what % of home inspectors are lousy?

Question

I've noticed some of these guys are morons. I had one about 10 years ago that supposedly was licensed. he took about an hour to do the inspection. flash his light in the crawl and attic. didn't check all windows and didn't bother on the furnace (it was in july and I replaced it in the winter as it was beyond cold in the home).

so, it got me to thinking, what % are not to the level they should be? licensed and takes 2-4 hours to do a home inspection, depending on the size of the home?

my guess is 50% suck.

so, it got me to thinking, what % are not to the level they should be? licensed and takes 2-4 hours to do a home inspection, depending on the size of the home?

my guess is 50% suck.

Nicholas W. · Answer

In my limited experience inspectors aren't great but I'm sure there are a few good ones out there. Like Russell mentioned they can't see through walls so they won't find more than an experienced investor will. What they can do is provide a second set of eyes who has no emotional, or otherwise, attachment to the property. They also provide some bargaining power, usually prior to making an offer you don't have 2 hours to go over a property with a fine tooth comb. Even if you do do your own inspection after the offer but prior to closing you won't be able to renegotiate based on it unless you are a licensed inspector.

Russell Brazil · Answer

It is probably the same percentages as any other profession. Youve got a lot of middle of the road people, some that are really bad, and some that are really good.

However I think too many people put way too much faith in an inspection. Most of the important stuff that can come up is stuff an inspector can not see. They do not have X-Ray vision. Ive been through hundreds of inspections, so I think my expectations are pretty realistic for what they can reveal, which is not as much as the laymen thinks.

what % of home inspectors are lousy?

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