Repair Cost Estimate by Home Inspectors

[Brian E. Kelly]

Originally Posted by dduffy

Greg,

I was a builder most of my life, and still flip properties, knowing current building costs is necessary...many inspectors are not builders, and those who are not, or do not have any idea what costs are, or don't know how to get them, should probably steer away from the practice.

With this experience, and knowing many many contractors in different fields of expertise I feel very confident giving "rough" estimates.

Repair estimates are needed doing commercial inspections especially, as Joe H stated.

I have never had a problem with anyone after giving a "rough" estimate...not a quote.

I give my Clients Dales phone number.

[Jeff Merritt]

If Asked, I give them a repair cost guide, not an estimate, and advise them to contact a qualfied contractor. The guide is pricing I put together from local plumbers, roofer and such.

[Larry N. Lake]

Originally Posted by poliner

Interesting replies, but answers go to prove costing/estimating is a skill in itself. I still think its an area which opens up a great deal of customer dissatisfaction if HI's get it wrong. By definition costing entails diagnosing the nature of the problem, I would have thought the nickel and dime stuff in isolation would not necessarily create problems for Inspectors.
However it is the thin end of the wedge once you start, I would have though client are generally more concerned about expensive defects such as foundations/ roof structure etc. which is where giving costings based on a 3-4 hour non-invasive Inspection could be high liability.

I agree I think home inspectors should be very careful when it comes to giving out estimates. I have had Realtors try to force me to do that, and all Realtors have done is bad mouth me behind my back because I am a thorough inspector working in the best interest of my client the buyer. I spend maybe 3 - 4 hours doing the inspection and a lot of time doing a custom report on my computer. I don't get paid enough to research and do extimates and it is risky.

[Russel Ray]

Even after over 30 years in the real estate business, I don't provide estimates to repair things. However, in trying to HELP my Clients as much as possible while still covering my own liability in this litigious industry, I send them to this site.