them on my first place. They're priced well and they were very thorough; the inspection report was in-depth and well done, IMO. I haven't lived in the place long enough to find out if they missed anything... anyway it's been a good experience so far.
troutman
04-22-2009, 08:51 AM
PM on the way.
fredr123
04-23-2009, 12:04 PM
I liked the guy we used previously. Can't remember his name or his company right now. If you're interested, send me a PM and I can look it up later.
FurnaceFace
04-23-2009, 12:07 PM
We used Pillar to Post. They seemed pretty thorough. They spent a few hours poking around the house, and then the guy spent probably about an hour with us going over everything. He identified what needed to be fixed now, what might be an issue in the future and gave us options. The guy also spent the time to tag and label all the shutoff switchs and valves like the furnace and main water line. Left behind a useful binder of stuff which I still have.
MickMcGeough
04-27-2009, 04:02 PM
I was just about to recommend them. I just used them on my first place. They're priced well and they were very thorough; the inspection report was in-depth and well done, IMO. I haven't lived in the place long enough to find out if they missed anything... anyway it's been a good experience so far.
Well, I've found one oversight so far. They appear to have missed that my upper floor had no functioning heat :eek:
Boblobla
04-28-2009, 08:53 AM
Thanks for all the responses. I used the guy recommended by troutman and he was great. If anyone wants his contact info fire myself or troutman a PM.
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