I own First Choice Home
Inspections in Deltona, FL and I get 50 calls a week for home inspections. The
first question and many times the only question the buyer asks me is "How
much do you charge for a home inspection?” I do not over charge for home
inspections. I am a thorough inspector and most inspections take 2 to 5 hours
plus an additional 2 or 3 hours finalizing the report and marking the pictures.
After the inspection I follow up with the client when they have read over the 40
to 96 page report. I sometime spend an additional hour answering any questions
they may have and always let them know if they have any further questions they
can always call me.
As a reputable home inspector, I have expenses like continuing education, insurance (liability and E&O), advertising, tools, membership dues, state licensing fees and regular business expenses just to keep the doors open. My rates are reasonable and I do a complete inspections. I know the inspectors that charge less for the inspections and I know their reputations for the work they do. I also know the Realtor that recommend them and only them. I know what the minimum rate I can charge for an inspection and still keep the doors open.
Every time I quote an inspection and the client says I’ll get back to you or I’m just going to check a few more places I know money is the issue and they will not schedule the appointment. I know the inspectors that are cheaper and I know they do an inspection in 45 min to an hour and half. A fast inspection is not a good inspection. A cheap inspection is not a good inspection. If it is cheap what is the client getting for their $199.00. Do they even bother to check if the inspector is active and licensed?
I have relatives in other states that always call me when it comes to buying their home and the advice I always give them is check the inspector out. Check the state their state licensing, insurance, training and experience, and check with people you know for their recommendations. If the most qualified and reputable inspector charges $600, then he is the best inspector to hire. Remember $600 maybe a lot of money but it is only a small portion of a $20,000 roofing mistake not caught by the cheap inspector that did not crawl up in the attic.
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| Electrical junction nightmare – This junction was the result of handyman wiring and could have burned down this house. |
When looking for a
home inspector the last thing you should consider is the cost of the
inspection. The first thing on my mind
is the safety of my family. I do not
want to be awake all night wondering if the inspector missed an electrical junction
in the attic that should have been in a closed box. All too often I run across things like the
junction in the picture to the right, an exhaust fan wired into the closest
wiring run. In the picture you can note
the black burn marks on the copper and the scorch marks on the sheathing and
the wood. The question you should ask
yourself is would the $199.00 home inspector find this?
In the opinion of this Home Inspector if the price is too
low you must ask yourself; why? The fee for a basic home inspection
nationwide is $300 to $500 by HUD estimates in "Ten Important Questions to
Ask Your Home Inspector" 2011. The size of the home, additional
components and structures, pools or spas and irrigation systems will all add to
the price of the inspection. Fees vary by region of the country
significantly. When purchasing your home, you want the best inspection at
a reasonable price. A thorough inspection will take from 2 to 5 hours to
complete. When it is your money and your family’s safety on the line you
want the most meticulous inspector you can find.
When contracting a home inspector check them out; license,
insurance, professional association, and do they have complaints on file with
the state regulatory agency. Ask
the important questions and if you are satisfied with the results ask the
inspector for a quote.
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Frank Carr is the Owner / Inspector at First Choice Home
Inspections in Deltona, FL serving Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Lake
Counties. Formerly in the building trades, Frank’s focus is a safe home
in the Orlando Metro and Daytona Beach areas of Central Florida and building FCHI. We believe that consumers have the right to expect
the highest standards of thoroughness, fairness and effectiveness from
their home inspector and that is exactly what we provide.
First Choice Home Inspections
Residential Home Inspections in Central Florida
(386) 624-3893
Website: http://1homeinspector.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1stChoiceHomeIn
ReplyDeleteAfter the inspection I observe up with the consumer when they have read over the 40 to 96 page report. I sometime spend an extra hour answering any questions they may have and always let them know if they have any further questions they'll always name me.
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