Vehicles?

What vehicles are you multi Inspector companies using? Do you think perception matters? Would it be better to have nice trucks like Silverados or more sensible to drive small cars like a Prius? What are your thoughts?

homespectors wrote:What vehicles are you multi Inspector companies using? Do you think perception matters? Would it be better to have nice trucks like Silverados or more sensible to drive small cars like a Prius? What are your thoughts?

I cannot take you seriously if you roll up to do my inspection in your bitchin' Prius.

I am curious if most multi firms supply the vehicle.

Eric, I am also curious. I know Nathan recommends it.

I run a 2 man team, we ride in my truck together. That way he can drive while I write the report between inspections. I have not had to write one report after I get home yet. That is almost worth paying him right there.

mikeauger wrote:I run a 2 man team, we ride in my truck together. That way he can drive while I write the report between inspections. I have not had to write one report after I get home yet. That is almost worth paying him right there.

Yep

Mike, that's also what we have been doing. It really works out great.

we only have 3 inspectors so I'm not responding as a multi-inspector guru but I am sold on the Transit Connect. We have the short version as well as the high top. Lots of storage, room for a desk/work bench, lockers/shelves and good gas mileage (avg. is 24.7). reasonably priced and low insurance. lots of places to charge equipment.

I see inspectors working out of pickups and Cubes - don't know how they can carry everything they need and keep equipment charged and secure. We carry over $20k in tools alone.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 02/28/2015 09:07 AM EST

Good information William.

William Chandler wrote:we only have 3 inspectors so I'm not responding as a multi-inspector guru but I am sold on the Transit Connect. We have the short version as well as the high top. Lots of storage, room for a desk/work bench, lockers/shelves and good gas mileage (avg. is 24.7). reasonably priced and low insurance. lots of places to charge equipment.

I see inspectors working out of pickups and Cubes - don't know how they can carry everything they need and keep equipment charged and secure. We carry over $20k in tools alone.

What are you carrying?

Everything I need fits in the back of a Jetta wagon. Ladders, tools, drone, IR Camera, air testing kit, and crawlspace attire.

To the OP, I have one other inspector and he drives the Jetta wagon that is wrapped. We pay for the car and gas.

Thanks Brad. Trying to gather as much info as possible. Are any of you providing vehicles or paying gas mileage?

Brad Brinke wrote:

William Chandler wrote:we only have 3 inspectors so I'm not responding as a multi-inspector guru but I am sold on the Transit Connect. We have the short version as well as the high top. Lots of storage, room for a desk/work bench, lockers/shelves and good gas mileage (avg. is 24.7). reasonably priced and low insurance. lots of places to charge equipment.

I see inspectors working out of pickups and Cubes - don't know how they can carry everything they need and keep equipment charged and secure. We carry over $20k in tools alone.

What are you carrying?

Everything I need fits in the back of a Jetta wagon. Ladders, tools, drone, IR Camera, air testing kit, and crawlspace attire.

To the OP, I have one other inspector and he drives the Jetta wagon that is wrapped. We pay for the car and gas.

we carry al lot more than that. just our IAQ equipment alone would fill up a Jetta. Don't you carry a tall ladder?

I know it's a little bit of thread drift, but I don't quite understand the need to carry a large number of tools either. For additional services, I get it, but for just the inspection:

Tool bag, IR camera, telescoping ladder, inside shoes

Toolbox on the truck has a few other larger tools like a level, 20" probe, etc. Aside from ancillary service tools, what home inspection tools are you guys bringing the take up significant space other than ladders? I have thought about purchasing a modern VW bug for an inspection vehicle. That's how little space I need.

I've recommended it a bunch of times, no one has done it yet to my knowledge;

Late model Mercedes ML fleet.

Imagine this wrapped. Not expensive.