WEAVER, Alabama (WBMA) — Buying a home is probably one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Home inspections are seen as a way to protect your money and avoid a bottomless pit. But beware, even trained eyes can miss big problems.
Brandon Gallagher bought his first home in Weaver in Calhoun County for his growing family. But his joy quickly turned to fear and terror. He discovered water damage in the basement. The floor was uneven, the windows were open, water was leaking from a drain in the backyard, and the foundation was cracking.
Gallagher wonders how his home inspector could have missed all of this and more. “He dismissed the house as structurally sound. But given the amount of wood rot, it is not,” Gallagher notes. A foundation contractor confirmed his fears.
He estimates that $70,000 worth of work will be needed on the house in addition to the $145,000 he paid for it at the time of contract.
Gallagher says the inspection company failed to honor its warranty and the state licensing board dismissed his complaint.
“It blows my mind. It’s a really helpless feeling,” Gallagher said.
The report listed some of the problem areas and recommended purchasing a home warranty given the age of the home. We spoke with a manager who said the warranty was for 120 days and the report did indeed list problems.
Carl Bates of the Better Business Bureau of Central Alabama offered advice to buyers. “First of all, be present at the home inspection. You should be very particular about everything. Turn on every faucet, flush every toilet,” Bates recommended.
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Inspectors generally look for things they can see with the naked eye. Remember that problems can be hidden by a coat of paint or patches. The air conditioning system may work fine during the inspection and then stop working a week later.
If a problem is identified, you should call in a professional. “This is a big investment. If there are problems with the fuse box, the first thing I do is call my electrician. If a leak or water damage is identified, the first thing I do is call a licensed plumber,” Bates advises. The same goes for the foundation.
Bates says they generally don’t get many complaints about home inspectors. Click here for tips on hiring an inspector and information on what to expect.
Construction inspectors are licensed by the Alabama Division of Construction Management. You can check a company’s licensing status or file a complaint by going to their website.
In the Gallaghers’ case, the house was bought by the previous owner for $30,000 and sold months later, suggesting it was a “flip” – a deal that Gallagher deeply regrets.
Despite the dispute in this case, real estate agents recommend inspections, although some forego them given the current real estate market. Inspections cost $400 to $450.
