Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
This video is aimed at home buyers who are about to get a home inspection report. The speaker, who is a carpenter himself, aims to educate home buyers about what to expect from a home inspection report and how to get the most out of it.
The speaker says that home inspection reports are often opaque and can cause confusion for home buyers. He argues that while home inspectors are not necessarily construction experts, they are still valuable because they can identify and document visible flaws in a home. However, he emphasizes that inspectors are not allowed to touch or move things, and their reports may miss important problems that are hidden or difficult to reach.
The speaker offers several tips for home buyers who are getting a home inspection report. He suggests the buyer should get the seller to remove clutter and furniture from the house before the inspection.
Now, before you get the wrong impression, I can assure you a seller is not going to move the furnishings from the house for the inspection. That’s not going to happen.
He mentions the buyer should find an inspector with a reputation for thoroughness and who is willing to let you accompany them during the inspection. I agree with him on that fact – you are welcome (and are encouraged) to be present during my inspection.
He warns buyers to be aware that not everything on a report is equal, and major flaws may not be prioritized over minor ones. Obviously – he’s never seen one of my reports.
Listen to the video and make a note of the time stamps below – I’ve responded to some of the carpenter’s thoughts.
Listen 0:50 seconds into the video – – he mentions that lenders require a home inspection – – that’s not true – – lenders DO NOT require a buyer to get a home inspection. It’s elective and is highly recommended but not mandated by anyone.
At 3:00 minutes in, he mentions that inspectors aren’t required to understand the building industry, but they should identify visible flaws and ID the problems. Although those two statements contradict one another, they cut to the roof of the problem with our licensing and standards of practice. No construction experience is needed, and in my opinion, it should be. Inspectors should have to have spent time working and attaining construction experience. How can one ID a construction defect without knowledge of proper construction practices? – – It’s simple – they can’t – – not like an experienced builder or tradesman.
The video at 4:20 talks about having access. When spaces or components aren’t readily accessible, the inspector is mandated to report that fact – – afterward, the buyer can alert the seller to make those spaces available, or the buyer can get with their agent and create a different game plan…and that game plan may very well include an invasive inspection.
At 5:45, he talks about not allowing a buyer to be present during the inspection – if the inspector has a “business model” of not allowing the client to be present during the inspection – question his/her motives and promptly HIRE ANOTHER INSPECTOR.
He mentions at 7:20 in the video that the reports are checkboxes. Unfortunately, that’s all you’ll get from SOME inspectors. There are inspectors who spend hours preparing and writing narrative-style reports – I know that to be true – because I’m one of them. You want a thorough inspector who is willing to deliver a comprehensive report.
The speaker’s focus on the limitations of home inspection reports and his tips for getting a thorough inspection make this video a resource for anyone about to buy a home.
I understand the carpenter has a beef with “some inspectors” and “some reports.” Fair enough, and some of his comments are spot on.
I’ve followed his path as a cabinet maker and home builder/remodeler. However – – like home inspectors, all carpenters aren’t woven from the same thread either. Some are just as shady as some home inspectors and their reports. The same can be said about agents, lenders, doctors, lawyers, and any number of professions.
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