Costs to replace on inspection report

[Kathleen Kay]

Is it normal for a inspector to include cost to fix an item (ex. siding) on an inspection report?

[Greg Bell]

That depends on the area that you are in. In South Florida it is very common. In Central Florida it is very rare.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by Kathleen Kay

Is it normal for a inspector to include cost to fix an item (ex. siding) on an inspection report?

I can't speak for others and what they may charge. If I did, I would call it a "guesstimate" and explain that this tradesman may charge $50/hour and that one may charge $75/hour.

I recommend getting at least two estimates for repairs.

[Kathleen Kay]

Thank-you so much.

[nwagner]

Contractors in this area typically provide free estimates. Instead of providing a mere guestimation of price, which can vary greatly and possibly be misleading, I encourage getting multiple free quotes that almost always include further specialist evaluation and an explanation of what exactly will be paid for.

[Jeff Merritt]

If Asked I will give them a cost guide. no estimate. the guide is what a qualified contractor would charge in this area.

[Russel Ray]

It's also common in Oklahoma.

I tell my Clients, "Get three quotes. Then, pretend that you are a judge at the Olympics and throw out the high and the low quotes. [That gets a chuckle.] That will pretty much assure you of getting quality materials, quality workmanship, and quality customer service."

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by Kathleen Kay

Is it normal for a inspector to include cost to fix an item (ex. siding) on an inspection report?

No

[mporras]

It's also common in Oklahoma.

It used to be, but it is becoming less and less so. It used to be that a Realtor did not refer any inspector that did not give estimates, so if an inspector wanted referrals, he HAD to give them. The Realtors are not "requiring" them anymore due to recent changes in the real estate contracts.

I don't, and won't offer estimates, but do offer websites with general ideas about costs...

It used to be that many inspectors here would give estimates, but only up to the amount the seller had allowed for repairs. In effect, this made it seem like they were choosing which repairs should be performed, and not the client. Any inspector that went over the amount allowed for repairs was branded the "deal killer." Not the best way to handle this, in my opinion. I'm glad to see that it is changing....

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

I hate it when Realtors tell customers what a Home Inspection should cost therefore I consider it inappropriate for me to be telling a customer what a repair or upgrade should cost. It is not my business nor should I be setting prices for another person's business.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by mporras

It used to be, but it is becoming less and less so. It used to be that a Realtor did not refer any inspector that did not give estimates, so if an inspector wanted referrals, he HAD to give them. The Realtors are not "requiring" them anymore due to recent changes in the real estate contracts.

Cool. Glad to hear that, and thanks for the update.

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by dedwards

I hate it when Realtors tell customers what a Home Inspection should cost therefore I consider it inappropriate for me to telling a customer what a repair or upgrade should cost. It is not my business nor should I be setting prices for another person's business.

So true, so true. Well said.

Now readers can take that and modify it for a persistent and consistent answer when they get asked, "How much will it cost to fix that?":

"I only know the prices for my company, not someone else's company, so you'll probably have to call about three companies that do that kind of work and ask them how much it will cost to fix."

[klott]

I never give estimates on cost or guesses, If I find a problem I will call it out as minor or major only. I recommend further evaluation and cost estimates by a qualified contractor on major repairs.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by klott

I never give estimates on cost or guesses, If I find a problem I will call it out as minor or major only. I recommend further evaluation and cost estimates by a qualified contractor on major repairs.

Ken,

Not challenging your statement......just curious...

If you do not give estimates or guesstimates...what criteria do you use for deciding a minor or major repair???

Jeff

[rcramer]

Being that I was a General Contractor in another life.....I sell it as an add service. For an extra 199 I will give cost ranges on the items that require repair or replacement. Its pretty easy figuring the cost of the major mechinical items for a home. Its the little nit picky items that are hard to figure.

I include this service in my permium and tech inspections.....about 1/4 of my clients take advantage of this service. I have done some research of the prices in the area and will do it again next year.

For example: A roof replacement in my area ranges, for a 20 Sq. roof with 3-tab shingles one story, between 195 to 225 per sq. This is going to be really close to what the client is going to get if they shop for a roof replacement. I believe it is a good added value service for my clients. All it take is some research on pricing in your area.....and tack an extra 200 to the inspection.....saving the client valuable time.