Home Inspector? Just entered into contract on a house in Hilliard...looking for your experiences and recommendations on who to use or not use!
The_red_one_sucks replied:
Hey mate, good luck with the house and your upcoming inspection!
I'd like to give you a recommendation, but I don't have a guy/girl I'd recommend. I will however offer this small bit of advice: Find someone not at all affiliated with either real estate agent!
While I'm a bit undecided about the overall value of an Inspector, I can say with confidence that you want one who has no ties or financial interest in the selling/purchasing of your potential home. Once you have a potential Inspector lined up, ask for references and to see examples of previous inspections.
You may notice one inspector pays a lot of attention to electrical issues, but his notes on masonry/foundations are sparse and lacking. Or perhaps he pays too much attention to cosmetic issues and not enough to "real" issues (plumbing, electrical, foundation, HVAC). Reading through his previous inspections can bring these tendencies to light.
rabs38 replied:
We have used linkhorn for all of our inspections and have been satisfied.
DuckDuckGoos3 replied:
We used Forte Home Inspections. Great price and super nice guy. Our report was really detailed. We tried some larger home inspection companies we found via a Google search and none returned our calls, so went with a one man operation. Great experience! http://www.fortehomeinspections.com
jmforshey replied:
http://www.ohiowalltowall.com is who I used. They guy is a nurse part time and documents his inspections as thorough as his charting.
ent4rent replied:
Do you have a realtor? They should have a list. Don't go with the sellers recommendations though. Also, Google has your answer.
infinite_ideation replied:
Purchased a condo several years ago. Definitely not the same as buying a house, but the inspector was able to point out several key things that I as an independent uninformed beginner would have overlooked. I understand that some people would argue that in the information age of the internet, you should always be informed. I disagree, however, on the basis that it's impossible to know everything. If you're at the stage where you entered contract, I highly recommend purchasing an independent inspectors services. Otherwise if you had time, I'd say perform a bit of personal research and assess whether or not you feel comfortable making the investment without it. For $500, it's a spit in the bucket for what's probably going to be the larges investment you ever make therefore I recommend doing it, regardless of your circumstances, because you're going to get a realistic informed service to point out any key issues the building may have before signing the contract. You can also use anything they find wrong as negotiating tactics. Just my 2 pennies :)
BuckeyeJay replied:
http://www.patchhomeinspections.com/AboutUs.html
Wandering_Sole replied:
I've used ProCheck Engineering on three purchases, now. Always thorough and all are licensed Professional Engineers for any foundation or structural concerns.
PaulaSchultz replied:
I've worked with Duane Anderson twice. Once on a house I passed on, and once on a house I'm currently in contact on. http://www.inspectmynewhome.com Good luck!
Analyst_at_work replied:
www.doubleportions.com. Smith Mitchell saved us from what would have been a disastrous $20-30 k worth of water damage in one of the condos we were in contract on. He's very personable and he was recommended by multiple family friends. Very good with all of my questions, and he put together two reports - one that is a summary (about 10 pages or so for us) and one that breaks down every little detail (80+ pages).
nauerface replied:
I've used [Liszkay](http://www.clengineers.com/) and [CMJ](http://cmjengineering.com/home.html) and thought they were both excellent. I've also used others that I would not recommend.
peanutwayne replied:
I'm not going to recommend the guy I had but my word of advice is get someone who is familiar with the age of the house. I had a guy who was used to new builds and more recent homes look at a 100 year old house. His advice was to essentially tear it down. He was in way over his head. Likewise if it's someone who only does historic houses will they recognize aluminum wiring or some other modern red flag? They should if they're a decent home inspector but just realize there could some bias and ask about what they're comfortable with looking at age-wise.
Hi Friends,
I am looking for the following professions around town. Please send me names and phone numbers for any folks you may know!
• Truberry Sales Rep
•...
Kimberly W. replied:
Ryan, you can talk to Krista Cupp with MI
Krista C. replied:
Hi Ryan. I would be more than happy to chat with you. My cell phone number is 614-668-1301 and my email is kmcupp@mihomes.com Reach out anytime! Thanks
Ken W. replied:
Andrew Robinson for Dublin/Powell realtor.
Christopher D. replied:
Hey Ryan, hope all is well! Brooke Snare with Rite Way Construction614-317-3088 and Dave Webb with Yellow Van Handyman614-595-0584
Don L. replied:
Brian Davis with Davis roofing and restoration. He's the best
Adams C. replied:
Hi Ryan my name is DR Adams. I am apart of a company called " Adams Cleaning & Construction. We have been cleaning new build homes for 19 years. We also clean homes that are trying or need to be sold(already built). If you ever need this service contact me at (740)-358-9904. We also do plumming, drywall, fencing, & decks. We are basically a 1 stop shop for anything construction. If interested in the construction side, contact Richard Adams Jr at (614)-743-6285. We both are available from 8 am-8 pm. Thank you & have a good day.
Home inspector that also does radon testing recommendations..? Does anyone have any recommendations of someone or a company that does both the home inspection and...
Spartan2842 replied:
I used LinkHorn and they were great. My inspector was extremely helpful and I have even contacted him after the inspection to ask basic questions and he answered them. They give a great detailed report with pictures, measurements, and write out all their observations and estimated costs to replace anything.
Saturnus_Droom replied:
Most inspectors I have worked with can test Radon and Termites for an additional charge. I would not hire an inspector that does not offer Radon/Termite inspection. Worth the extra 50-100 bucks.
Bodycount9 replied:
You can buy radon test kits at Menards for $10-$15 for the 2 day versions or $25 for the month long version. It's easy. Just open it and set it. Keep your doors and windows closed as much as you can.
dingatron replied:
Terra Firma Property Inspections do both, and are super awesome people. We used them when buying our house. 614-506-159 eight
ProjectAumaan replied:
I went with Habitation Investigation, LLC. Pretty good experience.
Illmurderyourfamily2 replied:
There's some University out west that has radon testing kits you can get for like $15. I forget who it was so you'll have to Google it.
AznTakingOver replied:
I used Sherman Hall from [http://toplinehomeinspection.com/](http://toplinehomeinspection.com/). He did a really thorough job. I walked through with him and he gave me tips and guidance as we did the inspection together. He sent me a follow up report with everything he found, and he said I could always call him if I ever had any questions or needed help fixing something. I think I got the radon and termite added and it was around $600.
JustReef replied:
I have used this guy twice. His report is very detailed. https://dublin.wini.com/
PaulaSchultz replied:
I've worked with [Duane Anderson](http://www.inspectmynewhome.com/StaffProfiles.aspx?ID=206919) twice, he does radon testing for an additional charge. (And I would happily work with him again!)
pleated_pants replied:
I've used Flinn Inspection group twice, once for a house we didnt end up buying due to roof truss issues they found during the inspection, and once on the house we currently live in. They subcontract out for their radon and termite testing, but they do all that organization. They did a great job finding stuff, but I'd recommend going with a Professional Engineer type inspector because if the normal inspector finds something that might be a structural issue you have to go through the hassle of scheduling a followup by an engineer.
Home Inspectors Any recommendations on good home inspectors? I know there are a few old posts on here, but wanted to get a more updated recommendation. Also looking at...
TrueBlonde replied:
ProCheck. Their inspectors are all engineers. We received a 20 page in depth report.
doppleganger2621 replied:
Was so impressed at the job Josh at By Lions did with our buyer’s inspection on our house I hired him to be our inspector on the house we were buying. https://bylionshomeinspections.com/
huskerduer replied:
I used Habitation Investigation; they are thorough, timely and they offer good guarantees/warranties. I can also suggest CapCity Inspections. Best of luck!
Sallman11 replied:
https://woodardinspection.com/
Crazace replied:
Don’t use Habitation Investigation. I paid extra for a termite inspection and they missed that...
dingatron replied:
We were really happy with Terra Firma Property Inspections. https://m.yelp.com/biz/terra-firma-property-inspections-columbus
McElwaine replied:
What’s a reasonable price for a home inspection or is it based on the price of the home?
airforcebuck replied:
Forget who I used but they missed that the overflow in my guest bath does not work. It literally is not hooked up to the tub so water pours out of the ceiling fire detector below if you overfill the tub.
So make sure all sinks and tubs are filled up and overflows work as they should. Then drain all of the sinks at once to see if there's venting issues. Otherwise you can get that sewer smell every now and then from a sink/rub/drain that isn't used often.
I've been redoing the plumbing and fixing crap in this remodeled home downtown for 8 months now. So just a friendly warning. It may look nice and shiny but sometimes you get the unexpected. Hard to see everything in a 15 minute showing and you get burnt out after looking at over 40 homes.
At least most house stuff isn't hard just labor intensive. My craftsmanship beats these "professionals" all day and my may tool is a 12 pack of PBR.
yougottabeshittinme1 replied:
Stewart home inspections. Prompt service and his inspections come with all kinds of guarantees.
sixner replied:
I used [CAI](http://www.cai-ohio.com/) on my 2nd house inspection, and they were great. I paid extra to have a 2nd structural engineer come out for approval on a basement wall, and he also checked out the garage/chimney [old house, some warping] and everyone I worked with was great.
The main inspector was awesome, he took his time and felt really thorough. I walked with him through about 3/4 of the inspection, and he was chiming in and explaining stuff. Giving recommendations on general maintenance. The only stuff I skipped, at his request, was walking on the roof [liability to use his ladder] and climbing in the attic [tight space].
He was a hot mess when he was done, but took time to sit down with us and explain the highlights and lowlights of the house.
IMO, worth every penny.
Looking for a professional home inspector to do an inspection on a home we are wanting to buy, but not charge an arm and a leg to do it! Or someone who might be willing...
Denise B. replied:
I have used Criterium Liszkay Engineers614-418-7200, 4 times and am very impressed with their quick turn around and professionalism. They are a local Gahanna company in business for over 40 years. They even taught the classes (maybe still do) required to become a certified home inspector. Pricing was in the $300-$350 range the last time I used them. You typically get what you pay for, so price (for such a large, long term commitment like a house) maybe shouldn't be the top concern. Good luck.
Leanne S. replied:
Josh Branham By-Lions Home Inspections Thorough and knowledgeable. Just had him do our inspection he was reasonably priced for the amount of time he spends looking over the house.
Susan K. replied:
Gary Glenn is the BEST!
Vinnie T. replied:
Rick Harrington at Patch Independent Home Inspections. Extremely thorough. Photographs everything and includes photos in report with arrows indicating deficiency. Highlights by color items he considers critical immediate items, needs to be addressed, or just minor issue. Web page has tool to provide estimate based on square footage. Received report next day.
Annette W. replied:
Perry Wilcox289-3911 just used him a month ago for my daughters new house in Pick. 2400 sq ft home $400 and spent 5 hours on it! Very thorough!!!! Older gentleman, been doing it for many years.
Angelia H. replied:
Average price will be $300 for the inspection. I always refer Rick Harrington with Patch Inspections. I know buying a home can be costly between the 300 inspection and then 450 appraisal fee on top of closing costs. Best of luck! !
Angelia H. replied:
Try Jason Johnson, #6143482891. I havent ever used him but have a few other agents that have. He might be a little cheaper!