TOPIC: Alarm Inspections

I have considered this and recently had another offer come in from Brinks last week.

Some things to consider;

Giving out peoples information (in this case access to their property) for the purpose of selling a service may not be viewed favorably.

Realtors must be present and may not appreciate this service; reflecting poorly on future referrals.

Another set of feet in the house blame on you if something is broken or missing.

I often work in the home alone while the agents are off doing something else. I don't want the responsibility.

I have a hard enough time keeping my schedule straight (sellers realtors and buyers are always changing things) never mind coordinating with the alarm company.

The thing that bothers me the most is that we work for the buyer. The seller is not involved in having you bring in an alarm company and it's not stated in the contract that must be done. So, you tic off the seller over something and they come after you for any nitpicking thing... is just one tool you're giving them.

Alarm systems are outside the scope of home inspection in my state, so it is probably better to keep away from this potential liability (in my humble opinion).

What does your insurance provider feel about this? What if the alarm representative steps through the ceiling checking out the fog horn and doesn't tell you about it?

After watching the NACHI video I like the idea of them coming at a later date.  Not when I'm inspecting.  This is something I will have to really think about if I decide to do it.

If I inspect a home with a security system installed I tell my client that this system is out of the scope of my inspection. If he inquires about having the system inspected I will tell him that I can arrange a security firm to come in and do the inspection BUT I do receive a referral fee. When they come in for the evaluation is is strictly between him and the security company. If he wishes to contant any other security company for the inspection that's completely up to him. In NY as long as you have a complete and full disclosure about your referals and monies received then there isn't a problem.