Looking for a house inspector

[Betty from Boquete]

Hi all. Does anyone know of someone with construction knowledge that could do a home inspection for me. I will be arriving in Boquete to close on my new house December 9th. Although I have had no issues with my contractor I would still like to have his work inspected, just to be on the safe side.
Betty

[Betty from Boquete]

Thanks......can you drop me a line at [e-mail]

[Bob Wolfe]

Hi Betty,

Unfortunately, many of the things that you would want to know from an inspection would be visible only during the construction process, such as depth of footings, sufficiency of rebar reinforcing rod, proper mix of concrete, preliminary soil analysis. Also, if you are using M2 or M3 construction, it is difficult to tell the consistency of thickness of the repello that is applied over it. An after-the-fact inspection only reveals the finished product, not what went into it, and that is much more important here. Lots can be covered up. Once something is sealed up, it is difficult to tell. Even in the US, there is much that an inspection lacks, and the disclaimers that are signed before the inspection attest to this. There are high-dollar homes that have been built without proper oversight in the Boquete area that have significant problems shortly after closing. I have seen some under construction that may not be habitable in five years (or less).

More unfortunate is that there are few people to turn to that you can trust as to their competence and reliability who are REALLY capable of doing such inspections. Below are a few things to look for:

- Any cracks now will get worse with time. "Warning, Will Robinson!"
- Wood will shrink and swell with the seasons, regardless of what anyone tells you. It will sometimes split.
- Beware of gypsum board (sheetrock), unless it is "greenboard," designed for wet locations. Standard sheetrock is known to absorb moisture, crumble, and grow mold. Particularly here.
- Do you have a fireplace? Has it been tested for draft? Leaks? Backdraft when it is windy? Does it have an adjustable damper?
- Outside, drainage and water runoff are critical, and best observed outside during a downpour, not when it is dry.
- What was the house built on? Fill? Or 'old' soil and existing rock?
- Bring an electrical outlet tester with you from the states. The lights will alert you if an outlet is wired improperly.
- Were the plumbing and gas lines pressure-tested? Before they were covered with concrete? Is there a copy of the results? Who did the test?
- Do the floors slope toward any floor drains? Or will there be a big puddle in the corner, or a shower that never quite dries out?
- Any litlle stains or areas on the ceiling inside that could indicate a leak?
- Remember that even under the best of circumstances, houses are built under imperfect conditions, with imperfect materials, and yes, by imperfect people.
- Sometimes, everyone with a bellybutton considers themselves an "expert" on whatever you need an expert for.
- Do the inspectors also sell something that can solve some of the problems they may find?
- While guarantees are hard to come by, you might want to ask your builder if he will guarantee the main systems (in writing), to include foundation, roof, electric, and gas lines and plumbing for one year. Or if you can purchase such a guarantee from him at a reasonable price. Try free first. You don't want to nitpick him to death over every little blemish, just some assurance on the big-ticket items.

Good luck, and enjoy Boquete and your new home.