I would keep doing exactly what you are doing and not change a thing.
You will know when to put the toolbelt down for just inspections
I would keep doing exactly what you are doing and not change a thing.
You will know when to put the toolbelt down for just inspections
Makes sense
Also I don’t want you thinking that I just picked this up 7 years ago and now I think I know what I’m doing, when I graduated high school I worked for a Carpenter for maybe 15 years and when building got slow we would build apartment complexes and then we would be the full-time maintenance crew. There was only 4-5 of us on the crew. Whatever may have needed maintenance or repaired whether it was exterior, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical we did the work.
That’s why I asked
Sewer Scopes are a great add-on to a home inspection. We do it about 50-60% of inspections, but we use a subcontractor. The main reason is training, and we dont have it yet. Like anything else, if you are trained and confident then you can provide value for your client. The amount of unforeseen costs I have saved clients by recommending a sewer scope is quite large. Often times the sellers are not even aware of an issue at all, so it’s a win win. Training and ride-alongs with a pro will go a long way. Good luck
FWIW - I do sewer scope inspections. I have a wolher VIS 350 sewer scope. To me, sewer scopes are no different than any other tools we use, moisture meters, ir camera, voltage meter, CO detector, etc. I am not doing any plumbing work or advising a specific repair. Like any other part of my inspection I am looking for problems or red flags and if found, recommending that the client consult with the appropriate professional for further evaluation or repair.
I would never remove a toilet or break a cast iron pipe to do the inspection. It’s just like an inaccessible crawl space or attic, if I can’t find or open a cleanup, I don’t do the scope. Of course I recommend that the seller make the clean out accessible and I’ll come back. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t.
Pretty straightforward information Mark, thanks.
In my area, it is rare that a home inspection takes place without a sewer scope. Very rare. I have never seriously considered offering this as a service for reasons others have mentioned. I do however schedule sewer scopes for clients and realtors through other vendors. This way a realtor or client can make one call (to me) and get their inspection, sewer scope and radon test scheduled. I do perform radon testing. I was certified by the National Radon Proficiency Program, but no one cared and it’s not required in my state. I let that lapse.
My advice would be to pass on the sewer scoping and look into radon testing. While driving around for radon pickup can eat up your day, the pay is worth it IMO. I use Sun Nuclear 1028s. Great monitors.
Good info!
Do you make your sewer scopes requested or are they just part of your inspection as long as there is an access?
Hey Greg, if you are asking me, sewer scopes are an add on service that we charge for. When an inspection gets scheduled we explain the different services we offer and the client chooses which one they feel they need.
That answered my question thanks Mark
I’m with you. Your a inspector NOT a Plummer. Keep to what you know best . You would be adding a liability to your business which can get very expensive if you screw up. And buy the way it takes a few minutes to do it and you have to mingle in the smell and clean up of crap. Don’t do it
I’m not dealing with ANYTHING that has shit or has had shit on it…Nope! Really!
For any amount of money…
Next!
Haha come on dude! You have kids? You have an RV or trailer? I can see you’ve never worked on a boat. As a welder, marine engineer, 2 kids and a travel trailer I’ve been knuckle deep in poop, pee, puke of all kinds dozens of times. Need a little more hair on those knuckles bub…
Don’t forget to clean under your nails!
Is that the same hand he used to shake your hand?
Same hands he used to prepare your dinner!
OMG I’m never coming over for dinner again!
When I’m at work (work and live on a tug boat) I use latex gloves to prepare food when I’m cooking dinner for my co-workers. After touching oil, grease, degreaser, paint, welding, grinding day in and day out I at least have to be more hygienic than most. At home, I was my hands probably 100x a day.