7 Home-buyer Misconceptions About MI Home Inspections

1. Home inspectors are LICENSED -  NO!   The state of Michigan does not test, regulate or license home inspectors. Consumers have no protection unless they protect themselves by being informed consumers. Anyone in Michigan can claim to be a home Inspector.

2. One inspector is as good as another. Inspectors are not a commodity.  Like any service there is a huge difference between providers. Most inspection companies in Southeast Michigan are not really a company. 95% + are “One Man Operations” who have created a job for themselves.  They work off of a cell phone.  They are here today and maybe gone tomorrow.

Home Inspectors in the Detroit Metro Area:

• Less than 10% are insured for Errors & Omissions

• Less than 10% carry liability insurance to protect you

• Less than 10% have workman’s comp insurance to protect clients or themselves

• Less than 10% have had a criminal background check

• Less than 10% are bonded

• Less than 10% have passed the National Home Inspectors Exam

• Less than 10-% have graduated from a professional inspector training

• Less than 10% have apprenticed under a senior inspector

3. FHA, VA or CITY inspectors have inspected the home and found all the problems so I don’t need to pay for another inspection.    FHA and VA have never inspected homes. The government will not expose themselves to the risk of performing inspections. Appraisers do not inspect FHA & VA homes.  To accurately determine a home’s value, appraisers do a visual “Systems Condition Assessment” of the home. This is not an inspection; it’s done to determine value for the lender and not for you the buyer.   Appraisers do not do an inspection.

Appraisers do not have the skills or training to inspect homes and home inspectors do not have the skills or training to appraise homes. The FHA.GOV web site instructs home buyers to always get a home inspection and clarifies the difference between appraisals and home inspections.

City inspections are done for the city, not the homebuyer.  The typical city inspection takes 10 to 15 minutes versus 2.5 to 3 hours for a professional inspection.  Professional inspection companies work for and protect your interests.

4. I’m buying a Foreclosure or Bank Owned Vacant home & I don’t need an inspection. Banks sell their properties “AS IS”. You may think you’re getting a “DEAL”. Only a professional inspection can tell you if your “AS IS” is really a bargain.   Protect “Your As Is” with a professional inspection.

5. New home: Were buying a New/Newer home & don’t need an inspection. Don’t make this mistake! Your home is the biggest investment of your life. An inspection investment of $ 300 to $400 on a home purchase of hundred(s) of thousands of dollars is simply a “No Brainer”.  In 30+ years of inspecting new homes we have found many major situations unknown to both the builder and the city that may not be apparent for years. Even if no major problems are found the education and information of a professional inspector will provide you “Peace of Mind”.

6. My relative is a builder or contractor & they’ll inspect the home for FREE. A well meaning family member or friend who wants to help is almost always a misdirected Good Samaritan. They are not qualified unless they have had professional inspector training and served an apprenticeship. Only a professionally trained full time home inspector will give you “Peace of Mind”.   Avoiding the “Money Pit”  is too important to trust to a free review from friends or family no matter how well intentioned

7. I should hire the lowest price inspector. MAYBE but not likely. Remember “You get what you pay for!” People have been saying that for a long time because it’s true.  For the past 30+ years our company has regularly shopped the competition. We’ve found the difference between professional providers is typically between $10 to $30.   Because professional companies all have the same costs of doing business in providing  professional services.

Hiring the cheapest inspectors might save $100 today and cost you thousands next month or next year.                                                                                             BE CAREFUL…VERY, VERY CAREFUL!

With so many misconceptions about home inspections how can you get a great inspection? It starts with technically trained inspectors who have enough experience to give you a “GUARANTEE of SATISFACTION” and “PEACE OF MIND”.

Call Today! 734-483-3400 or 800-638-7470

Bookmark This Page and Share!

•