What information do you gather prior to an inspection?

[Jennifer T. Friend]

Hi everyone,
I am a newer home inspector and would like to know what information you like to know about a home prior to showing up for the inspection. When our company books an inspection, we send a confirmation email with the inspection agreement and we also ask for the client to ensure that utilities are turned on. I have heard some HIs ask for the disclosures as well. Does anyone ask for anything else? Is there other information you find it important to gather beforehand?
Thank you ahead of time for your advice!

Jennifer Friend
Certified Home Inspector
AccuTech Colorado
jfriend@accutechcolorado.com
720-440-2345
www.accutechcolorado.com

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f2/ask-pr...pection-46633/

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f2/ask-pr...33/#post605052

[Michael J. Meeker]

Ask them how they plan on paying and make sure they know when they must pay.

[Linas Dapkus]

Client's name, phone number, inspection address, email, cash or check.

[Jennifer T. Friend]

Thank you all so much for this information! It is very helpful!

Jennifer Friend
Certified Home Inspector
AccuTech Colorado
jfriend@accutechcolorado.com
720-440-2345
www.accutechcolorado.com

[James L. Keilson]

Client's name,

phone number

Inspection address: From this you can look up the mls and get all the info you need without bugging your client.

email

Jim

[Russell J. Hensel]

We ask

-Name for the report to be written
-Address to be inspected
-Present Mailing Address
-House size under air
-Present Realtors name
(if there is a/or want a)
-Pool
-crawlspace
-sprinkler system
-Radon test
-Mold test
-Alarm System
-Any concerns when they viewed the house anything they want us to pay particular attention to
-Termite Inspection
-Wind Mitigation Form
-4 point insurance inspection
-How many stories
-How many AC units (for mold test pricing)
-How they heard about us
-Are there any questions we can answer BEFORE the inspection
-Do they know the name of the listing agent
-Email address
-Where do they want the pre listing agreement to be sent to either email or fax
-Can their agent receive a copy of the report when it is finished and all other tests when completed such as mold, radon and termite


Wow....I guess we ask alot of questions! But the questions many times are not to "ask" but to educate the client as to what options they have. Ask someone if they want a Radon test and most say...What is a Radon test...here is your chance to upsell...

[Jennifer T. Friend]

Great information! I appreciate the advice!

Thanks again,
Jennifer Friend
Certified Home Inspector
AccuTech Colorado
jfriend@accutechcolorado.com
720-440-2345
www.accutechcolorado.com

[Nick Gromicko]

Occupation of my client.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by gromicko

Occupation of my client.

Why... so you can charge more if they can afford it??? Yes, that's a loaded question!

[Nick Gromicko]

I do things slightly different (including charge and/or up-sell ancillary services) depending on what the client does for a living. If the client is a bridge contractor, I'm going to communicate with him/her differently than if he/she is an attorney or a yoga instructor. The occupation of my client tells me a lot.

[Keith Runquist, CMI]

After thinking about this....what exactly is the difference between an attorney and a yoga instructor? It's a riddle

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by gromicko

I do things slightly different (including charge and/or up-sell ancillary services) depending on what the client does for a living. If the client is a bridge contractor, I'm going to communicate with him/her differently than if he/she is an attorney or a yoga instructor. The occupation of my client tells me a lot.

Thanks you for an honest answer.

I was just concerned as there are others that I deem to be unethical, becuase they charge by the thickness of a clients wallet, and not the characteristics of the structure.

[Robert W. Jude]

whats your location Jennifer?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

If the caller has a sweet voice, I like to ask "are you married?"

If the answer is "no", I follow up with "what are your measurements?"

If the answer is "yes", I follow up with "what are your measurements?"