Thomas X. Lycos, President of the Collier Building Industry Association shared his thoughts recently concerning madatory home inspections, and was featured in the May 26th 'Perspective' secion of the Naples Daily News.  The mandatory inspection of foreclosed and/or abandoned homes prior to sale is an issue that is developing strong opposition.

"As a licensed contractor whose new construction and remodeling projects are always permitted and inspected, I believe strongly in these mandatory inspections as they serve to protect homeowners, home buyers and renters who do not have the expertise to determine if the building in question is habitable or code compliant. These inspections would also protect buyers or renters who may be one or two transactions removed from the initial purchase of the foreclosed property."

Under the current system, an investor can buy a home “as is” with major structural, electrical, plumbing and life-safety code violations. That investor can then make inexpensive cosmetic repairs, ignoring the more costly, critical repairs.
 

Finally, that house can be rented or sold and the new tenant or buyer will be unaware of the serious deficiencies that may be hidden inside the walls. Quite frankly, it is irresponsible, if not negligent, for all parties in these transactions to ignore the safety and well-being of future owners or residents of these homes.
 

It is also important that our local government works to protect the neighborhoods hardest hit by foreclosures. If foreclosed and abandoned homes go uninspected and are allowed to further deteriorate, these neighborhoods will also degenerate, creating havens for transients, crime and other social blights. Don’t kid yourself into thinking that what happens in Golden Gate won’t affect people who live west of U.S. 41 or who live in gated communities.

Click HERE to read Mr. Lykos' guest commentary in its entirety.