Real Estate Agent · Annapolis, MD · Member since 2017 · 109 posts · 82 votes
7y
My tips as an agent, you'd normally make an offer contingent on a general home inspection, and on the addendum related to inspections, there is a section "Other" and that's where your agent would write "Any other inspection recommended by the general home inspector." That's the best way to protect yourself and give you time to conduct important inspections. The thing is, you often don't know what will come up that only a trained inspector will find... Think termite, mold, foundation issues, private septic, sewer line to the street, etc.
If there is a basement that you intend to live in, look into radon too! If it's a property you're looking to rent out, figure out if you need a lead test.
Depending on the property it can go a multitude of direction. Good luck!
Realtor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2019 · 194 posts · 164 votes
7y
For most you do a general inspection. Some properties you may want to do extras line chimney or foundation. Your inspector/company may be able to add those on to their base inspection. Depends on the company.
Tampa, FL · Member since 2017 · 22 posts · 7 votes
7y
Yes, really depends but the main one is a general inspection. Roof, plumbing, electrical, sump pump, foundation, are some of the main things to watch for.
Rental Property Investor · Northern, CA · Member since 2012 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
7y
It's somewhat regional, but in my area the three most common type of inspections are a general home inspection, a roof inspection, and a pest inspection.
(Phase 1 & 2 environmental assessments are generally requirements of commercial real estate transactions, not single family homes.)
Real Estate Agent · Annapolis, MD · Member since 2017 · 109 posts · 82 votes
7y
My tips as an agent, you'd normally make an offer contingent on a general home inspection, and on the addendum related to inspections, there is a section "Other" and that's where your agent would write "Any other inspection recommended by the general home inspector." That's the best way to protect yourself and give you time to conduct important inspections. The thing is, you often don't know what will come up that only a trained inspector will find... Think termite, mold, foundation issues, private septic, sewer line to the street, etc.
If there is a basement that you intend to live in, look into radon too! If it's a property you're looking to rent out, figure out if you need a lead test.
Depending on the property it can go a multitude of direction. Good luck!
Realtor · Hanover Twp, PA · Member since 2018 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
7y
@Account Closed, IMO it depends widely.
If you are buying a home in move-in condition and do not plan on anything but cosmetic rehab, then you would want at minimum a general inspection and pest inspection I think. Then I would think about any systems or other concerns such as well or septic systems.
However, if you are already planning a significant renovation, then inspections might become less important. If you are buying a foreclosure that has been winterized and you are planning a gut renovation you may not wish to hire an inspector at all. If utilities aren't/can't be turned on that would limit what could be inspected and if you are doing such a large renovation then you are already planning to replace most of what would be deficient anyways.