What Inspections Do You Get?

Question

Before purchasing a rental property which inspections do you guys receive? Do you guy always pay for termite and sewer lateral also?

Bob Okenwa · Answer

Totally agree with @Bruce Woodruff. I bought a home with a questionable sewer situation and didn't get it scoped because there was not cleanout. Took the risk and installed a cleanout and found out I needed about 10k worth of plumbing repairs.

Got the property at cheap price but that's still 10k I didn't want to spend.

Eliott Elias · Answer

I don't pay for inspections anymore, especially to inspectors. I walk property with my contractor, if he gives me the okay I buy it. Get someone in there who is on your side and Is not going to scare you

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Most important is sewer, because that can get pricey. I used to pass on the others because I was comfortable doing them myself. If you're not, I would get a Home Inspection for sure....

I'm used to the seller paying for termite Inspection....

Nathan Gesner · Answer

There are many factors that determine this. I typically start with a home inspection, then get additional inspections based on what the home inspector finds.

Mary Smith · Answer

I would highly recommend doing a general inspection along with a termite and sewer check. I feel like it's better to be safe than sorry later.

Bill B. · Answer

You’ll have to find someone that buys the same type, and age properties you’re buying, in the same neighborhoods.

I’ve never had any pre-purchase inspections because I buy properties under 20 years old (so no asbestos or lead paint) in a market with no termites, that are almost all identically built.

I don’t know of anyone doing termite inspections in MN where I also made a couple purchases, but they do Radon inspections instead.

Heath Watson · Answer

I’m in the process of getting a duplex under contract.

Marshall Leipprandt · Answer

@Heath Watson Hey Heath, I always have a general inspection as well as termite/WDO. Depending on the setup of the home (city sewer or septic), I may make some exceptions to what I do from the outset. I just dropped $850 total for a general inspection and a WDO on a house in FL and ended up backing out during my inspection period. Glad I did and the $850 is a small price of due diligence to pay to avoid getting in over my head on a project.

Typically, my strategy is to get the general inspection done ASAP to determine if I need to bring out other specialists in areas like Electrical, HVAC, Mold, etc. You definitely want to ID those big ticket items ASAP to give yourself time to either decide if it's worth continuing in the purchase or to negotiate repairs/credits. It's all easier said than done, and of course, each individual inspection costs $ and is an appointment that will have to be coordinated with the listing agent and sellers so it is never quite as easy as some gurus make it sound.

Are you under contract on a property or still on the search?

What Inspections Do You Get?

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