Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by throwaway0a5e 2065 days ago
>Most home buyers waive inspection contingencies

Most inspections are "pay us <stupid_number> to point out the obvious and we don't include <list of anything that requires more than just walking around the house eyeballing things to determine> and our liability limited to <price of inspection>". It's no surprise people wave them.

2 comments

The home inspector I use gives me a booklet that is often hundreds of pages long and includes photos and detailed descriptions of every problem found as well as recommended remedies and ongoing maintenance requirements.

I've never needed to call anyone else so I just assumed they were all like this.

Maybe that's your experience if you go with your Realtor's "suggested" inspector. Again, most home buyers probably just go this route since no one really cares about quality any more.

I researched my own inspector and chose a very technical retired engineer. He identified significant issues with the home that resulted in the price being reduced by 15%. You're an idiot if you waive inspections.

Home inspections are a well known "easy money and no risk" side gig for general contractors in my area. They're all crap but I guess if you need someone to point out what's gonna need work in the next 2-20yr it's better than nothing.
Try finding an inspector who actually enjoys the job. They do great work.
I don't need a home inspector. Short of catastrophic fire or flood there's nothing about a home I wouldn't just fix myself. The problem is the people who need someone to inspect the home for them don't know how to find a good inspector.