I was looking through the Spectora settings and saw they have an option to add a cost estimator to your reports. I know it’s a bad idea to try to calculate cost of work that a contractor would do. I didn’t know if anyone has used the Spectora feature and though differently. Or if the liability would be off you since Spectora would be recommending it. It still seems a bit sketchy to me, but was curious if anyone uses it.
3…2…1… @ruecker !!!
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The liability is on you still because you need to fill in the values. I stay clear of that sort of thing myself. But if you are confident in the cost for repairs, It could be a differentiator for you.
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Oh I didn’t know you still had to input the estimate yourself. That’s crazy pants! That doesn’t seem to be a very good feature.
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I would agree. That’s one of the things I am not a big fan of with Spectora. They sometimes create these one-off features that only appeal to a very small segment of inspectors. And sometimes their focus on that takes away from fixing other issues or creating new features that the core users want. My guess is some big multi-inspector firm requested it and they implemented it to avoid losing that customer. 
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Yeah I have noticed that some of their features are gimmicky. Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.
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I actually use it occasionally, and like the format.
But, I am pretty comfortable at estimating costs, because I spent 20 years remodeling, and a couple years as a project manager and estimator.
So, if someone asks me for repair estimates, I use it, with the caveat that “these are just my opinion”…
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What if an inspector’s opinion is total crap? Could he be held liable for gross negligence?
I think you would be in the clear based on your experience. But for others without that experience I would suggest finding a reliable estimating source and state that source.
I’m curious what others think and do.
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Does anyone have a 3rd party estimating source? Because I like the idea of my clients being able to see how much things would cost, however I know I would get the pricing wrong some of the time and don’t won’t the liability or just giving false information that makes the client weary.
I’ve used repair pricer, and I know there’s another company now too, can’t remember their name at the moment…
But RP will take the whole report and get an estimate back within 24 hours for everything on the list.
They supposedly base the numbers on each zip code, but some of their pricing I have really questioned.
I don’t think so… I make it very clear that the numbers are just my opinion, and the only way to really know is to get a contractor to come look at it, or give them a call.
Most of the time they ask, I just give them numbers verbally…
It’s prob only once a month I actually use the report option, and that will include a written disclaimer.
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It’s called… “The Contractor that is going to perform the work”!
Just as with inspectors… how do you like agents telling potential clients how much you “should” charge?
Only you know what your expenses and overhead costs are. Only you know what profits you need to collect.
Sure they can guess, and say what the typical inspector charges, BUT… That-is-not-me! I am hardly typical, and I market as such!
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Thus is the problem with opinions of cost.
If I were in the business of providing cost, I would likely use a statement like this but only after I had both my E&O insurance provider and a lawyer review.
The consultant is not a contractor. Opinions of cost should only be construed as preliminary. Actual costs most probably will vary from the consultant’s opinions of costs depending on such matters as type and design of suggested remedy, quality of materials and installation, manufacturer type or if the physical deficiencies are repaired or replaced in whole.
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As a retired residential contractor, now home inspector, I never give cost estimates. You are creating expectations when you provide an estimate. If you are inaccurate in your price, you will be blamed for creating the false expectations. Prices change quickly. From my experience as a contractor, computer estimating software always underprices. Keep your inspector hat on. You’re not a construction estimator. The contractor making a quote after your inaccurate software estimate will have nothing good to say about you. If your price is way low, your client will agree with the contractor, no matter what your disclaimers.
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I like this statement; in essence, it means that the cost estimate that you provided is meaningless. I keep my mouth shut and refer cost quotes to the contractor who might do the job.
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I worked for an investor who had a price estimator directly linked to Home Depot. I do not know if it was a 3rd party app or a Home Depot product. But it was slick and was apparently really good at things such as cabinets, doors, flooring, painting etc. On the flip side, complex problems or general repair issues were underserved.
That was a Home Depot product, so their “estimates” better damned well be accurate!
If memory serves… HD was teamed up with Craftsman Book Co for that project.
I think it was about 5-8 years ago that HD dropped that software due to “issues”!
Go figure!
I had heard that many commercial inspectors liked the product, so I signed up for a trial.
It disappeared about the time I was getting the hang of it.
I may be wrong, but… Craftsman Book Company History
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