Q: Do you stand behind your work? Offer any warranty or guarantees?
A: Great question. At first glance, this question seems to be simple, however, it's not. First, let's take a close look at what my "work" really is. My work is a well defined set of evaluations that I perform. I have refined these evaluations into a regimented process that is very detailed. The evaluations (primarily visual inspection or non-technical) are anchored by two sets of "standards", one created by the great state of Tennessee called the Tennessee Standards of Practice, the other created by the largest home inspector association in the world (which I am certified with). To view each of them, visit: http://share.tn.gov/sos/rules/0780/0780-05/0780-05-12.20141104.pdf www.nachi.org/sop.htm. So, my "work" is really a series of evaluations using a set of standards. Make sense?
Let's unpack that a bit....It is important to start by saying that there are MANY items, areas or systems that are not required to be evaluated by the standards mentioned above. One mistake many people make is they assume a home inspection is a full diagnostic of every inch of the home combined with x-ray vision and psychic abilities. Once the client moves in, if anything goes wrong, it must be the inspectors fault. In reality, a inspection is only a limited snapshot of how the home visually performed that day during the evaluations. The shelf life or expiration of a home inspection is literally a few seconds after the conclusion. Your probably asking, "What?!" Let's think about it. A normally functioning water heater could begin leaking right after I leave the property...is that my fault? Could I have predicted it? Should I "stand behind it"? Replace it for you? You and I both know the answer is no. And what about this scenario... the home is occupied during the inspection. Storage prohibits viewing of certain areas. It is noted, but when you move in, a problem is noticed in one of these areas that is now easily viewable due to removal of the storage. Is it now my responsibility to correct the issue? No. Why didn't you move the stuff or ask the owner? Simple, that is not my job and I am not required to do that. There are liabilities that come into play when personal items are handled. I do not take any risks with personal items or safety. Regardless if the owner was present, they should have been notified by their agent about what a home inspection is and how to prepare. If I am given the seller's agents email during the reservation process, I send out an automatic email also notifying them of what's going on and how to prepare.
The TN Standards of Practice are designed to protect both you and I. They clearly state that if an area is not inspected for any reason, it should be noted in the report. If you know certain areas were not viewable, you have the opportunity to have them evaluated prior to the end of your inspection period. Once again, keep in mind; moving storage, appliances or any personal items is NOT the inspectors responsibility.
You must also realize that after (and even during) the inspection, any system can literally malfunction at any time and I have no way to predict it. Hidden defects are likely, but I cannot see through objects or walls. When I conduct a home inspection, my goal is to give you the best visual evaluation, insights and service in the Nashville region. I take it very seriously and pour an enormous amount of time into each home inspection I do. It is not uncommon for the report writing segment of the inspection (after hours) to take 2-4 more hours in addition to the 2-4 hours on site for the inspection.
I DO NOT OFFER ANY WARRANTY OR GUARANTEES. In my opinion, this is a sly sales tactic designed to make you believe something that all to often will not happen. In addition, these third-party warranty companies collect your personal information and sell it on the open market. I do not partake in that because I value you and your personal information highly.
With all that said, here is the answer to your question: I stand behind how I approach your home inspection. I do NOT stand behind the failure of systems or areas that: are not required to be evaluated according to the standards of practice; are outside of the realm of the pre-inspection agreement; are not able to be inspected (due to utilities off, storage or personal items in the way); are hidden from view or that malfunction when the inspection is over. If that concerns you, for your added protection and assurance, consider having separate specialty inspections (more in depth and technically exhaustive) performed by trade contractors on: HVAC systems, roof or attic systems, structural systems and plumbing & electrical systems prior to close. Also consider having a reputable home warranty. Always remember, I am one of the few people in this process that has no hidden agenda and works solely for you.
Q: I've seen others offer a "free 45 minute summary", do you offer that?
A: A summary is basically an abbreviated review of how the property performed. If you are able to attend the end of the home inspection, that's great but certainly not mandatory. The summary can be done in person, over the phone or not at all. It's totally up to you. Of course you will receive the full inspection report, but if you choose to attend the summary, we do it better than anyone and we put YOU first. WE do not limit it to 45 minutes and certainly don't try to sell it as "free" (making you believe others charge). If you need two hours to ask questions, we will answer them no matter how long it takes. What happens when their "45 minutes" run out? They will probably end the summary abruptly. What they don't tell you is that they have one or maybe two inspections booked right after you in an effort to cram in as many as they can in one day. To them you are a appointment, not a person.
Q: If seen others advertise "$229" for a home inspection or a "warranty on work". Why don't you do that?
A: A low price says it all. You are about to drop a few hundred thousand dollars on a place to call home. Others may brag about how cheap they are, but all they're doing is trying to bait you into calling them. If you fall for it, you may quickly see why it's so cheap and unfortunately you may pay a BIG price in the end with the poor quality of their service. My pricing is fair, and UPFRONT. A cheap inspection may give you cheap EVERYTHING - from communication to the report. I hate to say this, but sadly, you may get what you pay for.
I DO NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE CLAIMS. As noted in the first section (above), my work is a set of evaluations. I make no claim whatsoever that any of these evaluations are warrantied or guaranteed. This can be a deceptive practice implying coverage that does not exists or cannot be backed due to standards in place.
Q: I see them listed in other review websites and on my search request. Why are they that easy to find if there not as good?
A: This is the old Trojan horse trick....remember that story? If you don't, its basically summed up as "things may not be as they seem". First off, if there is a small green box under their title labeled "AD" - they paid to get on that page. They are NOT there organically. Secondly, those big review companies may receive payment from these inspection companies to be "placed" high on the list or to be "exclusive". Southern Comfort Inspections, LLC is high on your google search because of working really hard! And we DON'T pay listing/review provider companies to be placed or featured.
Q: I've seen others offer same day service. What's special about yours?
A: Be very careful here. What constitutes their "same day"? Many times this means somewhere around 24-48 hours from the end of the inspection. You will be left wondering when the report will come. As home inspections are usually tied together with tight inspection windows, you can't afford to wonder when their inspector will turn in your report. 99% of the time, we deliver by midnight the day of the inspection, provided you sign and pay by the end of the inspection. Another benefit that sets us apart.
Q: I see they posted a sample report. Why don't you have that?
A: Good. Take a long look at it. EVERY one that I have viewed online is so poorly written and vague, it gives me a headache to look at them. You will not see a "sample" report on our website for one simple reason...a enormous amount of time and attention to detail goes into the entire process all the down to the report. The material you will see is copyrighted and is not for sharing purposes, regardless if all the names are blotted out. We respect our client's privacy, PERIOD. We will not share or post information about any home inspection just to try to sway you over. Check out our reviews to hear more about this topic.
Q: I see where most of the others charge extra fees for travel, attics, crawlspaces, etc. Do you do that?
A: Sadly, this is a slick way to up-charge you. We don't charge extra for travel, crawlspaces or attics. The only additional fee we have is based on the age of the property. Many times older properties have systems that may be outdated or unsafe, this fee helps offset the extra time needed to have a thorough evaluation of these areas.
Q: I've seen other brag about being a "multi-inspector" company. Do you have other inspectors?
A: No. Think about it. What does being "multi-inspector" have to do with the quality of a home inspection? That's just another way to strong arm you into thinking that they are superior to small companies. The sad truth is that multi-inspector companies often times have "employees" who are just plain miserable. A while back, I was one of those "miserable" employees working for a "multi-inspector" company that had no sense of direction and really didn't seem to care about its people. Now that same company tries to be like this company and has even gone as far as copying content from this very website. That's ZERO integrity. "Multi-inspector" means nothing if the people working for the company aren't taken care of or treated well. Ever been in a restaurant where the server really doesn't want to be there? It can be brutal. Now apply that to your home inspection experience....enough said.
A: Great question. At first glance, this question seems to be simple, however, it's not. First, let's take a close look at what my "work" really is. My work is a well defined set of evaluations that I perform. I have refined these evaluations into a regimented process that is very detailed. The evaluations (primarily visual inspection or non-technical) are anchored by two sets of "standards", one created by the great state of Tennessee called the Tennessee Standards of Practice, the other created by the largest home inspector association in the world (which I am certified with). To view each of them, visit: http://share.tn.gov/sos/rules/0780/0780-05/0780-05-12.20141104.pdf www.nachi.org/sop.htm. So, my "work" is really a series of evaluations using a set of standards. Make sense?
Let's unpack that a bit....It is important to start by saying that there are MANY items, areas or systems that are not required to be evaluated by the standards mentioned above. One mistake many people make is they assume a home inspection is a full diagnostic of every inch of the home combined with x-ray vision and psychic abilities. Once the client moves in, if anything goes wrong, it must be the inspectors fault. In reality, a inspection is only a limited snapshot of how the home visually performed that day during the evaluations. The shelf life or expiration of a home inspection is literally a few seconds after the conclusion. Your probably asking, "What?!" Let's think about it. A normally functioning water heater could begin leaking right after I leave the property...is that my fault? Could I have predicted it? Should I "stand behind it"? Replace it for you? You and I both know the answer is no. And what about this scenario... the home is occupied during the inspection. Storage prohibits viewing of certain areas. It is noted, but when you move in, a problem is noticed in one of these areas that is now easily viewable due to removal of the storage. Is it now my responsibility to correct the issue? No. Why didn't you move the stuff or ask the owner? Simple, that is not my job and I am not required to do that. There are liabilities that come into play when personal items are handled. I do not take any risks with personal items or safety. Regardless if the owner was present, they should have been notified by their agent about what a home inspection is and how to prepare. If I am given the seller's agents email during the reservation process, I send out an automatic email also notifying them of what's going on and how to prepare.
The TN Standards of Practice are designed to protect both you and I. They clearly state that if an area is not inspected for any reason, it should be noted in the report. If you know certain areas were not viewable, you have the opportunity to have them evaluated prior to the end of your inspection period. Once again, keep in mind; moving storage, appliances or any personal items is NOT the inspectors responsibility.
You must also realize that after (and even during) the inspection, any system can literally malfunction at any time and I have no way to predict it. Hidden defects are likely, but I cannot see through objects or walls. When I conduct a home inspection, my goal is to give you the best visual evaluation, insights and service in the Nashville region. I take it very seriously and pour an enormous amount of time into each home inspection I do. It is not uncommon for the report writing segment of the inspection (after hours) to take 2-4 more hours in addition to the 2-4 hours on site for the inspection.
I DO NOT OFFER ANY WARRANTY OR GUARANTEES. In my opinion, this is a sly sales tactic designed to make you believe something that all to often will not happen. In addition, these third-party warranty companies collect your personal information and sell it on the open market. I do not partake in that because I value you and your personal information highly.
With all that said, here is the answer to your question: I stand behind how I approach your home inspection. I do NOT stand behind the failure of systems or areas that: are not required to be evaluated according to the standards of practice; are outside of the realm of the pre-inspection agreement; are not able to be inspected (due to utilities off, storage or personal items in the way); are hidden from view or that malfunction when the inspection is over. If that concerns you, for your added protection and assurance, consider having separate specialty inspections (more in depth and technically exhaustive) performed by trade contractors on: HVAC systems, roof or attic systems, structural systems and plumbing & electrical systems prior to close. Also consider having a reputable home warranty. Always remember, I am one of the few people in this process that has no hidden agenda and works solely for you.
Q: I've seen others offer a "free 45 minute summary", do you offer that?
A: A summary is basically an abbreviated review of how the property performed. If you are able to attend the end of the home inspection, that's great but certainly not mandatory. The summary can be done in person, over the phone or not at all. It's totally up to you. Of course you will receive the full inspection report, but if you choose to attend the summary, we do it better than anyone and we put YOU first. WE do not limit it to 45 minutes and certainly don't try to sell it as "free" (making you believe others charge). If you need two hours to ask questions, we will answer them no matter how long it takes. What happens when their "45 minutes" run out? They will probably end the summary abruptly. What they don't tell you is that they have one or maybe two inspections booked right after you in an effort to cram in as many as they can in one day. To them you are a appointment, not a person.
Q: If seen others advertise "$229" for a home inspection or a "warranty on work". Why don't you do that?
A: A low price says it all. You are about to drop a few hundred thousand dollars on a place to call home. Others may brag about how cheap they are, but all they're doing is trying to bait you into calling them. If you fall for it, you may quickly see why it's so cheap and unfortunately you may pay a BIG price in the end with the poor quality of their service. My pricing is fair, and UPFRONT. A cheap inspection may give you cheap EVERYTHING - from communication to the report. I hate to say this, but sadly, you may get what you pay for.
I DO NOT MAKE ANY WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE CLAIMS. As noted in the first section (above), my work is a set of evaluations. I make no claim whatsoever that any of these evaluations are warrantied or guaranteed. This can be a deceptive practice implying coverage that does not exists or cannot be backed due to standards in place.
Q: I see them listed in other review websites and on my search request. Why are they that easy to find if there not as good?
A: This is the old Trojan horse trick....remember that story? If you don't, its basically summed up as "things may not be as they seem". First off, if there is a small green box under their title labeled "AD" - they paid to get on that page. They are NOT there organically. Secondly, those big review companies may receive payment from these inspection companies to be "placed" high on the list or to be "exclusive". Southern Comfort Inspections, LLC is high on your google search because of working really hard! And we DON'T pay listing/review provider companies to be placed or featured.
Q: I've seen others offer same day service. What's special about yours?
A: Be very careful here. What constitutes their "same day"? Many times this means somewhere around 24-48 hours from the end of the inspection. You will be left wondering when the report will come. As home inspections are usually tied together with tight inspection windows, you can't afford to wonder when their inspector will turn in your report. 99% of the time, we deliver by midnight the day of the inspection, provided you sign and pay by the end of the inspection. Another benefit that sets us apart.
Q: I see they posted a sample report. Why don't you have that?
A: Good. Take a long look at it. EVERY one that I have viewed online is so poorly written and vague, it gives me a headache to look at them. You will not see a "sample" report on our website for one simple reason...a enormous amount of time and attention to detail goes into the entire process all the down to the report. The material you will see is copyrighted and is not for sharing purposes, regardless if all the names are blotted out. We respect our client's privacy, PERIOD. We will not share or post information about any home inspection just to try to sway you over. Check out our reviews to hear more about this topic.
Q: I see where most of the others charge extra fees for travel, attics, crawlspaces, etc. Do you do that?
A: Sadly, this is a slick way to up-charge you. We don't charge extra for travel, crawlspaces or attics. The only additional fee we have is based on the age of the property. Many times older properties have systems that may be outdated or unsafe, this fee helps offset the extra time needed to have a thorough evaluation of these areas.
Q: I've seen other brag about being a "multi-inspector" company. Do you have other inspectors?
A: No. Think about it. What does being "multi-inspector" have to do with the quality of a home inspection? That's just another way to strong arm you into thinking that they are superior to small companies. The sad truth is that multi-inspector companies often times have "employees" who are just plain miserable. A while back, I was one of those "miserable" employees working for a "multi-inspector" company that had no sense of direction and really didn't seem to care about its people. Now that same company tries to be like this company and has even gone as far as copying content from this very website. That's ZERO integrity. "Multi-inspector" means nothing if the people working for the company aren't taken care of or treated well. Ever been in a restaurant where the server really doesn't want to be there? It can be brutal. Now apply that to your home inspection experience....enough said.