Home Warranties and Inspections - Sewer Inpection by Plumber vs Purchase
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jeffopus
03-17-09, 05:16 PM
First off I am a pretty handy guy and can do my own plumbing and repairs for my new home, when I get one. I am looking at a home purchase and have not found that house that says home yet.
I have found several sites that recommend a sewer line inspection using a camera but these are going to be about $300 and up in cost for a plumber to come out and perform. I have found camera setups for about $400-$700 on the internet, yes cheap but they seem pretty decent for the light use I would put them through.
If I could purchase one for that $400 to $700 and have it on hand for future use, neighbors borrowing it and such would this be a better investment than having a plumber do it. Even if I did get the first home I used it on I feel it might be a better investment than having a plumber do it. If I did not get the home I first made an offer on and used it on the next one then I would end up saving on the second home I use it on.
I do know what to look for in the camera so that part is no big deal, like I said I am handy and a quick learner. I am currently going through a problem with my rental and have had a plumber out three times with a camera and I have watched each time with great interest and note taking.
You get the idea, what are your thoughts. Should I purchase a sewer camera system for less than $700 and always have it available for my own use or just go the plumber route?
I have found several sites that recommend a sewer line inspection using a camera but these are going to be about $300 and up in cost for a plumber to come out and perform. I have found camera setups for about $400-$700 on the internet, yes cheap but they seem pretty decent for the light use I would put them through.
If I could purchase one for that $400 to $700 and have it on hand for future use, neighbors borrowing it and such would this be a better investment than having a plumber do it. Even if I did get the first home I used it on I feel it might be a better investment than having a plumber do it. If I did not get the home I first made an offer on and used it on the next one then I would end up saving on the second home I use it on.
I do know what to look for in the camera so that part is no big deal, like I said I am handy and a quick learner. I am currently going through a problem with my rental and have had a plumber out three times with a camera and I have watched each time with great interest and note taking.
You get the idea, what are your thoughts. Should I purchase a sewer camera system for less than $700 and always have it available for my own use or just go the plumber route?
waterwelldude
03-17-09, 08:21 PM
I think I would lean toward the plumber.
If you bought a camera for $600, and a plumber would cost $300.
You would save 300 if you bought the cam.
BUT, if you bought the cam for 600, used it once, and somehow it broke? Now you would have to get a plumber for 300. Now you are up to 900 dollars for something that would have cost you 600 total. You would save 300 by getting a plumber, and you don't have to keep up with a camera or worry about it breaking or losing it.
Just a thought.
Travis
If you bought a camera for $600, and a plumber would cost $300.
You would save 300 if you bought the cam.
BUT, if you bought the cam for 600, used it once, and somehow it broke? Now you would have to get a plumber for 300. Now you are up to 900 dollars for something that would have cost you 600 total. You would save 300 by getting a plumber, and you don't have to keep up with a camera or worry about it breaking or losing it.
Just a thought.
Travis
dougm
03-24-09, 02:48 PM
If you are planning to use the plumbing inspection as a purchase stipulation in a home sales contract, it most likely must be done by a professional. On the other hand, you might be allowed to do the inspection yourself during your option period and take advantage of the option if the plumbing is not acceptable, BUT you would probably loose your option fee. Check with your agent.
Keep in mind that doing this yourself means you are asking for access to perform work in a home you do not own and have no liability coverage for. Honestly, I would never allow this with one of my listings... probably not too many things could go wrong, but there's potential for disaster if anything did.
Doug M. (agent)
Keep in mind that doing this yourself means you are asking for access to perform work in a home you do not own and have no liability coverage for. Honestly, I would never allow this with one of my listings... probably not too many things could go wrong, but there's potential for disaster if anything did.
Doug M. (agent)