New home inspection

[opriment]

I have an accepted offer on a home and I have a home inspection this Saturday with a licensed NY home Inspector.
A little about the home. Construction was started a few years ago then the contractor went bankrupt. Another contractor bought the street a year later and completed the home. I am pretty sure the home was framed out and sat exposed to the elements for at least a winter. The home now looks brand new. I was told they gutted it and started over again.
My question is, is there anything in particular that I should be
concerned about? Also. I see a crack in the basement floor. The
realtor told me that after settling this can be expected. Is that true?

Thanks

[chandler]

First, who obtained the inspector? I know you paid for it, but was he recommended by the realtor at all? What did the inspector say about the crack in the floor? Real estate agents sell houses (similar to used car salesmen), and inspection knowledge is not their game.

[opriment]

I obtained the inspector. The inspection is this weekend.

[Tolyn Ironhand]

There are two types of concrete, Cracked, and going to crack. Unless it is excessive large (over 1/4") I wouldn't worry about it.

[Bud9051]

As Chandler was saying, the first concern is who the inspector is representing. All too often they represent the real estate agent and their job is to "not sink the sale". If they represent YOU, then their job should be to protect your interests regardless of how that affects the outcome. The latter is harder to find, so be direct and ask the inspector if he does business on a regular basis with this agency. If he does, he will want to keep doing so and "not sink the sale" regardless of what he tells you. You are a one time customer, the agency is repeat business. Enough on that.

Your frost level is not that bad, but look for vertical cracks in the foundation walls to see if any patching has been done.

If the place was gutted, then all new drywall, insulation, and electrical should have been installed. Check the electrical permit to see if it was the original one used when the house was started or a new one when it was renovated. Some digging should tell you when it was inspected. I would be concerned about wiring left exposed to rain and the elements, although that may be hard to determine.

Talking to the various inspectors would give you an idea as to what was done and when.

There are many other items I would look for, but they may not apply to your home, thus the need for an on-site experienced inspector representing your interests. If you question his allegiance, get another inspector.

Bud

[chandler]

I know I am reviving an older post, but I went this weekend to look at a house to remodel for a new buyer who had it inspected. They are from out of town, and the inspector is local, so I KNOW who obtained the inspection......the real estate agent. He reported two receptacles in the basement that needed GFCI protection, but failed to note one circuit in the kitchen and a circuit in the bathroom that were without GFCI protection. In addition, both closets had bare incandescent light fixtures directly over clothes, a set of ventless fire logs that were too large for the fireplace opening and a county water meter that was running with the house valves shut off, meaning there is an underground leak between the meter and the house. I found these in the first 10 minutes of being there. Goes to show the inspection was whitewashed to facilitate a sale.