Traveling Pre Buy inspection company?

[Ken326]

Originally Posted by blang

Yeah, as I said above, there simply aren't mobile RV services in some parts of the country so that wasn't an option for me. And... I'm not talking about out in the middle of nowhere... this was in what some would call the middle of RV manufacturing country (Indiana, Ohio).

If you're thinking about franchising, be careful with that. As someone said above, getting too big means you lose control of quality. That would kill it quick.

What I would suggest (and what I would pay for) is a very qualified inspector catching a plane and going where ever inspections are required. Figuring you can get just about anywhere on short notice for $800 to $1,000 round trip (often cheaper if you have someone sitting at a computer working that angle) and figuring $5, 6, 700 for the qualified inspector, $1500 to $1800 range is what I would have paid earlier this year. Yes, I realize there needs to be profit for the boss man and I think there is already some room in the above numbers but, worst case, keep the service under $2,000. The biggest hurdles I see are lack of a ladder (to get on the roof of a rig without a ladder attached) and what to do about re-inspections (as with sticks & bricks inspections, there is usually a re-inspection after some required work is completed, pre-purchase). Personally, I would want to over-see the repair work being completed on my new-to-me coach so maybe your service would just specify estimated repair costs per item and the Buyer and Seller would negotiate their own resolution (negating any re-inspection need).

Edit added: I think it goes without saying that the Buyer will receive a written (could just be check boxes with some added wording as needed and pictures) report within 24 hours. If you're not familiar, adapt most any sticks & bricks "Home Inspector" software already in use in real estate transactions.

That's exactly what the company does now and your right on the numbers. There usually $2000 or less for pretty detailed inspection. I'm going to become a supporter so I can then put contact info on here it seems that if no one is in a hurry getting inspections we can help a lot of people. We felt that wasn't a bad price considering most we do now are 200k and above in price. Small price to pay for security, any way thanks for the info I appreciate everyone's opinion. Franchising was not a goal due to the fact of too much lost. I want the right thing done with the interest of the customer coming first.
Thanks to all
Ken

[bbeane]

I have in the past used inspection services to look at coaches. I used an appraisal service (the same companys insurance companys and bank use) most of the larger ones do Rv's, Boats Aircraft, I think the cost was about $400 but that was severial years ago. Thier reports where very detailed along with photos, both on the chassis and the house. Saved me a lot of wasted time and expense traveling to go look, I did go look at one coach 600 mi away that I had a report on, it was exactly as the report indicated they found thing I never would paid any attention to.