HOW MUCH IS A MOISTURE INTRUSION EVALUATION?
The fee varies greatly on the size and difficulty of the structure's access. For example, a four sided one story rambler is considerably less than a 3-story, set into the hillside, mansion with 14 separate exterior wall surfaces. The mansion requires extensive ladder work and rappelling gear to complete the inspection.
The general calculations are as follows:
- $385 base fee.
- $50 for each different main floor EIFS clad wall.
- $75 for each additional story wall (each 2-story wall would be $50+$75)
- $50 or more for architecturally detailed entryways.
- $50 for EIFS clad window boxes.
- Dormers vary from $25 to $75 depending on the accessibility.
- Additional fees for the degree of risk for work over 24 feet off the ground.
- Additional fees may be added for difficult crawl spaces..... Yes, a full evaluation of the crawl space and perimeter wood structure at the foundation is a vital part of the EIFS evaluation.
So let's put this into a practical situation. The structure is an 8 year old 2-story 3,600 square feet with both brick and EIFS. The home has an elaborate EIFS detailed front door entry. It has an 8 sided footprint because of the large attached garage. 3 sides the structure is 2 stories while the rest is only one story. 3 of the one-story walls are 1/2 brick and 1/2 EIFS (no discount for 1/2 coverage). The dining area next to the kitchen has a protruding window box, as does the front parlor room. There are also 3 EIFS clad 2nd story dormers. The good news is that there is no crawl space.
- Base Fee..................$385
- 8 sides with EIFS.... $400
- 3-2nd Stories...........$225
- 2 Window Boxes.....$100
- 3 Dormers................$..75
- Detailed Entry..........$..75
- ...TOTAL..............$1260.00
Most typical homes are between $600 and $800, although some are as much as $2,600. That is a lot of money to spend on an evaluation, but the risks of not having one performed are much greater. When there is considerable damage to the sheathing and wall cavities the repairs can quickly rise to the tens of thousands of dollars. The absolute worst case is for complete EIFS system removal and repair to the sheathing, framing and complete recovering of the home's exterior. This is rarer here in Utah, but I have seen many homes with no other option.
Our online order form will put clients in the financial ballpark for an inspection, but that fee is subject to change if the job is more involved than was described on the order form. The fee structure is set according to the amount of time that will be needed to evaluate the structure. The amount of windows and doors can also significantly affect the fee.
WHY CHOOSE MICHAEL LEAVITT & CO?
