Outbuildings

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

I have a small ranch inspection coming up as a pre-sale. The house with attached garage is no problem. They also have a seperate barn and garage/shop with power and water. I have already informed them that those buildings are not included in the inspection BUT, as a matter of caution, should I at least check the 2 sub-panels for any problems? What about outlets? Water is no problem.....only hose bibs.

Your thoughts are welcome.

Steve

[kfulton]

Jut how long will it take to make sure they are safe for your clients? I inspect all out buildings. Garages, sheds, barns, bomb shelters, anything with power going to it. Imagine waking up to a news story were a barn burnt down on a property that you were at last week. You can of course charge for that. For me, I am there, it takes a few more minutes, I just get it done.

[lewens]

Kelly
If you can properly inspect a good sized barn or any out building in "a few more minutes" you are a better inspector than I am.
Larry

[rwand1]

I no longer write up concerns with outbuildings, unless specifically requested to inspect them when the inspection is booked. However, if there is an outbuilding and clients ask me to take a look at the outbuilding upon completion of the house, I will take a look but I tell them there will be an additional cost. However I will do a walk through with no report at no cost.

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

Some Outbuildings take longer to inspect than the home.

[kfulton]

Originally Posted by lewens

Kelly
If you can properly inspect a good sized barn or any out building in "a few more minutes" you are a better inspector than I am.
Larry

Larry, I was simply responding to your "thoughts" request. No offense intended. I was stating that I consider it a duty to inspect places were my clients may find themsleves. Charging them for it is a personal business decision. Typically I do not. The time frame of inspection is entirley dependent on size, lawn mower sheds vs 3 story chicken barns.

[David P. Valley]

I do not inspect outbuildings.

If my client agrees to pay me to inspect an outbuilding, I'll include this in my inspection of the property.

Small sheds are a different story. If my client asks me to inspect a shed (out back), Sure...I'll gladly inspect any small shed without charging the additional fee.

Size does make a big difference.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Per my contact and website: "Detached structures inspected per request at additional $.08 per sq. ft."

I won't even glance at them if they aren't willing to pay. Why should I work for free? I'm there to provide a service, for a fee. If they aren't willing to pay for my services and their property burns down, it certainly isn't my fault.