Lately, there have been more & more home inspectors being added to the ranks of an already saturated profession here in Texas. While it is great that now, more than ever, individuals can start their own businesses, one question that should be asked is: "are the new professional inspectors in the correct field of expertise?"
In order to understand that, one has only to get quotes for home inspection services to quickly see the broad range of price quotes. Back in 2000, the going rate was around $0.10 per square foot for an inspection with some amenities fetching a bit more. Recently, after "plugging-in" to local professional organizations for home inspectors, it appeared that the standard prices have gone up to approximately $0.15 per square foot on average. The most notable realities for the increases in price are increases in insurance premiums, increased fuel prices, etc. Of course, home inspectors can only charge what the market will pay, but it seems that the market does not mind paying the new standard price.
With the above information noted, as a consumer advocate, DLHI feels that the new average $0.15 per square foot price is a fair & reasonable price to charge it's customers. (Certain amenities will, of course, cause the prices to fluctuate a bit but the base fee per square footage remains around $0.15/sf.) There are those inspectors who have been in the business for longer periods of time that feel they should be able to command a higher rate... why? While there are many things that can go wrong with a home, it is still, generally speaking, a finite list at best. The inspectors charging much more in excess of $0.15 per square foot usually have more certifications behind their name. But, do you really need a "PhD" to do a home inspection for you? Probably not, & you don't need the accompanying price to go along with it. The Texas Real Estate Commission has Professional Inspection Standards of Practice in place for home inspectors that are as strict as any in the industry - nationwide, including ASHI!
On the reverse side, there are those just joining the industry who are desperate for business & will undercut those experienced veterans just to stay afloat. Along with the cheap prices come inexperience. By inexperience, we mean "not having home inspection experience." Inexperienced home inspectors come in all shapes & sizes from older guys just entering the profession to younger people looking to capitalize on a "seemingly" easy business. As a consumer, while you don't need a "PhD" to inspect your home, you certainly do not want an inexperienced person doing your home inspection whether it be an older person or a younger person or anyone in between. For the biggest investment of your life, you don't want to compromise; you don't want the cheapest inspection that you can find! The cliche' holds: "you get what you pay for!"
For these reasons, DLHI is determined to give it's customers an excellent, professional & thorough home inspection service via an experienced home inspector, at a reasonable cost. We sell peace-of-mind. Our years of home inspection experience put us at the forefront of experienced, professional inspectors in the D/FW Metroplex, not to mention the years of engineering & construction management background prior. (see "resume' ") Our customer service benefits are unsurpassed & the close personal service you'll receive will no doubt impress you.
Call us today at 214-228-2963 or email us at dlhii@dlhii.com or fill out our on-line order form.
We appreciate your business!
-DLHI