I went to the doctor the other day for a routine checkup-----actually that is not true. This is what I should do! Now most people might go to the dentist a couple of times a year----and keep things in their mouth tuned up---but when I guess our minds take the possible things that can go wrong at the dentist and multiply it by 100 to arrive at the number of more things that can be found out at the doctor’s office. After all, most people would rather undergo a root canal than a colonoscopy or a mastectomy. There is just so much more to lose going to the doctor. The harsh reality is that if we went to the doctor for more periodic check-ups we might be able to avoid some the very dire consequences we fear----or at least minimize them. The problem with this approach is that if there is a bear in the woods he will bite us regardless of how much we deny its presence. It is the same with our houses. When was the last time you had your house inspected. If you have lived in it for 5, 10, 20, or 40 years I can guarantee that there will be issues that need to be addressed. This is especially true if all those special touches you have had done, that you are so proud of, were done without permits. Like going to the doctor, having your home inspected could save you thousands of dollars by finding things that could cause terminal issues with the home. There are likely plumbing issues you have no clue about. There are likely plumbing issues you have no clue about. There are likely heating & cooling issues you have no clue about. There are likely wood destroying organism issues you have no clue about. What you don’t know about your house can, if not kill your house, drain you wallet way more than the measly cost of a home inspection. When was the last time you were in your crawl space? Are you trained to know what you are not aware of in your crawl space? If you have not had your home inspected in the last 2 years I recommend that you call your favorite home inspector today. If you are in the Seattle area call me-----I will be happy to give you a quote to inspect your home. And I promise----no colonoscopy!
it comes to regular doctors, most people, unless they are hypochondriacally disposed, put off going to the doctor until something is actually wrong.
There are likely electrical issues you have no clue about.
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whew! Good to know.
By the pictures we can say
If you need a check up call a specialist/licensed inspector. if you just want an opinion call your uncle/handyman lol
A home inspection after you have been there a while is well worth the investment and may just save you thousands in the long run
Enjoy the day
Sometimes the body can heal itself. A house cannot heal its own problems. They only get worse.
That is a great point Charles. I just had the garage door folks out yesterday just to lube, check over the garage door and track. They found that one of the main bolts holding everything together missing. In other words, at some point in time, the garage door opener was not going to work because of what would then be a major problem. I think I'll have a whole house inspector over to take a look at everything else. Thank you.
Alan, I just knew you would be "relieved"
Don, the funny thing about the pictures I chose for this post is that the wooden plug would have been "state of the art" in its day :)
Glenn, so true
Scott, it would be intersting to have you do that----hire a home inspector and then report back to us on whether it turned out valuable or not.
Charles - Glenn has it right about a house's problems only worsening with neglect; and while we "know" that to be true, it's far too easy to put off that inspection until something breaks--like the tooth I broke yesterday.
Charles, not something I've thought of doing, but a good start to knowing what I have neglected and I admit I have
How do some contractors come up with these fixes. Do they grab the first object at hand?
John, I think we all have things we would rather spend our money on that dentists, doctors, and home inspectors.
Elizabeth, it is a curious question isn't it?
Paul, sometimes I think
Those house teeth on the right sure do need a brushing. Those are teeth, right?
It's somewhat comforting to know that your home inspections do not come with a colonoscopy!
That's a good way to drum up some business. I have never had one at my house since moving in.
Shouldn't we be called house doctors? We have special tools and most of us have to be licensed. In all the years I have been inspecting, I can count on one maybe two hands the amount of people who do what you say.
Wondering about how long a typical inspection lasts? I am sure it depends on size of home but as a rule? I think it's a good idea. Face the music, so to speak.
Looking to have your home inspected; call Dr. Charles Buell; it is guaranteed he will find and recommend treatment for any house ailments.
Charles,
Those are some very select pictures. Love them. I had just made a pitch on the same thing just a week ago, lets see if anyone take me up on it.
Jay, well the house might be considered "long in the tooth."
Craig, what is up with you and Alan----I thought you would both be into "recreational colonoscopy" :)
Lizette, pay me airfare and I will help you out :)
Jim, pathetic numbers for sure :)
Connie, lasts or takes? :) 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hrs typically for me.
Carl & Ceil, all of us home inspectors should be consulted like doctors
Don, I think all of us inspectors need to get the word out about these types of inspections.
Charlie,
That is some fine looking plumbing you got there. Did you have to leave your house to find those?
Steve----not after the first time
That's a great call to action, Charles. I think I've done two 'maintenance' inspections all year.
Reuben, I wonder what it would take to get homeowners more interested in this idea?
Charles, Yes, I was wondering how long it takes as opposed to how long they last. And if you could post your glorious "underbelly" photos (including all the bugs you encounter) to the general public, homeowners would be lining up for inspections!
Charles: That's a great point and one most homeowners probably don't consider. Thanks for the post!
Connie, yes---I need to do more to get the information out to the consumers. And get agents to recommend pre-listing inspections :)
Paul, you are welcome, and yes---most homeowners are oblivious to what "lurks beneath."