What all do general contractors do to evaluate a home

[Ben M.]

Do general contractor generally look at all aspects of a home that may need repair such as electrical, AC, heater, etc..

I am looking at a company that labels themselves as "remodeler" and not sure if they will evaluate all possible repairs of the property before I purchase it.

Are general contractors more appropriate to use for full rehabs than "remodelers"?

[Greg Clatterbuck]

As a licensed home inspector, I have found that general contractors only repair what they have been asked to repair.  I have seen many "flips" where paint, carpet, kitchens, and bathrooms are updated, but not the structure, electrical, plumbing, and other systems of the home.  If you are looking to turn this into a rental, spend the extra money upfront and save the headache down the road.  If this will be a resale, be prepared for a home inspection to reveal the areas of the home that have not been updated.  Make sure the contractor is licensed and pulls the appropriate permits for the work performed.  This will prevent headaches down the road.