Sewer inspections def yes. What other inspections?
I now know of four buyer-units who shortly after taking ownership have been surprised by issues of baroque sewer-line setup, longtime neglect of sewer issues on the part of the previous owners, and/or lack of candor on the part of real estate agents regarding same, hence very non-negligible expenses associated with putting the situation right. So obviously the smart thing to do is pony up the extra few hundred in advance for a sewer inspection to ensure that things in this department will not hit the fan in the near future.
But I understand there is also a plumbing inspection that is separate from the sewer inspection that can identify issues the sewer inspection might miss? And that one can get a roof inspection separate from the general structural inspection? How many inspections should the cautious post-bubble buyer with time on her side be looking at? This is all hypothetical, but let's assume that the house in question is a sturdy house with a basement built prior to 1940, with standard workmanship and materials for its period. Thanks for any advice or cautions.
But I understand there is also a plumbing inspection that is separate from the sewer inspection that can identify issues the sewer inspection might miss? And that one can get a roof inspection separate from the general structural inspection? How many inspections should the cautious post-bubble buyer with time on her side be looking at? This is all hypothetical, but let's assume that the house in question is a sturdy house with a basement built prior to 1940, with standard workmanship and materials for its period. Thanks for any advice or cautions.
Comments
I think the key here is not that you need to a hire a separate inspector for each of these items, ( except maybe sewer?),but hire a really good one in the first place.
Some people shy away from hiring the really good ones because they charge a little more , but spending a couple of hundred extra to save many thousands is probably worth it.
In at least one of my sample group, one party to the purchase wanted a sewer inspection but was talked out of it by the other -- yes, to save money.
When I bought my current house this year, we had the roof, electrical & plumbing inspected in addition to the general inspection. It doesn't cost that much more & you can get quotes for the work you need to get done.
Compared to the overall cost of the property, and the potential for repair what is an extra $500-700 for additional inspections?