We start with a general home inspection, and if there are any specific issues, we bring those who specialize in addressing specific issues. 

I'm with Inna Ivchenko.  We start with the general inspection and based upon the inspector's recommendations, we go from there.  Some people want to have specialists from the onset, especially if there is a unique or poorly maintained item.

In the city of Ventura, every sale MUST have a sewer line inspection.  In the city of Los Angeles, every sale MUST have an inspection for gas shutoff valves, water heater straps and water conservation devices/low flow toilets.  Those are two examples of specialists that come out all the time.

Interesting, thank you.

I'll look up the article.

Shannon - I think Inna Ivchenko has provide a great answer.

Shannon,
I offer my buyers “Home Inspection & Safety Consulting” at no charge. I don’t inspect houses but I advise my clients in advance on whether they may want to start with a general inspector or may be better served to have a specialist out first. My process has served my clients very well.

We use home inspectors who arrive with specialists (roofing, pool, A/C, & pest)

Buyers usually do not have their own inspectors, or other specialized inspectors, and rely on us to provide names.

Good morning Shannon. My clients often ask me for referral, home inspectors are just one of them. Always willing to share a name.

 Good morning Shannon Ensor . Home inspectors are generalist and they let you know when to bring in a specialist.

Same for us, begin with inspection. Sometimes that will trigger a visit from another professional. 

Yes..after an inspection is completed and the inspector suggests a specialist look at specific items.

Shannon Ensor not that I can think of.

Usually, I suggest them a few names of the home inspector - they ARE professionals and licensed and my buyers pick the one they like.

No, most don't know enough about the way things work to ask that kind of a question, however I tell them the price difference and let them make their decisions.  It also would depend on the individual home and it's condition.

A good home inspector often raises red flags and suggests that you get in an expert for specific issues, but a specialist in one area might not pick up on many other problems that are beyond his expertise.  So I would start with a good home inspector and hire a specialist if needed.

I have had a few ask about specific types of inspections beyond the general home inspection. Usually the home inspection will recommend further evaluation by qualified professionals

After the home inspector is finished and if there are any major issues then you bring in specialists.

I recommend the home inspectors (at least 3) and they recommend experts.

A few times but over 26 years, rarely.

We suggest it to our buyers by law.

Are you trying to get us to the post or are you asking a real question?

If you're sending us to the article to up the views it's bad etiquette in my opinion.

In Salt Lake we also use a home inspector and if he feels there is a problem, then at the option of buyer or seller a specialist is contacted.

Any time my buyer is concerned about the roof, structural, electrical, plumbing, etc., I suggest that they get a specialist besides the home inspection. Always. It's up to the buyer, then, to decline to do so, especially if the home inspector answers their questions to their satisfaction.

No, I ususally bring it up myself..all options on the table

Never comes up in our state

It depends on the buyers.  If they were sophisticated buyers and only had questions about specific things, thn a specialist might be good.  I push home buyers to get inspection on the whole house and get specialists as needed.

They can do whatever they want as long as the house gets inspected.