Septic & Well

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#1

Originally Posted By: kmcmahon
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I’m getting tired of losing clients because I don’t do septic and well inspections. I still don’t want to do them, but I’m thinking of partnering with a few well & septic contractors to do them for me. Anyone else do this?

–
Wisconsin Home Inspection, ABC Home Inspection LLC


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#2

Originally Posted By: dbush
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Kevin, I sub them out. The company happens to be my sister in law and brother in law. She does the inspections, he does the digging (if necessary). Works very well and I add a few dollars on to the price.


Dave

--
Dave Bush
MAB Member

"LIFE'S TOUGH, WEAR A HELMET"

#3

Originally Posted By: dcampbell
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I do well and septic testing, I take the water in to a local lab for the test and do a dye test. It’s easy money for the time invested I looked up a bunch of info on how to do dye test and have had good luck so far with it.

#4

Originally Posted By: loconnor
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Dave C


I have read an article on dye testing. In this article it stated that one has to be careful in using the brand and make of the dye material in order to determine the validity of the test.

Have you had any questionable results from your tests, problems with the dye, and where do you get your dye?

I have some stiff competition here in this area, so my way of standing out above the rest is including a free water analysis test as part of my inspection. The analysis test is limited to Coliform/ecoli, and nitrate testing, but for a $27 lab fee to perform those tests, it's worth it.

The lab is close by here. I can drop it off and have the results in 2 days.
If additional water testing is required, then extra fees are charged.

--
Larry
Western Michigan NACHI Chapter
http://www.w-michigan-nachi.org

"We confide in our strength
without boasting of it.
We respect that of others
without fearing it"
Thomas Jefferson

#5

Originally Posted By: jhagarty
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Larry:


How does taking a loss on a $27 dollar lab test benefit you?

--
Joseph Hagarty

HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com

Phone: 610-399-9864
Fax : 610-399-9865

HouseMaster. Home inspections. Done right.

#6

Originally Posted By: loconnor
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Joe


I don't remember saying I took a loss on the lab fee. As I was structuring my regular fees, I integrated that as part of the regular inspection fee.

So whether a client wants the water analysis or not, my inspection fee stays the same. Most do want it.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

--
Larry
Western Michigan NACHI Chapter
http://www.w-michigan-nachi.org

"We confide in our strength
without boasting of it.
We respect that of others
without fearing it"
Thomas Jefferson

#7

Originally Posted By: dcampbell
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I use the dye from Professional Equipment and have good luck with it I use the red dye easier to see.

#8

Originally Posted By: kshepard
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I use subs for both and tack on a little.


Since so much of the septic systems are underground, sometimes with multiple, abandoned systems, wierd intallations and situations it’s easier to let my septic guy take on the liability. He’s been inspecting them for 20 years. If it’s shot and will cost $15 grand to replace, the septic guy’s the potential deal killer and I provided the inspection that saved the buyer $15 grand. If maybe it’s shot and maybe not… it can be hard to tell.


Same with the wells. My sub does the flow test and water quality. Less driving and liability for me and I make a little on the inspection.

#9

Originally Posted By: kmcmahon
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Heres a quote from a potential sub. Tell me if it sounds inline.


110 septic pump (needed to do the inspection)


125 Septic inspection


$60 Well Test & Inspection


$40 Nitrate test


Total=$335

Thinking of tacking on an addtional $15 for my costs.

--
Wisconsin Home Inspection, ABC Home Inspection LLC

Search the directory for a Wisconsin Home Inspector

#10

Originally Posted By: rmoewe
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kmcmahon wrote:

Thinking of tacking on an additional $15 for my costs.



You need to make at least 10% profit from anything that you do. I would double the 15 and make it $30.00.

"The word will only pay you what you ask" ![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)
#11

Originally Posted By: kshepard
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Here’re some prices for the mountain areas near Denver


- Pump- $225.00 up to 1000 gal. 22.5 cents per gal. over 1000.
- Inspection- $85.00 plus cost of pumping
- Inspection only- $150.00
- Locate- $75
- Digging- $75.00 per hr., $50.00 min.

Most subs have to drive 18- 20 miles up into the mountains to get here so these prices probably reflect that.

The only other people making that kind of money for digging with a shovel are soils engineers.

#12

Originally Posted By: kshepard
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- Flow test (mech. & elec.) $230.00

  • Potable water $35 (w/ flow test) $120.00 (pot. Water only)


potible water is tested for E. Coli and coliform.
They also do a wide spectrum test which I think is $235.00

#13

Originally Posted By: rsmith6
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Kevin,


I too sub out my septic and well work. My septic sub uses a camera for inspection and recommends that the homeowner or buyer DOES NOT pump first. I send my water samples to a local lab for analysis, depending on what the customer wants for testing.


A standard water test for coliform etc. is $35.00. A septic analysis is $350.00.


Bob

#14

Originally Posted By: jgallant
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How do you coordinate the arrival day/time of the well and/or septic people? Do you arrange for them to be there when you are? Seems like you and the realtor need to do some extra coordination with the sellers or tenants.

–
-Jim Gallant


Owner, All Point Home Inspections - Poulsbo, WA www.allpointinspections.com


Co-founder, ReportHost (Web-based report writing service) www.reporthost.com

#15

Originally Posted By: mbartels
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Dye test=B.S.


Call a septic pro and let them take the liability. Those puppies can cost as much to replace as some of the homes you may inspect are worth.

–
www.overbrookhomeinspection.com


It’s not over till you’re underground

#16

Originally Posted By: rsmith6
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Jim,


I call the septic sub to make arrangements for them to be there when I am. The client pays them directly. I take the water sample if necessary and collect the necessary charges + $20.00 then send the samples to the lab. They send the results directly to my client.


Bob