Does your home inspector offer sewer line protection

[belliott (Bob Elliott, 450.0002662)]

All about your business model.
Bells and whistles are great for multi inspection firms and great for guys with time to handle extra paper work not related to the actual home inspection.
Some do not even have Web site’s but stay busy.

[ccurrins (Christopher Currins, CMI)]

Most water service companies offer this type of protection. In my area it’s around $9.00 per month for sewer line protection, $5.00 for water lines. I’m a little confused why a home inspector would offer it.

http://www.awrusa.com/american-water-resources/for-homeowners/index.html

[jjonas (Jeffrey Jonas)]

@mlarson

A gimmick is a gimmick is a gimmick.

If you want insurance buy the real thing.

From an (unnamed) Home Warranty Company…

8. PLUMBING SYSTEM/STOPPAGE
   INCLUDED: Leaks and breaks of water, drain, gas, waste or vent lines, except if caused by freezing or roots - Toilet tanks, bowls and mechanisms (replaced with builder’s grade as necessary), toilet wax ring seals - Valves for shower, tub, and diverter angle stops, rinses and gate valves - Permanently installed interior sump pumps - Built-in bathtub whirlpool motor and pump assemblies - Stoppages/Clogs in drain and sewer lines up to 100 feet from access point. Mainline stoppages are only covered if there is an accessible ground level clean out, except:

EXCLUDED: Stoppages and clogs in drain and sewer lines that can not be cleared by cable or due to roots, collapsed, broken, or damaged lines outside the confines of the main foundation (even if within 100 feet of access point) – Access to drain or sewer lines from vent or removal of water closets - Cost to locate, access or install ground level clean out – Slab leaks - Polybutylene or Quest piping – Galvanized drain lines - Hose Bibs - Drum traps - Flange- Collapse of or damage to water, drain, gas, waste or vent lines caused by freezing, settlement and/or roots – Faucets, fixtures, cartridges, shower heads & shower arms - Baskets and strainers - Popup assemblies - Bathtubs and showers - Cracked porcelain - Glass - Shower enclosures and base pans – Roman tubs - Bath tub drain mechanisms - Sinks - Toilet lids and seats - Cabling or grouting - Whirlpool jets - Whirlpool control panel - Septic tanks - Sewage ejector pumps - Water softeners - Pressure regulators - Inadequate or excessive water pressure - Flow restrictions in fresh water lines caused by rust, corrosion or chemical deposits - Holding or storage tanks - Saunas and/or steam rooms. NOTE: XXX will provide access to plumbing systems through unobstructed walls, ceilings or floors, only, and will return the access opening to rough finish condition. XXX will pay no more than $500 per contract term for access, diagnosis and repair and/or replacement. XXX’s authorized Service Provider will close the access opening and return it to rough finish condition, subject to the $500 limit indicated. XXX shall not be responsible for payment of the cost to remove and replace any built-in appliances, cabinets, floor coverings or other obstructions impeding access to walls, ceilings, and/or floors.

So Juan… what exactly is your “Plan” for sewer line protection?

[jkeilson (James Keilson, CMI, Certified Master Inspector)]

@ccurrins

Most water service companies offer this type of protection. In my area it’s around $9.00 per month for sewer line protection, $5.00 for water lines. I’m a little confused why a home inspector would offer it.

Home Service Line Warranties | American Water Resources

Same as in my areas, Maryland, D.C. and Virginia. I never even considered it as anything an Inspector would or even should get involved in. Like I have said in an above post, I am open to hear what possible benefits it could have.

Jim

(http://www.trustyourinspector.org/)

[sstanczyk (Stephen Stanczyk, WA License #221)]

I would hope he never gets anything like my mom’s house. Down 12’, crosses under two neighboring properties, both with expansive poured concrete patios, fences, walls, landscaping, etc. It was an orangeburg pipe. Luckily we caught the beginning of failure after 40 years. Had a full liner installed. That still cost $15k but I can’t imagine what it would have cost if it would have needed digging out and replacement.

[agriffin (Andrew Griffin, CMI)]

I get a letter about every three months from my local gas company who offers a bunch of different protection plans. http://www.equitablehomeworks.com/

I am curious how you would make it profitable seeing as there are companies who offer low monthly fees. If you have one sewer replacement you may not have the cash flow (just from protection plans) to cover it. I’m interested in hearing how you plan on running this.

[gromicko (Nick Gromicko, CMI)]

Andrew writes:

I’m interested in hearing how you plan on running this.

I second that Andrew. Juan, you didn’t use the word “providing,” you used the word “offering.” I’m assuming and hoping this is offered for a fee and that it makes you money. If so, I’d like to know more about it please.

Some here are home inspectors.
Some here are inspectors.
Some here are business people who make money by offering inspections.

[gromicko (Nick Gromicko, CMI)]

BTW Andrew, it looks like you live near Route 8. Yes?

[belliott (Bob Elliott, 450.0002662)]

@gromicko

Andrew writes:

I second that Andrew. Juan, you didn’t use the word “providing,” you used the word “offering.” I’m assuming and hoping this is offered for a fee and that it makes you money. If so, I’d like to know more about it please.

Some here are home inspectors.
Some here are inspectors.
Some here are business people who make money by offering inspections.

If you were looking to have your future purchase looked at which guy would you trust ?

[mlarson (Michael Larson, WI Lic. # 1672-106)]

Do the math folks.

It is claimed by a certain vendor that that he has tested this with 150 clients.

It is also claimed that he has paid for several repairs that included digging.

Your’re are a bright bunch. Do your own math.

[jkeilson (James Keilson, CMI, Certified Master Inspector)]

Nathan, is there any fine print to this insurance? like a maximum payout per claim? Or would you pay the entire repair amount no matter what the cost was?

Thanks

Jim

[belliott (Bob Elliott, 450.0002662)]

@nthornberry

The guy that makes money, has a solid business model, can pay for issues, and offers protections and guarantees for me as a client.

Even Bushart above has some interest in this issue being resolved for home buyers. Now that I’m involved, perhaps his mind changes, but I’m hopeful we find some common ground here. As a home warranty provider going on almost 15 years now, this singular issue has been my nightmare, inspectors I work with nightmares, agents nightmares, and most importantly clients’ nightmares.

Let’s change the industry for the better and give buyers real peace of mind and security for the single largest unknown in the transaction that they can’t live in a home without. When that sewer line collapse happens, it’s immediately tragic.

Would we (I) expect any other answer from you ?

Please do not think it is the only correct one though because of your profession you must take that stand and it is expected.

Mel I am just a humble Home Inspector who actually goes in the field and helps people make a decision on protecting their life savings without shining bells and whistles in their already glazed eyes.

Never used roofies on a date either.

[mlarson (Michael Larson, WI Lic. # 1672-106)]

@nthornberry

Why don’t you read those posts again so I don’t have to explain it to you.

I don’t expect you too.

Math always wins.

[jkeilson (James Keilson, CMI, Certified Master Inspector)]

@jkeilson

Nathan, is there any fine print to this insurance? like a maximum payout per claim? Or would you pay the entire repair amount no matter what the cost was?

Thanks

Jim

Nate, you skipped my question boss.

Jim