FAQs
You can schedule an inspection by clicking the SCHEDULE tab above. In general, there are times available morning or afternoon Monday through Friday. If you are concerned that the inspection cannot be completed in the time frame specified in your accepted offer, feel free to email, call or text to discuss scheduling alternatives.
Even if you feel very comfortable with the condition of your new home, there could be hidden problems that you’re not seeing. There are also just things that the training and experience of inspectors has taught us to look for. The inspection provides you with more information, so that you can move forward with confidence knowing so much more about the home you’re buying. Then, if nothing else, an inspection can provide a list for future repair and maintenance. There really is a lot of value for the small price paid and all the valuable information you get.
The best way to check availability is to click on the AVAILABILITY tab above.
In general, there are times available morning or afternoon Monday through Friday. If you are concerned that the inspection cannot be completed in the time frame specified in your accepted offer, feel free to contact by email, call or text to discuss scheduling alternatives.
No, but it is recommended that you meet at the end of the inspection to review the inspection and discuss any questions that you have. If you are not able to meet for some reason, the next best thing is a phone call between the customer and the inspector.
No, but you might find it helpful for them to be part of the discussion about the inspection. Also, if meeting or speaking by phone with the inspector is not an option for you, then you can request that your Realtor speak with the inspector for you.
While we all appreciate value, ask yourself whether a home inspection is a time you want to search for the cheapest option. Considering the cost of the inspection compared to the magnitude of issues that can be discovered, a thorough inspection probably makes the most sense.
Having said that, we do choose to be transparent about how our rates are calculated and have that information posted below.
The rate is based on the heated square footage of the home, as well as home age and travel distance, and starts at $400 for up to 1,500 square feet. Each 500 square feet adds $50.
Homes over 50 years old will incur a cost of $1/per year over 50 years.
Inspections done outside of the immediate Sioux City area will also include a travel fee based on mileage. Typical mileage rates will be:
If your location involves a mileage fee, you will need to confirm with us that your chosen appointment time allows for the extra drive time needed. See the contact page for ways to confirm this availability.
Although you will be able to review the preliminary inspection findings following the inspection, the final report will generally be available later that day, or the following day at the latest IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED PAYMENT. If you have not yet completed payment, you will not receive the report until after payment is made.
You will receive a digital copy (PDF) and will have the ability to print a copy. You will also receive an HTML copy, which comes with the ability to click on and enlarge pictures, as well as to view any videos that may be in the report. The report will typically contain numerous pictures, including pictures marked to show items referenced in the report.
You can sign the customer agreement by clicking the link in the email that will be sent to you within minutes after your inspection is scheduled. You should do so as soon as you are able, and it ABSOLUTELY MUST be signed before the inspection begins, with NO EXCEPTIONS. This means that if you do not have the inspection agreement signed before the inspection is scheduled to begin, the inspection will not be done. This will incur a cancellation fee of $100.
You can enter your payment information as soon as you sign the agreement. If it is not convenient for you to do so at that time, you can follow the same link from the email (that you followed to sign the agreement) to enter your payment information. You should do so as soon as possible after scheduling the inspection and signing the customer agreement. Your report will not be released until payment is processed. Alternatively, you can make arrangements to deliver cash payment or certified check. Personal checks are not accepted.
The customer agreement is the contract between Smart Choice Inspections, LLC, and you, the customer. This should be signed immediately after scheduling the inspection, and ABSOLUTELY MUST be signed before the inspection begins, with NO EXCEPTIONS.
Smart Choice Inspections, LLC, is based in Sioux City, Iowa. We provide property inspections in Sioux City, Iowa, South Sioux City, Nebraska, and North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes, South Dakota; as well as surrounding areas. We are able to legally do inspections anywhere in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. If travelling over 15 miles, we do require an extra fee for mileage. Also, specific approval is required for us to ensure that our availability allows us to make the trip necessary before and after the inspection.
Yes. Ken Welch, the owner of Smart Choice Inspections, LLC, is a Sioux City native: a graduate of East High School, WITCC (Western Iowa Technical Community College), and Morningside University. He and his wife raised 5 children that are all now adults still living in the Sioux City area, and have a total of four grandkids-so far.
