Thank you all for the kind words.
I agree that some people are more then capable of doing their own inspection and they would then save the cost of the inspection. They would need to know what they are looking for and also have some building knowledge, some special tools, etc. They would also feel comfortable checking areas of the home not normally lived in, such as the roof, attic, crawlspace (if not on a slab), etc.
Just today during an inspection I found an issue inside the main electrical panel box. I also found two issues on a roof. This was on a very nice home during a warranty inspection.
I often find issues in the attic, especially if there has been aftermarket work done in the attic.
The bottom line is that I sometimes do find issues in the electrical panel box, Attic area and on the roof.
That being said, I would be the first to say-
The Villages builds a nice home....but sometimes I do find some very strange things simply because not every worker can be watched 24/7, and mistakes are sometimes made by all of us, including builders. Homes get built so fast that sometimes things can get overlooked or done quickly and not double checked, etc.
I have found problems with A/C ductwork, Vent pipes, Microwave installation, exterior and interior cracking. I have found doorknobs installed backwards, ductwork switched, areas not painted, caulking not done correctly, etc, etc.
Do I miss things? I'm sure I do on occasion. My wife of 35 years reminds me every so often that I am far from perfect.
All in all though, most all of my customers have stated that I have found many more items then they had found themselves and that the inspection was worth it.
Respectfully, Frank D'Angelo, ACI