Newbie question on inspections

[Alejandro Lisson Ramirez]

Hi everyone,

This is newbie question about property Inspections. Currently, I am out of state so it is not possible for me to visit the properties and I need to trust the property inspectors.

Few weeks ago, I was planning to buy a duplex so I hired an inspector to whom I paid 500 usd for the home inspection. During this inspection, I was expecting the contractor to analyze things in more details but in some areas they mentioned that some of those things needed to be seen by an specialist (e.g. electrical, HVAC, water heater, roof) (below you can find images with parts of the inspection report related to the electrical system and the water heater).

Is this how inspection reports works? Do I need to hire an inspector and also need to bring specialist to the potential property to review the electrical, roof, HVAC, water heater, etc.? How are more experienced investors doing their inspections? 

Thanks a lot

[Shannon Hutchinson]

@Alejandro Lisson Ramirez I am answering from the perspective of the daughter of a home inspector.

Your home inspector is like your general family physician. They give you a look over, ask questions and know when something is not normal. They investigate, write up abnormalities, then refer for anything that needs a more serious look which could cause you extreme problems. When you meet with them, they speak and write up your needs in a language you can understand. They show you what they are looking for and give you advise on self care. The folks they refer you to are specialist and can give you a more in depth analysis of those big issues which you want to know more about. You would not normally go to the specialist unless you had a concerning issue and knew what to point out.

Yes, it is very normal for an inspector to encourage you to get an inspection by sometime with more speciality. My mom’s specialty was electricity as over 20 years as an electrician. With time, she gained knowledge in the other areas. Be careful though. There are some inspectors who take some required classes and have limited background where theymay not have the knowledge to give the best outlook.