Prop Hound

Working With an Inspector

  • Hire your own inspector. Don't just use the seller's or the agent's without checking around.
  • Go to the inspection yourself if you can. You'll learn more standing there than from the report alone.
  • Ask the inspector to explain, not just list. A cracked pipe means something different than a worn one.
  • Get the big four checked closely: roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing. Everything else is usually cheaper to fix.
  • Ask what's urgent and what can wait. Not everything on the report needs fixing before you buy.
  • Get a rough repair cost for each major item. Use this to renegotiate or walk away.
  • Ask about the remaining life on big systems like the water heater, HVAC, and roof, not just their condition today.
  • Don't skip the inspection to move faster. A bad surprise after closing costs more than a few days' delay.
  • Keep the full report. You'll want it later for your own repair planning, even after you close.