Hello, I’ve been searching for ideas and answers regarding subject. I’ve already learned a lot from many of you on MHU reading various comments.
A realtor contacted me to give a quote on 57 trailers in a park. I think I have an idea which park it is and noticed it has a sewer treatment plant or tank with two blowers on top(can see on Google). She said “the client doesn’t want to know everything; can you just look over the main things like air conditioner?”
I’ve already asked this in my home inspector organization InterNACHI and got some good feedback. They have a wealth of knowledge there regarding inspections and how to stay out of litigation. It gets complicated though, like Examples:
- If I do partial inspection, will my insurance approve?
- Will state board of home inspectors approve?
- Does it fall under commercial or residential?
- Do I charge for every mobile home? Or breeze through looking for major items and condition and charge by the hour?
- Do I access all 57? How do I get keys, permission to enter and other access issues like privacy.
A few comments were “stay in your lane” pertaining to some of my mindset.
My mindset is to take care of investor at reasonable price like:
- Are there any state violations existing?
- Are there any items on property which could potentially cause owner to be sued?
- Is the sewer treatment system going to cost them cash they didn’t expect?
The real question I have now is: What is important to an investor?
If I charge $100 per unit, that would be $6000. Is it legal for me to look at the sewer treatment, even though I’m certified electrician and have some knowledge, I’m not a septic contractor? What would an investor expect to pay for an inspection, knowing they might lose that money if deal doesn’t go through? Some inspectors recommended they wouldn’t touch it for <$10K.
One inspector made most sense “I would rather do 7 or 8 inspections for $3000 than 57 for $6000”.
Any feedback is appreciated. I have taken many classes on single family manufactured home inspections but have never inspected an entire park, so if I can contribute to the group in the future, I will be glad to, or feel free to pm me with questions. I couldn’t load photo of sewer tank due to being new member.
Thank you, Jamie