Out of Jurisdiction / Consulting work

[Darren Emery]

Does anyone have experience working as a consultant or inspector outside of your jurisdiction? Ever so often I get a call from someone out in the county, asking for guidance on a construction project (no inspections in the county.)

I am considering starting an LLC to run this work through - just looking for someone that has gone down this road a ways...

 

[jar546]

I do it all the time but have the insurance for it. Errors & Omissions and General Liability. Do it, charge for it. Just make sure your paperwork has the disclaimer that you are not acting in any capacity as the AHJ.

 

[FM William Burns]

Similar to Jar with coverages and I always fondly remember something once said to me........."Who are you....you have no district here" I kindly corrected him, I believe you meant jurisdiction and here is a copy of my contract indicating the contrary Good luck and the LLC is not a bad idea if going alone or plan to have associates, for me I sub-contract.

 

[DAYWALKER]

I've got a full time job.... Building inspector, zoning officer, fire marshal and several other titles.

After hours and weekends...with the blessing of my full time employer....i handle 3 other jurisdictions in basically the same capacity.

I bill out monthly on a per inspection basis of $40.00.....cheap huh?

Have never had a signed contract...and do not carry any type of coverage. I do however get 1099's at tax time.

Been doing this for years....and never had a problem.

Don't know this for sure...but i think if you legitimize your side business.....the irs considers you self employed.

 

[Jobsaver]

Also, if you plan do perform mechanical inspections, check with you state licensing boards for rules concerning any restrictions on the municipal licenses you hold. For example, in my state, my Plumbing Inspector License is only good for my jurisdiction, while my HVAC Inspector License is good anywhere within the state. Home Inspectors also must be licensed in my state, and this may have some bearing if performing independent inspections. The easiest and least complicated path in Arkansas is to obtain a sponsor for each municipality, county, or other jurisdiction where you might work, and have them submit an application to the state on your behalf (for their jurisdiction). With sponsors, no independent licenses are required.

 

[north star]

* * * *

I have performed some inspections on Residences outside my AHJ.

The homeowners wanted another set of eyes on the project.....I

made it crystal clear from "the get go", that I was only offering

my opinion and nothing more....I submitted a list to the owner

and they paid me by the hour....I had a 3 hr. minimum; which

looking back now, was too long!.......I also included travel time

to the project and back as part of the hourly rate.....I did not

have E&O insurance or any type of contract.

* * * *

 

[peach]

North star has it right; it's just a second (or third) set of eyes. I wouldn't even leave a report if possible. Let the client write the issues.. just make sure you are qualified to make an opinion.

An opinion is like an armpit.. everyone has one.. some stink more than others.

 

[Darren Emery]

Thanks for the advice, all. Much appreciated. If I go forward with this, I will let you know how things work out.

Darren

 

[peach]

Good luck; it's kind of hard to do both (being a jurisdictional inspector and a consultant).. people will blur the lines. Start far away and see how it goes.