Re-Inspection Procedure

[maitai11]

Hi...

I know this is probably in the wrong forum, so forgive me...the General Discussion was locked.

I did and inspection the other day and the attic access was blocked by shelving, clutter, and the doors to the closet. I did not inspect and noted it in the report and briefed the realtor and clients.

The realtor emailed me and asked if I would go back and re-inspect. I'm assuming that the access is open now. Question is, should I go back for free? Should I charge? I also will develop a policy for my pre inspection agreement.

This lady has nickel & dimed me a little thus far...I have to bill escrow, and she never got the pre-inspection agreement signed...What would you guys do?

Thanks

Maitai

[Blaine Wiley]

I would charge, and I wouldn't go back unless the pre inspection agreement was signed.

You are adding a settlement billing fee as well, correct?

[maitai11]

Yes, I'm including a settlement fee. What do you usually charge? Also, how much for the re-inspection?

Thanks!!

Maitai

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

My agreement says this: " ►IMPORTANT: The Inspector will not open gas or water valves, light pilot lights or gas appliances, activate electrical services that have been turned off, or cut locks open. The Client is solely responsible for ensuring that all utilities are turned on, that breakers are turned on, that all water and fuel valves are open, that all pilot lights are lit, and that all rooms and crawl spaces are unlocked prior to the inspection. Return visits because utilities were off, valves were off, pilot lights were not lit, or certain areas were locked or otherwise inaccessible will be subject to an additional fee starting at $95.00 (additional travel charges may apply depending on distance). ◄"

I'll charge $95.00 for return trips if I happen to be right in the area. Generally, it's $125 - $150 if I have to make a special trip.

[maitai11]

Thanks Joe!!!

If you don't mind, could you also answer this?

What do you charge for the Settlement Fee if you have to bill escrow?

Thanks!

Maitai11

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by maitai11

What do you charge for the Settlement Fee if you have to bill escrow?

I give a "discount" of $25 to $50 (depending on the price of the inspection--higher cost inspections get a bigger discount) for paying at the time of the inspection. (I'm careful to word it as a "discount" instead of saying there's a surcharge for paying at closing.)

Those that want to pay at closing have to secure payment with a credit card, including security code and expiration date. If closing goes beyond 45 days or if they don't pay, I charge their credit card. It's all spelled out in my agreement. You can see my agreement on my website if you want.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by maitai11

...and she never got the pre-inspection agreement signed...What would you guys do?

This has been discussed many times. But you should never release a report if the inspection agreement is not signed. That is more important than the payment.

Unless I am familiar with the Realtor, I don't even leave the house without a signed agreement. About 2 months ago I changed to that procedure because of this episode: I drove 70 miles one way to an inspection and got a call from the client cancelling the inspection after I had already arrived there. Live and learn. I installed a separate fax line after that so I can recieve the agreements at all hours. And my agreement now says cancellation with less than 48 hours notice will be billed in full.

[maitai11]

Thanks Joe!

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

But you should never release a report if the inspection agreement is not signed. That is more important than the payment.

Needed repeating.

[Russel Ray]

I tell my Clients at the time of the inspection that if they want me to come back for any reason, my re-inspection fee is half the original fee.

I offer to bill through escrow when asked, but my escrow billing fee is $100, which is quite sufficient in encouraging them to pay me at the time of the inspection, which is what I want.

[Blaine Wiley]

Wow! My fee's are exactly as Russels.

Ditto Russel's post!

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by rray

I tell my Clients at the time of the inspection that if they want me to come back for any reason, my re-inspection fee is half the original fee.

I think it is important that the client is never surprised by our business procedures. All procedures should be disclosed to them before the inspection, preferably in writing. In this case, if I didn't have anything in writing and had not disclosed my fees to the client, I would do it for free and call it a learning experience.

[InspectorRiggs]

What about re-inspecting a different house for a client who, for whatever reason, doesn't buy the first house you inspected? Do you charge full price for every inspection?

[Russel Ray]

Originally Posted by InspectorRiggs

What about re-inspecting a different house for a client who, for whatever reason, doesn't buy the first house you inspected? Do you charge full price for every inspection?

With the first home inspection report, my Clients, my Clients' Realtor, and the seller's Realtor all get a set of my gift certificates, customized with the name and address of each person. Gift certificates come in a set of three on already-perforated paper in the amounts of $20 (all inspections), $30 (inspections costing $399 or more) and $40 (inspections costing $599 or more).

By doing that I never have to contend with the Client or Realtor seeking special discounts for multiple inspections. It saves a lot of aggravation.

[ccbrands1]

maitai,

if you have E&O insurance, check the guidlines.

my insurance wont cover me unless an agreement is signed prior to inspecting.