[fix n flip] Do you get an inspection first, then build SOW?

[Collin Emerson Miller]

Hi, was curious if you always get a full inspection done to build a Scope of Work for a fix and flip. If so, have you ever gotten an inspection just to find out that the scope is too costly to make it a profitable flip and just ended up spending a few hundred dollars for nothing?

[Brian Pulaski]

Just keep in mind, an inspector won’t build a flip SOW. Inspectors don’t know or care about opening walls, removing wallpaper, painting things, new cabinets etc. That’s not to say getting an inspection isn’t a good thing. 

I personally run my numbers based on my initial photos/info. If it pencils out I schedule to see it. From there I tailor my numbers. That’s when I decide to make an offer or not.