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I've never cut one short.

By
Home Inspector with StepByStep Home Services LC

Actually there was one time, working for an out of state investor, I pulled up to a vacant Detroit property that wasn't really vacant and by the looks of the "residents" I was not welcome. That one was over before it started.

Today, for the first time, I really wanted to walk away and tell my client to do the same but I've always believed in providing a thorough inspection and letting them decide. The first thing that caught my eye was the scribbled note on the front door. Asking the Realtor about it we both figured it was probably a disgruntled evicted previous owner. That's until I got in and walked into the kitchen. Water stains throughout, peeling floors, ceilings, walls, loose carpet, and peeling counter tops were a sure sign of moisture issues.

If you've read my blog Do You Turn On The Water you know why I never turn on water without a pressure test having been performed. Well the water was turned on, not by me, and the resulting waterfall was proof once again that you can't just turn on the water.

By this time my client was shaking his head and asking out loud "why even bother with the inspection?"  Of course right then I knew things would not move forward but honestly I was a little relieved. Sure I was a little upset having booked an inspection only to have it stopped and NOT get paid. I supposed I could have asked for payment but I do have a report from my morning inspection to complete so....I guess I'll do that then go relax on the deck, pour a cold one, and enjoy the rest of the day.

 

 

 

Leaky  Kitchen Counter

Damaged Flooring

black mold

James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

Vince, Why wouldn't you get paid? Of course not your full fee, but something for coming out and doing a parttial inspection.

Jun 05, 2009 10:35 PM
Vince Santos
StepByStep Home Services LC - Canton, MI
Southeast Michigan Home Inspector

James I thought about that but I guess I'm unsure how to approach it. Would you just say my fee is X amount of dollars for what I've done up to now?

Jun 06, 2009 02:12 AM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

Absolutely. I have never walked away from any inspection with out being paid either in full or in part. You have done some work up to that point and should be compensated for your time and efforts.

Jun 06, 2009 04:17 AM
Reuben Saltzman
Structure Tech Home Inspections - Minneapolis, MN
Delivering the Unbiased Truth.

Vince - I completely agree with James.  I've done many partial inspections, but not once for free.  You deserve to get paid for your time.

Jun 07, 2009 09:41 AM
Virginia Tatseos
Stage-Show-Sell - Bloomfield Township, MI

I would tell them what the fee is for the 'short' inspection.   The buyer and the agent should have caught these things BEFORE calling you in.    It makes me thing that they never looked at the home before that day

Jun 08, 2009 12:35 AM
Dan Callahan
Callahan's Home Inspections - Casper, WY

Vince, apparently, based on the other comments, I must be a real jerk because I would charge my full fee. You were there like promised willing to put in the time to do the full inspection. You would have thought the buyer would have seen the property before scheduling you and would of had some idea of the condition.

Jun 09, 2009 03:24 AM