Residential Electrical Inspection Checklist
I am an ICC Certified Residential Inspector, and…?
(NOT SPAM) Legitimate questions…
I am considering doing Private inspections on the side for buyers or sellers. I have a very thorough checklist/ report I will use, a digital camera, electrical tester, and I am renewing my business license soon.
Besides the business/ liability insurance or bonding issues, do you have any tips that you can provide regarding payment, dealing with real estate agents, present homeowners, etc…
I have several years experience in Building inspections, and am very familiar with builders and the construction process, but could use some tips regarding older homes. Where would you tell me to look?
I do have access to various years’ of building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical code books…
Serious answers only please.
In order to meet Realtors you could call each real estate office and ask if you can come to one of their meetings to introduce yourself. Take fliers and business cards or order pens with your company name to pass out. Also, offer to take refreshments. I was a Realtor with one company that had donuts/pastries at each weekly sales meeting. Sometimes a lender would come and the broker always asked them to bring the donuts. Since the buyer usually pays for the inspection and you don’t know who the buyers are then your best bet is to try to meet the Realtors. You might also be able to list your business with the local Board of Realtors and the local Chamber of Commerce. You could send letters to sellers telling them that it could be to their advantage to go ahead and have an inspection done. Then there wouldn’t be any surprises after a buyer signs a contract. Point out how bad it would be for a buyer to make an offer and sign a contract only to have an inspection a week before closing and there be problems. Tell them they could go ahead and have the inspection done now and then they can give a copy of the report to the potential buyers so there won’t be any surprises to hold up closing. You might want to send letters to the sellers and then follow up with phone calls. Also, if you meet with the Realtors then follow up with letters and/or phone calls. You want them to keep your name in the front of their mind so send a postcard once a month or so to remind them that you are doing home inspections.
Home Inspectors Make Mistakes – Advantages of Using a Home Inspection Checklist