Home Inspector vs. Specialist Contractors

Home Inspector vs. Specialist Contractors

Member since 2020 · 3 posts · 1 vote

Hi everyone!

First time poster. Really love all the knowledge in the forums!

Me and my SO are in the process of closing on our first duplex in the Chicago south-side area and going through the home inspection. We plan on occupying one unit and renting out the other. The house is in good condition from our initial (non-professional) inspection. I have two questions for the group:

1. For a home inspection for a similar house (e.g. one that doesn't appear to need significant rehab), do you only use a general inspector and bring in specialists as needed (e.g. inspector says should get a roofer to examine roof) or do you also bring in specialists (e.g. HVAC, plumber) to get a second opinion regardless of the inspectors report? Our thought was there might be some things that we would get a specialists opinion regardless to ensure nothing bites us later at significant cost, but don't necessarily want to spend more money if the general inspector is usually sufficient.

2. I've looked through the forums and found some referrals, but if anyone knows a good home inspector in Chicago please let me know. Also any referrals on electricians, HVAC, plumbers, roofers, and structural engineers. We're trying to start building our list of contacts as we dive into real estate. 

Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

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Specialist · Riverside, CA · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
5y

1. Only bring in specialists if necessary, they cost money and most of the time you just spend more money for the same answer.

2. Sorry not in the area so no referrals for you.

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  • Specialist · Riverside, CA · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5y

    1. Only bring in specialists if necessary, they cost money and most of the time you just spend more money for the same answer.

    2. Sorry not in the area so no referrals for you.

  • Real Estate Broker · 3412 S. Harlem Avenue Riverside, IL 60546 · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    5y

    @Carey Ransone if you are looking at something in good condition on the MLS, I would focus on the licensed home inspector and only bring in a specialist as needed. Most things in these properties are repetitive, and most of the inspectors I work with have seen it all. If your agent doesn't have a recommendation, let me know and I can send over the inspector I work with.

  • Crystal SmithPro Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Chicago, IL · Member since 2014 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Carey Ransone:

    Hi everyone!

    First time poster. Really love all the knowledge in the forums!

    Me and my SO are in the process of closing on our first duplex in the Chicago south-side area and going through the home inspection. We plan on occupying one unit and renting out the other. The house is in good condition from our initial (non-professional) inspection. I have two questions for the group:

    1. For a home inspection for a similar house (e.g. one that doesn't appear to need significant rehab), do you only use a general inspector and bring in specialists as needed (e.g. inspector says should get a roofer to examine roof) or do you also bring in specialists (e.g. HVAC, plumber) to get a second opinion regardless of the inspectors report? Our thought was there might be some things that we would get a specialists opinion regardless to ensure nothing bites us later at significant cost, but don't necessarily want to spend more money if the general inspector is usually sufficient.

    2. I've looked through the forums and found some referrals, but if anyone knows a good home inspector in Chicago please let me know. Also any referrals on electricians, HVAC, plumbers, roofers, and structural engineers. We're trying to start building our list of contacts as we dive into real estate. 

    Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

    For homes that don't need significant rehab & you're planning on living in then hire an inspector. Use the results of the inspection report to decide on whether or not you need a specialist. We'll quite often have to get a roof certification or a separate termite inspection on Non-brick structures. 

  • Member since 2020 · 3 posts · 1 vote
    5y

    Awesome thanks @Crystal Smith @Aaron K. and @John Warren for the replies to the thread! Seems like there's a solid consensus on using a general inspector and specialists only as needed. Really appreciate the help!

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