Thread: Hello from Mississippi

Just a quick note to say hey to all you good folks! My husband and I just recently opened our home inspection business (within the last month) and it's interesting to say the least! We've found rafters braced with shelves taken from the hallway closet, a 30 ft ground wire being used for a clothes line in a basement, and a mobile home in the middle of an attic. We've done 5 inspections total so far. This business is great!

See ya'll around the boards!

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• Serving all of south Mississippi!
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• Hello From Mississippi!

Welcome Hanne, go ahead and fill out your profile with your city location and your website address (if you have one, and if you don't you need one). I moved from central Mississippi (Ridgeland) in July 2006 to Tennessee after working in the home inspection profession for 11 years in MS.

Share some pictures of your special finds, we all enjoy them.

Thanks for the welcome Scott! I've been hearing from several people that we need to have a website. Just how important is it, do you think? I mean, Ridgeland is close enough to Jackson, that yeah, I can see it. But we're in Meridian. There're about 700 houses sold in the Meridian Board of Realtors area a year, even now, because we have the navy base. Do you think that there is enough traffic to justify it?

My son-in-law has offered to set us up a website, but he's so busy I hate to ask. I've looked at different sites for home inspectors, but also see that I can register a domain name, get a basic account, and set it up myself, for less money.

Just not sure which way to go on this thing....

Hanne,

First Welcome!

Second, You can't have a web site that is too good! When the swabie who is being transferred from Guam to your base he / she is going to get on line to set up the move and you want to be part of that.

Absolutely anything you can do to keep business flowing should be done.

Bruce

Originally Posted by Hanne Moon

Just a quick note to say hey to all you good folks! My husband and I just recently opened our home inspection business (within the last month) and it's interesting to say the least! We've found rafters braced with shelves taken from the hallway closet, a 30 ft ground wire being used for a clothes line in a basement, and a mobile home in the middle of an attic. We've done 5 inspections total so far. This business is great!

See ya'll around the boards!

Welcome!

5 inspections so far in your first month? Not bad. Not bad at all

Originally Posted by Hanne Moon

Thanks for the welcome Scott! I've been hearing from several people that we need to have a website. Just how important is it, do you think? I mean, Ridgeland is close enough to Jackson, that yeah, I can see it. But we're in Meridian. There're about 700 houses sold in the Meridian Board of Realtors area a year, even now, because we have the navy base. Do you think that there is enough traffic to justify it?

My son-in-law has offered to set us up a website, but he's so busy I hate to ask. I've looked at different sites for home inspectors, but also see that I can register a domain name, get a basic account, and set it up myself, for less money.

Just not sure which way to go on this thing....

In todays market you need to have a website, it is a must. Even more so when you are in a town like Meridian. In order to have enough business to survive you will need to cover areas that are an hour or so away. You might find yourself going to Columbus or Laural and in between. You might also consider getting a license in Alabama, if you have a MS license it will be an easy task.

As for asking you son-in-law, don't do that! Get a non-family member that you can pay and have it done your way. Heck, the owner of InspectionNews, Brian Hannegan can make you a great website. He has built many for inspectors across the country. Look him up on this site.

I bet more than 700 homes were sold for the year! Heck, that less than 60 homes a month and that is not enough to keep anything afloat. But if that is true then with numbers like that you will have to increase your market service area big time if you expect to make it.

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

I bet more than 700 homes were sold for the year! Heck, that less than 60 homes a month and that is not enough to keep anything afloat. But if that is true then with numbers like that you will have to increase your market service area big time if you expect to make it.

Those are the figures that I got from the Meridian Board of Realtors - and that includes Neshoba, Newton, and Clarke counties as well as Lauderdale. However, we have over 120 realtors in this area, so that makes me wonder...I mean, with that many realtors, surely they'd be selling more than that!

One thing that we've done is to get our septic installer's licenses. With that, you can inspect septic systems. We don't clean them out, we don't put them in, we don't repair them. Basically if there's no sewage bubbling out of the ground on a traditional system, and the electronics work on an alternative system, it's a pass. Here in Lauderdale country you have to have a septic inspection before the house changes hands. So that's one way we've value-added our services. I mean, have you dealt with the health department lately? They can get pretty dumb, especially when they're having a bad day wondering why in the world they thought being an environmentalist was all that great! Then they take it out on the homeowners. Most folks are more than happy to bypass that beaurocracy even if we charge just a little more.

I've also applied for FHA/HUD certification for my husband. His credentials should enable him to get that. I don't have all that he does, and from what I can see, I don't qualify for the program. He's got to take an ICC test to qualify for New Home designation, and that's just a matter of getting to Jackson and taking the test. So that would be another thing to add to our services.

However, you all have convinced me I need a website! I've been looking at several different ones, and trying to decide what I want to put in ours. Hopefully within a week or two, I'll have one up and running. Maybe sooner.

Originally Posted by Hanne Moon

One thing that we've done is to get our septic installer's licenses. With that, you can inspect septic systems. We don't clean them out, we don't put them in, we don't repair them. Basically if there's no sewage bubbling out of the ground on a traditional system, and the electronics work on an alternative system, it's a pass.

"Basically if there's no sewage bubbling out of the ground on a traditional system, and the electronics work on an alternative system, it's a pass."

No way!

If you are doing septic system inspections, *especially if you are a licensed septic contractor*, you need to be opening the tank, pumping it out, and looking at the tank, looking into the distribution box and making sure the ware drains out into the field and percolates down, that the water does not stand in the field and the distribution box.

I certainly hope your home inspections are more thorough than you are saying your septic inspections are!

Otherwise ... OMG!

You are freaking me out thinking what you might be doing, more aptly ... *NOT DOING* ... for your home inspections based on your lax attitude for septic inspections.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

"Basically if there's no sewage bubbling out of the ground on a traditional system, and the electronics work on an alternative system, it's a pass."

No way!

If you are doing septic system inspections, *especially if you are a licensed septic contractor*, you need to be opening the tank, pumping it out, and looking at the tank, looking into the distribution box and making sure the ware drains out into the field and percolates down, that the water does not stand in the field and the distribution box.

I certainly hope your home inspections are more thorough than you are saying your septic inspections are!

Otherwise ... OMG!

You are freaking me out thinking what you might be doing, more aptly ... *NOT DOING* ... for your home inspections based on your lax attitude for septic inspections.

It is mississippi jerry, so take that into consideration. Tehy are a wee bit behind the times down there

I would want no part of being a septic inspector if I had to pump out the tank and then have looksie inside. No thanks. Im just glad I live in a well populated are where very few have septic systems.

Hanne,

One thing you will find about the folks on this board, if you ask a question you get a straight answer. No one intends to hurt your feelings (mostly). Another thing you will find is that all home inspections are local and the rules and practices are too. Some folks don't consider your sate and local practices, you have to read the posts with your rules in mind.

Hope that helps.
Bruce

Originally Posted by Brian Thomas

It is mississippi jerry, so take that into consideration. Tehy are a wee bit behind the times down there .

Brian,

I did take that into consideration, which is why my response was so subdued.

*EVEN* 'down there', they should have, and practice, minimum health and safety considerations, one being ... well, I said it in my last post.

Okay everyone, there's a BIG misunderstanding here. Jerry, for goodness sake, BREATHE!!

Unfortunately, it looks like I've slandered not only my business, but my community and state, and that wasn't my intent at all. Unfortunately, I have to be somewhere in 30 minutes, so if y'all will just hold on to your hats, when I get back I'll will explain what I'm talking about.

Until then, will you guys just forget everything I've said? Okay??

Hanne

Originally Posted by Bruce Thomas

Hanne,

One thing you will find about the folks on this board, if you ask a question you get a straight answer. No one intends to hurt your feelings (mostly). Another thing you will find is that all home inspections are local and the rules and practices are too. Some folks don't consider your sate and local practices, you have to read the posts with your rules in mind.

Hope that helps.
Bruce

Even in Mississippi you got to pop that top and pump the crap to see what the inside of the tank looks like!

With a treatment plant "alternative as she calls it" you have to test the discharge water for high levels of bacteria.

The local health departments will certify a septic system by inspecting it just like she says, it is really sad. Cost is only $50 so what can you expect.

Originally Posted by Brian Thomas

Welcome!

5 inspections so far in your first month? Not bad. Not bad at all

WELLCOME!

I want to do 5 inspection a month.

what is your story and how did you do that?

Best

Ron

Originally Posted by Ron Bibler

WELLCOME!

I want to do 5 inspection a month.

what is your story and how did you do that?

Best

Ron

Thats not bad for someone in their first month of inspecting. I realize established inspectors will be doing 10 a week but for someone that has no referral base yet, 5 the first month sounds pretty good to me.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

"Basically if there's no sewage bubbling out of the ground on a traditional system, and the electronics work on an alternative system, it's a pass."

No way!

If you are doing septic system inspections, *especially if you are a licensed septic contractor*, you need to be opening the tank, pumping it out, and looking at the tank, looking into the distribution box and making sure the ware drains out into the field and percolates down, that the water does not stand in the field and the distribution box.

I certainly hope your home inspections are more thorough than you are saying your septic inspections are!

Otherwise ... OMG!

You are freaking me out thinking what you might be doing, more aptly ... *NOT DOING* ... for your home inspections based on your lax attitude for septic inspections.

When it comes to septic inspections let the septic folks do them. The fact is unless we have the tank pumped there is not a lot to be looking at. If you are going to have the tank pumped then those folks will be there anyway and they can inspect them. The only true way to do a perk test is dig a hole and put some water in it and time how long it takes to go dow. To try to fill the system up enough with water to do a standing water test is a joke and seriously time consuming. If equipment is being brought out anyway have a septic company do it.

Did I say line a septic company up for the clients. Oh yeah a few bucks for your time would be expected.

Originally Posted by Ron Bibler

WELLCOME!

Best

Ron

Ron
.
You got to walk Before Your Can Run.

Time for a Coffee Break. & You spell WELCOME with 1 L.
.

Originally Posted by Ted Menelly

When it comes to septic inspections let the septic folks do them.

Ted,

They *are* "septic folks", that was the scary part.

Originally Posted by Hanne Moon

One thing that we've done is to get our septic installer's licenses.

Let's now wait for a revised position, as she said she would give us.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Ted,

They *are* "septic folks", that was the scary part.




Let's now wait for a revised position, as she said she would give us.

You know. I scan these posts and make comment. Always guilty of that. I guess I have to read every post in every thread.

That is scary. I get calls all the time that want me to include septic inspections. I refer them to septic pros. When asked why and I tell them they say so and so and so and so inspect septic systems and leach fields. The so and so' are all inspectors. I tell them that the step and sniff is just a rip off. When I explain what should take place they always get pissed that their past clients have been getting ripped off for a hundred a pop.

Okay...let's see if I can do this again...

In the county that I live in, if you are buying or selling a house that has a septic system (whether a traditional system or an alternative system) you have to have a letter of certification that states that the septic system is working as designed at the time of sale. This letter is good for 30 days. The banks require it, the health department requires it, and the water company requires it. The banks won't close the loan out without this letter and the water company won't turn your water on without this letter. There are only two ways to get this letter - from the health department or a licensed installer.

In Mississippi, a licensed installer can install a system, and they can certify a system is working as designed, but they can't pump out or clean an existing system. You have to have a pumper's license for that. The type of inspection you guys are talking about is some kind of maintenance inspection where the system is thoroughly checked, cleaned, etc., etc. and costs several hundred dollars to perform. This letter of certification is a 30 minute check that costs $50 and makes sure there's no effluent bubbling to the surface, that the sewage isn't being drained through an overland discharge, that a tractor hasn't crushed the top of the tank, and that if electrical components are there, they are working properly (running the system through a test run). That is all this installer's license allows me to do. It's all I want to do. I have no interest in getting out my rubber boots and mucking through sewage. That's why I don't have a pump truck or a pumper's license. It's not a true inspection per se, and I don't advertise it as such, but it is required to close a loan on the sale of a house. Since most of my customers are home buyers, and over half the sales of homes are in the county and these homes are on a septic system, this is something that I can do for my customers to streamline the loan closing process. It's the only time I offer this service. It's also an easy $50.

Trust me, people in Mississippi have no interest or desire to smell sewage, to stumble around in it, or to put up with it from their neighbors. Our county is a clean, healthy county and it's because our department of health stays on top of the septic systems here. That being said, I will also say this. The on-site waste water department of Mississippi is run by environmentalists. These are 20, 30, and 40 year old people who's only dream was to save the pink spotted salamander whale in Siberia when they graduated from college. They were going to save the world because the nincompoop college counselors told them they could if they buckled down and got this absolutely worthless degree in environmentalism that wound up costing them $40,000 and over 5 years of college. Imagine their surprise when they discovered that the only job available to them was working with the department of health mucking out septic systems and putting on seminars and classes for people who wanted to install or service those septic systems. These are some ticked off people and they occasionally take it out on the public, especially if you're the poor schmuck who still has some sand in your dirt driveway from last month's trip to the Gulf Coast. They see that, declare your property a wetland, and there you go. I'm not being absurd - I've seen it happen.

I will not certify a system that is obviously, or even not so obviously, in disrepair. I have no desire to do a cruddy job, because it's a bad reflection on me and my character. My home inspections also reflect that attitude. I take pride in the job that I perform, as does my husband. If I have said anything that indicates otherwise, then it's my fault for my poor word choice. I also have to learn (as do some others on this board) that what I think of as normal, standard practice in my neck of the woods isn't necessarily so in other places. We assign different words and phrases to certain activities, and these words and phrases mean something totally different depending on the section of country that you hail from. Just because some places do things differently than in your home area doesn't mean it's wrong, evil, or stupid...it's just different.

I hope I have cleared this up for everyone. If nothing else, I've certainly made this thread an active one! And if Jerry sends me one more in response, I'm going to get him some tranquilizers! You must absolutely learn to BREATHE sweetie!!

Originally Posted by Hanne Moon

You must absolutely learn to BREATHE sweetie!!

I do breathe, and I don't want no stinkin' septic tank failure smell when I suck that breath in.

(Just had to do that, you know.)

Hanne,

Thank you for your enlightening post, it explains why you give rip off $50 inspections ...

... because if you don't ... *someone else will*. (You had that one coming.)

I, for one, never ran my business that way. That's like those Mold is Gold inspectors, if they don't take that money for a worthless sampling, *someone else will* ... so they convince themselves anyway.

In your case, it seems to be mandated, but, as I said before (and as you said in your clarification post you would not do, but are doing in your business) *I* never took advantage of my clients that way, if they wanted something worthless like that, let them find a person worth-less to do it.

To each their own, but not for me. That's why I never made the big bucks. Oh, I charged a lot for my inspections, but gave them more than what I charged.

I never did a bunch of 'nothing' for a 'little something' even though all those 'little somethings for nothing' add up into Big Bucks. Just not my style.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

I do breathe, and I don't want no stinkin' septic tank failure smell when I suck that breath in.

(Just had to do that, you know.)

Hanne,

Thank you for your enlightening post, it explains why you give rip off $50 inspections ...

... because if you don't ... *someone else will*. (You had that one coming.)

I, for one, never ran my business that way. That's like those Mold is Gold inspectors, if they don't take that money for a worthless sampling, *someone else will* ... so they convince themselves anyway.

In your case, it seems to be mandated, but, as I said before (and as you said in your clarification post you would not do, but are doing in your business) *I* never took advantage of my clients that way, if they wanted something worthless like that, let them find a person worth-less to do it.

To each their own, but not for me. That's why I never made the big bucks. Oh, I charged a lot for my inspections, but gave them more than what I charged.

I never did a bunch of 'nothing' for a 'little something' even though all those 'little somethings for nothing' add up into Big Bucks. Just not my style.

Jerry

Come on, free tranquilizers. What more could you ask for!

Originally Posted by Ted Menelly

Jerry

Come on, free tranquilizers. What more could you ask for!

I'm "tranquil" enough already, thank you anyway.

Only thing I need are some more anti-inflammatory meds for my shoulder, it still hurts from when I landed on that idiots hood and looked at them through their windshield. Mine are yellow, what color you got?

Its good that you have an eye on things...

Best

Ron

You guys are a hoot!

Originally Posted by Hanne Moon

You guys are a hoot!

WELLCOME TO THE BOARD!!!

The place to be!!! Its all good...........

Best

Ron