All Forum Posts by: Melanie Parkham

@Jon Coleman Root intrusion is one of the number one things we look for/see. In older homes, we often see breaks in the line as well. Standing water and belly's in the line can also be an issue. 

@Marcus Auerbach I will keep your info for my next purchase in Milwaukee! 

@Broxton Shoell Unfortunately, we receive a lot of calls from people who've just purchased and then get this unpleasant surprise. But it does seem that a lot of people just aren't aware of the cost of inspection vs. cost of replacement. I can send you our info in case you/your family members need any services again.  

@Mike McCarthy & @Steve Morris We will get to work on getting our private jet so we can service every state lol 

@Adam Litton @Peter MacKercher  Do you find that a lot of homes there have these issues? My partner and I are thinking about investing there as well, hopefully in the next year. If you have a good inspector, I'd love their information! 

@Steve Morris   Yes, I will try that. We offer them for $49 so I am still surprised at the number of people who skip them. But it could have to do with the amount of new construction in Utah or people not knowing much about them. I own 2 properties in Milwaukee and I admit, I didn't do them on either. But now, seeing how pricey a replacement can be when not expecting one, I won't skip again. Even if it's just for the power of negotiation!  

@Amy Kendall That makes sense. Older homes are definitely most at risk. Along with homes with a lot of trees, since the roots can intrude into the pipes. It sounds like a mix from the agents. I've spoken with a few realtors who said they require them while others leave it up to the buyer to request. I had someone tell me the other day they don't like to recommend because they think these inspectors often elaborate on the severity of the problem to get a job- scaring the buyer. Sad when I hear things like this happen.

@Brady Hanks yes, they are a separate inspection. What I’m wondering is if investors here typically pay to have one done or not. And If not, why do they skip them? Obviously, doing replacements we get a lot of calls from people after they’ve moved in and realize they have a problem. So I guess I’m wondering if realtors recommend them, if investors don’t typical have an issue with them, or if they always do them. Basically just trying to get an idea of how important of a step this is to investors and realtors. 

Sounds like you don’t typically get one, right? Is that due to the extra cost?

I work for my sister and brother-in-laws construction Company (we do sewer inspections & replacements) and would love to know how many investors actually go through with the sewer inspections in addition to the regular home inspection? We still find that we get a lot of calls from people who skipped these in the home buying process and are reaching out after the fact, when experiencing issues. If you do get them, it is because of a realtors suggestion? Or bad experience? Or do you skip altogether? Would love to hear from investors and realtors on this to get some perspective! Let me know!