Hiring an Inspector? Here’s what to expect.

• The inspection is visual only. They can’t get behind walls or into the sewer line.

• They will check plumbing, electrical, attic and crawl space.

• They will provide you with a report with pictures that you can utilize.

• Hire someone who is knowledgeable of the area, and tuned into common local issues.

• Should be certified! By the way, former builders make great inspectors.

• You can have them go over the basics of the home for you, such as where the water heater is located.

• The inspector should be objective throughout the process, and not tell you whether or not to buy the house.

• Don’t hire an inspector who charges by the hour.

• Inspectors should not offer to perform repairs themselves. Conflict of interest much?

• They may ask you about secondary inspections to check the roof, plumbing etc.

You’re paying the inspector to find everything, so don’t be discouraged if they find a lot. You’re looking for bears, not the mice at this point in the process.

Dan DeCapua

Dan DeCapua is an accomplished Realtor and stand up comedian. A Real Trends Top 1,000 agent in the U.S., member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and has the most positive reviews of any Ann Arbor based agent on Zillow. He keeps his trophies and various other accolades in a climate controlled, subterranean vault available for viewings the third Tuesday of every month. For your Metro Detroit/Greater Ann Arbor real estate needs call (734) 730-7061 or email [email protected]