Who's First Inspector Or Handyman ?
Hi everybody,
I have checked around a half dozen upper-fixer porperties. I would like to put an estimate for the rehab costs, so i can give an offer price.
My question is what would be the steps to follow, to make sure that you aquire the right properties.
* Should I first hire an inspetion guy to check on the structure of the house?
*Or should I first hire a contractor to give me an estimate ?
* My other question is how would the handyman feel, if he knows that he's there only to give an estimate?
If you are looking for "Free Estimates," you should have a list of repairs you want to have done.
If you are asking the contractor to perform an inspection to recommend repairs, it is reasonable to pay the contractor a consultation fee for his time. Figure on popping $200 to $300, or more, for this service.
You should use the home inspector for an inspection report, as he is licensed to give you a report on the condition of the house.
If you need an inspector to find or confirm your repair issues, you should have the home inspection done first and then get estimates for that list from contractors, probably for free. Why duplicate expenses?
[addsig]
I would recommend the inspector first. Anything bad he finds can be used by you as leverage in purchase negotiations, whereas something a handyman finds won't carry the same clout with the seller.
I would recommend the inspector first. Anything bad he finds can be used by you as leverage in purchase negotiations, whereas something a handyman finds won't carry the same clout with the seller.
In regards to Home Inspectors, only 23 states have a true licensing procedure to certify such individuals, your state (and my former city and stomping grounds)
also does not have licensing requirements for contractors either.
Fortunately from my personal experience of Ohio, inparticular the Cincinnati area have some of the best training programs for those getting into construction as well as some of the sharpest builders going.
While I love the south and in particular NC, they have little to no training in the construction industry which probably accounts the reason our state has become more stringent on building codes and requirements.
Some of the best training I got there was from a master builder who makes Norm Abrams and company look like amatures.
Mike is right about the "free estimate" issue.
I would suggest you find a reputable contractor who may also hold a home inspection certificate (not to be confused with license) from a recognized home inspection association. You can get on the internet
locate such associations.
By doing this you are knocking out two birds with one stone.
If "license" is an issue then hire a structural engineer
to look at it in which he wil tell you what must be done and put a seal to it. When I use them it cost me about $250.00.
What part's of Cincy are you rehabbing in?
I haven't worked there since the early 80's when interest rates were double digits. The riverfront area use to look awesome at night.........nice area........but Im still glad I moved.......especially this time of year. (laugh)