A Home Buyer's Inspection with Pinnacle Inspections
When purchasing a property, the buyer gets to choose who is going to assist them during their search, and the inspection. Many times you're realtor can assist you by referring some names of inspectors which most buyers appreciate. But you should talk to a couple different inspectors, or at least visit their websites. Make sure you know what you will be getting for your money. You need to be comfortable with your decision.
Be Aware of Time-of-Sale Inspections! Some municipalities require home owners to get an inspection prior to listing their house for sale (there are exemptions), as a means of disclosure only. This report is intended to provide basic/limited information to the home buyer and the seller prior to the time of sale; the reports are very minimal in nature, and not detailed information. For instance, if the dwelling is inspected during the summer months, most do not require the inspector to ignite furnaces, they also don't require the use ladders for roof or attics therefore many attics don't even get reviewed. The other problem with these programs is that they are not required on ALL homes for sale, which is fundamentally wrong and biased.
Pinnacle does not believe in, or provide Truth in Housing Inspections. Even the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors does not believe in Time-of-Sale Inspections, as outlined in their SPAAR positioning statement.
Nonetheless, these reports must be available to perspective buyers during a showing. Check with your realtor or go to your city's website to find out if you need to have an inspection prior to listing your home. If they do require it, the city will have a list of their licensed inspectors that you can choose from .
Also, be aware of what can and cannot be done during an inspection. The process is very time consuming, and dependent on the home and the conditions, and we attempt to gather all the information possible to make the correct reporting. Take some time to review the next few pages:
Be Aware of Time-of-Sale Inspections! Some municipalities require home owners to get an inspection prior to listing their house for sale (there are exemptions), as a means of disclosure only. This report is intended to provide basic/limited information to the home buyer and the seller prior to the time of sale; the reports are very minimal in nature, and not detailed information. For instance, if the dwelling is inspected during the summer months, most do not require the inspector to ignite furnaces, they also don't require the use ladders for roof or attics therefore many attics don't even get reviewed. The other problem with these programs is that they are not required on ALL homes for sale, which is fundamentally wrong and biased.
Pinnacle does not believe in, or provide Truth in Housing Inspections. Even the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors does not believe in Time-of-Sale Inspections, as outlined in their SPAAR positioning statement.
Nonetheless, these reports must be available to perspective buyers during a showing. Check with your realtor or go to your city's website to find out if you need to have an inspection prior to listing your home. If they do require it, the city will have a list of their licensed inspectors that you can choose from .
Also, be aware of what can and cannot be done during an inspection. The process is very time consuming, and dependent on the home and the conditions, and we attempt to gather all the information possible to make the correct reporting. Take some time to review the next few pages:
Inspection ExpectationsThis page some some practical information about the process so you won't be surprised.
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Inspection PreparationThis page provides you with information on what is needed from you, and some things you need to be aware of.
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Fees and PaymentThis contains a full list of our inspection fees and payment options.
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January 2014 email from a past inspection client:
Tom,
Thank you for reminding me that you are out there. My wife and I bought a home in Apple Valley, last June, and I had every intention of hiring you to perform the inspection. My realtor talked me into having his inspector do the tour. His name is XXXXXXXXXXXX, the inspector that does the XXXXXXXX show from time to time. Worse decision that I ever made. It turns out he is horrible at this job. Nowhere near as detailed as you are. Had I had you do the job, I doubt that I would have bought the house as I am finding issues right and left. With that boat having already sailed, I am thinking of having you out, in the spring, to do an inspection so that I know exactly what issues I will be tackling in the future. You did a tremendous job for us on the St. Paul home and I only wished I had you this job. I will contact you once the snow melts.
Regards, J.G.
Thank you for reminding me that you are out there. My wife and I bought a home in Apple Valley, last June, and I had every intention of hiring you to perform the inspection. My realtor talked me into having his inspector do the tour. His name is XXXXXXXXXXXX, the inspector that does the XXXXXXXX show from time to time. Worse decision that I ever made. It turns out he is horrible at this job. Nowhere near as detailed as you are. Had I had you do the job, I doubt that I would have bought the house as I am finding issues right and left. With that boat having already sailed, I am thinking of having you out, in the spring, to do an inspection so that I know exactly what issues I will be tackling in the future. You did a tremendous job for us on the St. Paul home and I only wished I had you this job. I will contact you once the snow melts.
Regards, J.G.
