Vetting a property inspector

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James Wise
Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 30k+ posts · 20k+ votes
2w

Get referrals from high volume Agents.

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  • Richard F.
    Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2w

    How would you vet one locally? What are you expecting in terms of thoroughness and reporting? Obviously you want someone with a lot of experience in the type and location of properties you will be interested in. Typically very few perform any type of invasive investigation, limiting their work to usually just visible and accessible areas.

    A General Contractor may be better for the job, but again you need to know, for sure, what their experience is, and confirm any claims of licensing or specialty designations. For more detailed inspections, you probably are looking at individual trades...electricians to open panels and boxes to see what is normally hidden. Same for plumbers, you need to scope lines and investigate septic and other systems and their age. Roofs, Foundations, building envelope, all require specific knowledge, combined with the experience to know where to look for signs of problems.

    You do not want to hire an "inspector" that will potentially perform actual work for you, as that will likely affect their reporting. There is no right/wrong answer, you need to establish your requirements, and determine through interview and references if you think they can meet those requirements.

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    • Barshawn Lopez
      OP
      Member since 2020 · 32 posts · 20 votes
      2w
      Quote from @Richard F.:

      How would you vet one locally? What are you expecting in terms of thoroughness and reporting? Obviously you want someone with a lot of experience in the type and location of properties you will be interested in. Typically very few perform any type of invasive investigation, limiting their work to usually just visible and accessible areas.

      A General Contractor may be better for the job, but again you need to know, for sure, what their experience is, and confirm any claims of licensing or specialty designations. For more detailed inspections, you probably are looking at individual trades...electricians to open panels and boxes to see what is normally hidden. Same for plumbers, you need to scope lines and investigate septic and other systems and their age. Roofs, Foundations, building envelope, all require specific knowledge, combined with the experience to know where to look for signs of problems.

      You do not want to hire an "inspector" that will potentially perform actual work for you, as that will likely affect their reporting. There is no right/wrong answer, you need to establish your requirements, and determine through interview and references if you think they can meet those requirements.


       Well locally I would use referrals from people that I have built relationships with which would be much easier than a place that I'm unfamiliar or have never been to.  How would I vet a general contractor out of state?

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  • James Carter
    Member since 2026 · 4 posts · 3 votes
    2w

    I would ask for referrals from the other pros that you're using (lender, agent, etc.). Make sure the inspector's expertise matches your property type.

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    • Barshawn Lopez
      OP
      Member since 2020 · 32 posts · 20 votes
      2w
      Quote from @James Carter:

      I would ask for referrals from the other pros that you're using (lender, agent, etc.). Make sure the inspector's expertise matches your property type.

      Thank you James.  That makes sense.
      1Reply
  • Oliver Moreau
    Member since 2026 · 7 posts · 0 votes
    2w

    I’m an agent in Cleveland. If you want reliable inspectors, I’m happy to share them. Dm me.

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  • James Wise
    Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 30k+ posts · 20k+ votes
    2w

    Get referrals from high volume Agents.

    1Reply
  • Mike PaolucciBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus Cleveland Dayton, OH · Member since 2022 · 490 posts · 549 votes
    2w
    Quote from @Barshawn Lopez:

    What is the best way to properly vet a property inspector for Out of state investing?

    Investor agents generally have good licensed inspectors. It's an added bonus if that inspector also owns their own rentals and is an investor themselves.

    [email protected]614-892-9184
    Reafco - Mike Paolucci 512 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
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