No one is perfect, whether they are experienced professionals or seasoned novices. While messing up once in a while is completely understandable, it’s the fallout from a mistake that gets most people, and this is certainly true when it comes to property inspections.
Errors during a property inspection can end up costing you untold hours of time and money in the future, so before you do your next one, here are the three most common mistakes even the most experienced person might make.
Skimming a New Build
Some people don’t get new builds inspected at all, while others do an inspection that is less thorough than the one they usually do for older properties. Just because a home has passed local building codes and all relevant ordinances, that doesn’t guarantee it was perfectly built. Contractors and builders can make a mistake just like everyone else or subcontract work out to the wrong person. A complete inspection is one way to uncover issues before you’re saddled with the home as-is or are facing expensive repair bills from a problem that went unnoticed for too long.
Not Keeping Track
There are a lot of areas, features, structures and appliances that need to be inspected and/or tested in a property, and the larger the real estate, the more complex an inspection can get. Missing an area or fixture can be an expensive mistake to make in the long run, so it’s imperative that you keep an accurate list of what needs to be inspected and what you’ve done in addition to carefully recording any notes. This is true even if you’ve inspected hundreds or even thousands of property in your lifetime. While pen and paper work, consider using inspection software because it’s easier to use all the way around, and you’re less likely to make a mistake or miss an area if you’re using it.
Being In Over Your Head
It can be hard to admit your well of knowledge in a particular area isn’t as deep as you thought, but it happens to novices and pros alike. Maybe this property has an unusual fixture, appliance or structure you don’t have much practical experience with, or you’re getting test results you’ve never encountered before.
Don’t hesitate to seek out the help of another inspector if you need it. That consultation today can save you loads of money, worry or both tomorrow, so always arrange for specialized support if you feel it’s necessary.
