TOPIC: Home Winterization

Is anyone doing home winterizations? Seems like a natural compliment to our business. Any info you can share, I.E. proceedures, forms, etc. would be appreciated.

Thanks

Hmmm no, but that sounds like it could be a good money making idea!!!!  What kind of idea's do you have?  Is this something you see other inspectors doing in your area?  Is this a winterization for an occupied home (covering hose bibs etc) or unoccupied (draining plumbing lines)?

Unoccupied - forclosures/bank owned. It would involve draining & blowing out plumbing lines with an air compressor and using an antifreeeze product in drain lines, toilet tanks & bowls. I do see a few other inspectors offering it.

I've seen a few guys offering it as well. I'd make sure your insurance covers you somehow as if done wrong it can have expensive consequences!

I may look into it a little more!!!

My insurance does not cover winterizing.  I have done a bunch of de-winterizations this spring and summer though.  I charge an extra $100 - plumbers here charge $150, so I become a bargain.  I station people around the house (after we turn off all the valves) to make sure there are no water explosions when I open the main.  I NEVER turn on the valve to the house at the street... only the one inside the house.