There is a saying “Give a person a hammer and everything looks like a nail”.

 
Recently as a Realtor I sold a home that shows this statement can be so true. I listed a property and ordered a Property Inspection and Termite inspection right away because we like to disclose this information up front. That avoids re-negotiating down the road. The Buyers made an offer and obtained their own Property, Termite, Pool, and Roof inspection. The Property inspector mentioned that there were some minor vertical cracks in the foundation. I am in California – not sure if a home can be found without vertical cracks. The song words ” I feel the earth move under my feet” could be our state slogan.

The Buyers Property Inspector mentioned that to determine the damage a Foundation Report would be needed. The foundation inspection company came out; did their report; and presented a repair estimate of $16,500. Wow –  I send the report to my Property Inspector and I cannot say the words he said in reply in this blog. But, they were not complimentary. He suggested I get my own foundation report.

I went on line and really feel I lucked out. The person who responded visited the home the same day. I met him at the house and he gave me his card: PhD PE.   OK. I asked what PE meant and in California (maybe the nation) that means Professional Engineer. The inspector crawled under the house and then did his outside inspection. He then told me except for a very minor problem where a post was not touching a gerder that  there were no other issues. He then sent us a professional 17 page report.

The first company uses words that indicate repair work in their name rather than inspection. They have a hammer and they see nails everywhere. I recommend for an inspection – use an inspector not a repair company. Also one more thing – we looked the first company up on Yelp and they had many unfavorable reviews. By getting a professional inspection company rather than a repair company my seller saved over $16,000.