Do any of you give estimates like this non-member's reports do?

[Nick Gromicko]

http://www.buyersprotectionservice.c...pleReports.htm

[Greg Keene, CPI]

You have to be kidding!

[Joseph Burkeson, CMI]

Yes, sometimes. Guesstimates within inspection reports are very common in South Florida, and you will often see them in the Tampa area too.

[James H. Bushart]

This guy used to, but I think he stopped.

[Gary Farnsworth]

Never. Too many variables. I just recommend to the client to get at least three estimates by reputable repair persons/companies.

[Bob Elliott]

So does this statement in his report protect him if he underestimates the prices?

Estimates are not bids, nor intended to be used as such. Buyer's Protection Service and its employees may not
perform repairs of defects noted on inspection report in order to avoid conflict of interests. Sum of estimates
should take into consideration, reductions for servicing more than one item by same contractor

[rsmith24]

No I don't but I did like his report. Glancing over his site I liked what I read.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by rsmith24

No I don't but I did like his report. Glancing over his site I liked what I read.

I hope you are joking.

[rsmith24]

Originally Posted by belliott

I hope you are joking.

No i wasn't. This was all I read.

One threat made to inspectors, who rely on referrals from agents, goes like this:
"I will never be able to use you or your company again if you don't pass this roof, which you know is perfectly fine, and nobody in my office will be using your company again either."
I have heard this many, many times from prominent agents over the years. It is often just that blatant... or worse.

Objective inspectors like myself sometimes end up on "Black-Lists" and are omitted from the lists of inspectors for buyers to choose from. I get almost no referrals from agents. Does that mean I am a terrible inspector? There are good, ethical agents who do recommend me to their Buyers, but even they don't recommend me to their sellers.

[Jeff Tatlock]

Never. Estimates should only be provided by qualified contractors licensed and intending to do the work. Smart homeowners get more than one estimate. Real estate agents who push inspectors for estimates are lazy and uninformed.

[Michael J. Meeker]

Originally Posted by gromicko

http://www.buyersprotectionservice.c...pleReports.htm

After a quick review I must say I did today for the first time. See post http://www.nachi.org/forum/f73/estimates-reports-57736/

I do not like it or want to do it but did it to satisfy a client today. It seems every real estate person in South East Florida wants and expects this service. It would be great if there was one source we could get info from to put in the reports when requested. It is my opinion that it is impossible to do accurately without getting all the details for each defect. You never know what else is there you do not see and what a qualified contractor will deem necessary to do. I know of no other way to get to work from some Realtors without providing the same useless information.

If someone has a great solution that will make everyone involved happy I am all ears.

[Marc-Andre Beauchemin]

Nick, I never give estimates.

I tell them to contact the qualified person to evaluate!

[Tim Spargo]

Right down to the $15 dollar stuff. Come balance the fan at my house... there's $15 waitin for ya.

I have had investors and commercial property buyers query me about cost's. But, significant items are discussed, that I am comfortable giving a guideline of costs. "Estimated" imply's something that is a no-no in of itself and a customer may rely too heavily on such... which is a disservice to all concerned. A premise should also be discussed that while a guideline may be provided, it is not a substitute for having the tradesperson who may make repair/upgrades/replacement advise on cost's and scope of work.

Slippery Slope and generally a no-no in my opinion for a residential customer.

[James H. Bushart]

When a real estate salesman insists upon repair or replacement estimates, perhaps we should suggest in the report that the client insist upon having their agent provide them with written estimates of closing costs, loan fees and an exact closing date.

The bottom line to all this is...if you're not the one doing it, you're guessing - not estimating.

[Michael J. Meeker]

Originally Posted by jbushart

The bottom line to all this is...if you're not the one doing it, you're guessing - not estimating.

This is scary we are agreeing again.