Originally Posted By: vdisciullo This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’m having some trouble coming up with general pricing for septic inspections. I’m refering to more than a simple dye test. here is a brief summary of my inspection :
Data search at county authority for permits,plats etc
Home owner interview
set up of pumping if needed
location of components if possible such as tank, d-box, drain field etc.
condition of visible components, working level of tank
possible hydraulic load tes and some other thing I won't bore you with.
I have a set starting price for systems that are easily identified.
example: permit is accurate if one exists, info from owner, tank has risers, and generally the inspection would require minimal labor.
I would like opinions on appropriate charging for extensive digging to find tank, top of drain field , d-box etc. as these things can take time and sometimes not even practical or possible.
My first line of thinking is a basic hourly rate on top of the bas starting price. Of course this will all be properly explained to the interested parties.
Originally Posted By: rfeiler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Vince ; Pick up some brochures of your competition in the area that might give you some ideas.
A dye test is not a standard operating procedure for determining if a septic is functional. The tank must be pumped only after it is inspected, it is then inspected again. The absorption field must always be located. In most states the tank is to be located and exposed by the homeowner. I suggest you go to the PSMA.org website for some usefull info on septic inspections.
Originally Posted By: vdisciullo This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ronald,
I've already talked to Gill Longwell @ PSMA and taking upcoming class (september I think) . I've got a pretty good background as I'm an Environmental Scientist in the wastewater bus for past 10 years. I'm certified by MDE for inspections but their protocols are not clearly defined as you only need to sit through a 4-5 hour course. Anyway, I never have or would do anything with dye other than confirming that a pipe is connected to a verifiable area. I only mentioned it because some guys still do use it. I agree that the PMSA is the way to go and is pretty much the accepted credible std protocol in my area.
Originally Posted By: lkage This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
wcottrell wrote:
I charge 200.00 for the inspection by sub contractor which includes his certification and pumping of the system.
Wow, you can't even get them to pump it out for $200 around here. They are getting away from spraying it on fields and are mandating taking it to a treatment plant which costs more of course.
-- "I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him."
Galileo Galilei
Originally Posted By: rfeiler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Vincent ; Sorry I meant no offence. Yes you are right there are some guys who offer only a dye test…Wrong. When I send out my questionaire I ask the homeowner if they have a copy of the original permit, It may save you some research time if they have it. Many municipalities do not have a site plan or as built on file so be sure you have a good probe. PSMA will give you good training. After you complete the course you will be amazed at what some people are offering in the way of septic inspections.
Originally Posted By: vdisciullo This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
wow, 200 for a cert and pump. Pumpers around my area are about 130-160 on average for just a pump. Some have knowledge, some just suck out the contents. I would have to say for 200 including the inspection you’re probably not getting much. I would guess the pumper is only checking the condition of the tank itself and it’s components and posibly a look at where he/she thinks the drain field is. As far as the cert goes, I feel that is a big grey area. I would say a cert is only good until the customer see’s me drive away. There are too many variables with these systems for any type of guarantee or future prediction and I let customers know this. To me, a septic system certification only tells the consumer that the system is doing it’s intended job while I’m inspecting it. I feel the most important part of my inspection is identifying what they have and educating them on the system.
Originally Posted By: rfeiler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Vincent ; That is two cents well spent. A septic inspection is only a report of the condition of the system at the time of inspection. It is to educate the owner so they can make an informed decision on the system. I have a very strong statement in my septic inspection contract making it clear that this is only a report and not a guarantee. Only a fool or LLoyds of London would guarantee a system.,
Originally Posted By: vdisciullo This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ronald,
no offence taken what so ever of earlier post. I really appreciate your and everyone else's input. This bb is a great way to interact with other professional and I learn something everyday here. I agree that your report is right on the money as far as it is NOT a guarantee.
Originally Posted By: wcottrell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
vdisciullo wrote:
wow, $ 200 for a cert and pump. Pumpers around my area are about 130-160 on average for just a pump. Some have knowledge, some just suck out the contents. I would have to say for $ 200 including the inspection you're probably not getting much. I would guess the pumper is only checking the condition of the tank itself and it's components and posibly a look at where he/she thinks the drain field is. As far as the cert goes, I feel that is a big grey area. I would say a cert is only good until the customer see's me drive away. There are too many variables with these systems for any type of guarantee or future prediction and I let customers know this. To me, a septic system certification only tells the consumer that the system is doing it's intended job while I'm inspecting it. I feel the most important part of my inspection is identifying what they have and educating them on the system.
Just my 2 cents
V.
My guy pulls the DHEC permit lays out the feild uncovers distrbution box and pumps main tank all for the low price of 200.00 I make 50.00 for the sub contract.
Originally Posted By: vdisciullo This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
William,
That's a great price. My area of Delaware just got some new regs and I have a feeling that the pumpers and inspectors will become one. Considering a pump of 150, that would leave 50 or 100 for me just to inspect if I were to meet the pricing that your guy gets. No way would I do all that work for 100 bucks but hey, It all depends what area your in.
Thanks for the replies
Originally Posted By: wcottrell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Vince,
I do alot of prelisting inspections. I sat down with a local pumper and installer in my area and discussed this area. He felt most people dont pum enough or until they have a problem. I thought that we worked out a fairly good agreement, I make money he gets more references for pumps and inspections. Won’t hurt to talk to one of your local guys as well.
Originally Posted By: vdisciullo This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
William,
I spoke with a local pumper today and as it turns out, he does inspections for 250 including the pump out. I was told that he doesn't do any digging anymore because he's getting old and also doesn't pull a permit but it's still nice to know the service is available for me to use should I choose to sub some out. I'm glad you pointed this out to me and his pricing was surprisingly not that far away from your sub. My guess is that if I started giving him some referrals, he might cut me a price break. (especially if I did some digging for him and pulled a permit)
Originally Posted By: wcottrell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Vince,
alot of folks in my area have thier original permits, if they are the original owners which most are. And folks at DEHEC keep records for a long time. Hope things work out for you regards Bill