Thread: $1,000,000+

Any advice on inspecting homes valued over $1,000,000?

DO YOU JOB AND DO IT WELL

as you'd be doing on any home anyway. Right?

I'd want to also be sure my in$urance coverage was enough for such a home.

rick

Dave,

Well, in that low of a price range ...

If that is a high end house in your area, you will want to retain clients in that market, and hopefully gain referrals from them.

Also hoping you are already doing a thorough home inspection, so do more of the same ... not 'the same' ... 'more of' the same.

Higher end homes comes with higher end clients who typically have greater expectations.

STAY AWAY FROM cosmetics, as what might be 'acceptable to you' might be 'totally unacceptable' to them.

If you see a spade, call it a spade, and recommend that all spades be corrected.

Most of the homes in Anchorage would seem like crew quarters to you Jerry! I was wondering if you "high-er" end experienced inspectors had additional advice on "retaining" those clients? (Other than doing an excellent inspection)
I'm confident in my inspection skills, but when you are dealin with higher expectation people, what does that mean? Spending additional time, being available, having all the bells and whistles?
Thanks for the responses!

Originally Posted by Dave Mortensen

(Other than doing an excellent inspection)

That is of the greatest importance.

dealin with higher expectation people, what does that mean? Spending additional time, being available,

Basically, yes. Spend more time, you are charging more. That does not mean 'baby-sitting' them, though.

having all the bells and whistles?

Not necessarily, but using the bells and whistles you have to their fullest is important.

Spend the time to find what you can find, document it, document it, document it (those people are typically used to documentation in everything). Don't be afraid to take photos, and more photos, be prepared to type a comment for each photo explaining what is in the photo.

Back-up your findings with code, manufacturer's installation instructions, etc., - the more back-up you provide, the less grief they have in dealing with what you found.

Remember, you are charging more, you must be worth more, provide them more than they expect.

Thanks Jerry, exactly what I needed. David

Hopefully (my serious opinion) You are not going to treat that inspection any different than you treated the 200,000.00 inspection

Hopefully that inspection means as much to you (to your clients ) as all inspections.

Unfortunately people in higher priced homes do appreciate and actually expect (sometimes) to be treated like they are actually above the rest.

Yes to get continued referrals you have to do a little more necking (arse kissing) not just a great inspection.

Every individual is exactly that, just another individual. But I have sat and socialized with folks with hundreds of millions and folks that don't have two cents. Some of the folks with money don't like the arse kissing. Some expect it. Never play anyone, always size everyone on their own show. Reading people is a persons greatest skill. Playing them wrong can be your greatest down fall. Be yourself, Inspect this home as any other.

The builder that builds the upper level homes sometimes thinks his back end doesn't stink, it still does. He hires subs, they make mistakes. In general (certainly not always) when it gets to your inspection (assuming it is a pre walk thru) most higher end builders (around here) have much less in the end to write up as concerns. But saying that, it is a larger home with more systems so you still have a lot to write up.

Long winded

Ted