Under Contract! Do I call a contractor or home inspector first?

Question

Hi! I'm under contract on a home that I plan to hold as a rental. My agent was told it needed about $6K for HVAC work, paint and new laminate flooring.

Should I contact a home inspector first? Or a contractor to price out the fixes? Thanks!

Jay LeSueur · Answer

Agree, but I would add since you plan on holding the property, have the HVAC contractor do a professional inspection/evaluation in addition to a quote for the items from the inspector. Sometimes a contractor can catch things and give you a more specialized opinion rather than the sometimes superficial or general/basic report the inspection might provide. Then you can also get an idea of what kind of shape the system is in when you purchase and what to plan for in the future in addition to getting the current problems fixed.

Account Closed · Answer

@Brian Huber

I would get an inspector in there first, then have the contractor go in with the inspection report. That way, less things get missed.

Brian Huber · Answer

@Walter Key and Account Closed thanks for confirming my guess:-)

Troy Fisher · Answer

I'm going to blow your mind, get the inspection first but don't tell the contractor, see what they think needs to be fixed!  I like this as the trust but verify.  If either missed something you can tell which one missed what and get a better understanding of the whole picture of the house!

But as @Jay LeSueur- Mentions GET THAT HVAC GUY! Do it during the inspection period, because HVACS are expensive!

Robert Melcher · Answer

Home inspector.  Provide the contractor with the inspection and a scope of work for everything else you want done.  Arm yourself!

Walter Key · Answer

I'd do the home inspection first so you can get a really good picture of what really needs to be done, then contact the contractor to schedule a walk-thorough and estimate.

Under Contract! Do I call a contractor or home inspector first?

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