TOPIC: Re-Inspections

New Inspector here, Just started this year and starting to get some inspections now. I have my first request for a re-inspection and it looks like other inspectors due them in this area for a fee checking to make sure repairs have been done correctly by contractor. I really don't like the idea of doing these puts the liability back on me I feel. Anyway if i were to do them should i use another re-inspection contract specific for that and do another report just on the items that were fixed. Any input would be helpful thanks Mark...

I use a different agreement that has been set up specifically for re-inspection of repairs. I also charge a fee for re-inspections and I am very careful about how I word the report concerning repairs that have been made. I also ask that I be provided with invoices from contractors detailing the scope of work, materials, and so forth. The agreement states that I will not inspect repairs done by a seller or by an unlicensed individual.
Be careful in how you proceed here, there will (or probably will be) be a lot of work done that will be covered and concealed from view when you return. Make sure that you reiterate that the inspection is still a visual inspection and that there are materials and components that are not accessible. Be careful in using terms like "repairs were done satisfactorily". Instead stick with something along the lines of "repairs appear to have been done properly, however, some repair details, materials and components are not visible and could not be inspected". Wordy I know but you still have to cover yourself and if you did not see the interior of a wall before it was closed up, you have no idea what may have been done.

Thanks allot that helps, it seems that 2 out of the three inspectors that are here don't charge for the first re inspection and the other guy generally says he doesn't have time to do them but charges $75 if he does. I guess i won't charge for now i need to be competitive?

Mark, I understand that you have to stay competitive in your market. I feel that we do a disservice to the industry when we do not charge for services, or when we price our services so low that it becomes difficult to keep our businesses afloat. You may want to check with your insurance carrier if you have E&O and are not charging for a reinspect.

I agree with Alton. This takes up your time and eventually when you're busy it's causing you to lose money as you're not doing another inspection. Definitely charge something.

My original contract specifies the fee for a re-inspection.  The reason for the re-inspection is not a concern.  It could be due to lack of access, no utilities or to verify if work was accomplished.

In my case, I used to charge $125 plus mileage.  I couldn't quote a fee without sitting down and figuring out the damn mileage.  I changed about 4 years ago.  My fee is now  1/2 the inspection fee.  That means the least expensive re-inspection I perform is $224.50.  The client is aware of the amount since they have their copy of the SIGNED contract.

The client must have a written list of items to be re-inspected.  Those are the only things inspected.  Nothing else.  Time is money.  Treat this as a business.