Engineer's inspection

I know they check out all of the "systems", the applicances and for termites. The house we are buying needs a lot of work, A LOT, and we will be gutting the kitchen and at least one bathroom before we can move in. The basement was never finished (really YUCKY down there) and the oil tank and heating system are original and have to go as well.

I think I have a good handle on it but are there any things I should particularly ask him? I plan on following him around.

Thanks everyone.

Message edited 8/12/2005 9:24:18 AM.

Re: Engineer's inspection

Something we forgot to do during our inspection was to turn on the air conditioning - it was in the dead of winter so we just didn't think of it. WHen we bought the house we had some construction work done and then a few months later summer hit and the AC doesn't work on the top floor - now we don't know if that's how it was when we bought the house or whether the construction interfered with the AC ducting to the upstairs. So, since it's dead of summer, remember to turn on the heating system and make sure it works in every room.

Re: Engineer's inspection

Thanks. They have no AC's in the house. We will be installing central air. When I say we have to gut this house I really mean it.

Thanks about the hint on the heating. They have two-fireplaces (gas/electric) which I'll ask him to turn on.

All appliances are "as is". They are original 1970! Avacado green and have to be sooooo inefficient

Re: Engineer's inspection

We just went thru 2 inspections. One on a house that wehad to retract our bid on and the second for the house we are in contract for. The inspector should turn on the heat and a/c, turn all the water on and flush all the toilets to check for water leaks, go up to the attic, check the electrical. Our inspector was awesome he checked for things we didn't even know existed.

Re: Engineer's inspection

Our inspector went through the house for over two hours. He went up on the roof, down into the crawlspace and everywhere else. He checked everything, including the pool. We paid a lot for him but I thought it was worth it based on how thorough he was. Our inspection report is like 20 pages long, with estimates on how much repairs would cost and how necessary they are.
He also took me outside and explained what things were a priority to fix and what stuff I should make the sellers repair before closing.

Re: Engineer's inspection

Our report went very well.

He was very thorough... checked all systems and even a few things he didn't have to.

I met him there and he said that in his 13 years of doing it I'm the 3rd person that followed him around every minute and didn't get bored. I asked him if I was the only female and he said yes. I'm a Home Depot Geek though. He even had me go up in the attic and quizzed me on what I should be looking for.

Yes, our took 2 1/2 hours for a 4 bedroom colonial. Our report is 20 pages also.

Thanks all for your input