I own First Choice Home Inspections, and we get 100+ calls a week for home inspections. The first question and many times, the only question the buyer asks is, How much do you charge for a home inspection? We do not overcharge for home inspections. I am a thorough inspector, and most inspections take 3 to 5 hours plus an additional 3 or 4 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 the 96-page report. I sometimes spend an additional hour answering any questions the client may have. I 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 inspection. 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 will get back to you, or I am 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 a budget inspection in 45 min to an hour and a half. A fast inspection is not a good inspection. A budget 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. The advice I always give them is, check the inspector out. Check the 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 may be 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.
Every time I quote an inspection, and the client says, I will get back to you, or I am 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 a budget inspection in 45 min to an hour and a half. A fast inspection is not a good inspection. A budget 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. The advice I always give them is, check the inspector out. Check the 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 may be 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. |
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 was $300 to $500 by HUD estimates in "Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector" from 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. For 2017, Texas is currently the lowest priced state for home inspections at $425.00 and New York the highest at $1025.00 for an average-size home according to Angie's List, "How much should a home inspection cost?".When contracting a home inspector, check them out; license, insurance, and professional association. Do an online search to see if 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
