Home inspectors can keep you on track to make buying and selling a home easier
RICH LOPEZ | Contributing Writer
getrichindallas@gmail.com
Don’t ignore those cracks in the walls or that hint of separation between the windows and the house. Structural engineer Dave Vannier says those are the clues that the building is in need of an inspection. Whether selling or buying, an inspection is the one thing that can make or break a deal. Vannier offers tips on what to consider when it comes to having an inspection performed.
In general, a real estate agent may offer recommendations on an inspector, but Vannier encourages people to research them as they would a general physician. It’s the health of the house that’s needed to be looked at.
“The inspector will give all the systems a look over and so he or she will look at the plumbing, electrical, heating and stuff like that, but they will have limited knowledge until they call someone like me with more expertise,” he says.
While licensed inspectors can likely perform work on any home, Vannier advises to start with the foundation, which is indicative of the age of the building. Some will have far more experience with older pier-and-beam homes like those found in Oak Cliff or the M Streets. Most inspectors, he says, may have more knowledge of newer homes and slab foundations, so it’s good to ask if an inspector has a specialty.
Inspectors and other specialized professionals act as a second line of defense when it comes to getting a house in shape. As a structural engineer for Vannier Engineering, it’s his job to start at the bottom. When his job is done right, everything above will be in better stead.
“When the general inspector refers to me, that means it’s necessary,” he says. “But before getting to me, there are still things one can do to get a topnotch person to start the job.”
And that could be as easy as talking to the neighbors.
“Yeah, ask for references from those around you. And most companies should be able to give you names in the area or another focus area where they’ve done the work. And if they’re willing, consider that a sign of confidence. If they’re transparent that way, that’s a good sign,” he says.
Ironically, Vannier isn’t overly encouraging of researching via the Better Business Bureau — or at least, he’s cautions not to assume much if going that route. While they can be a resource for inspectors, they also pay to be a member of the bureau, and thus their reputation shouldn’t be assumed as quality.
Once settled, Vannier advises to give a berth to the inspector to properly assess the problems if any, offer insight and even with client dissatisfaction, try to maintain a professional reciprocity.
“Give them a chance to resolve any issue if you’re unhappy,” he says.
With a hot market in Dallas right now, sellers have taken to preinspect a house to work to their advantage when selling. This could help transactions move faster. But buyers shouldn’t rest only on that.
“If a house is ready to sell, problems have been identified, repaired and documented, it helps the sale,” Vannier says. “But I don’t think a buyer should just rely on sellers’ reports only. Overall though, it helps move things along quite nicely.”
Vannier cautions that homeowners can be mindful of the age of their home in relation to potential issues. Also, home inspections aren’t just for those in the market — they come in handy for those staying right where they are.
“When those cracks or separations start happening in an older home, that’s a good sign to hire someone to look at the house. There may also be water-leaking issues if you notice those bills rise all of the sudden,” he says.
But he does break it down when people should consider the issues that might be on the horizon.
“If a house is eight years old, those will have the least problems because they’ve likely been corrected from previous ones. At about 15 years, the water heaters and HVAC systems will be issues for inspectors. And older homes may start having foundation problems that can be for any home because of the volatile soil here,” he says. “Older slabs in the late ‘70s/early ‘80s are hitting that age, and I’m seeing so much of that right now.”
Ultimately, he says to hire an inspector who knows how to deliver the news, good or bad because it boils down to communication.
“I like to explain things to them and what to expect and not to,” he says. “Repairs can be expensive and stressful in a buying or selling situation. But knowledge comes in handy.”
For more information, email Dave Vannier at dvannier@vannierengineering.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition March 7, 2014.