Originally Posted by
Eric Barker
My opinion here.
If an inspector is not willing to do a re-inspection he certainly cannot say he is full service. In essence, I think that an inspector who will not assist with a re-inspection is leaving his client high and dry. Too often on this forum there are negative comments about all the lousy contractors yet there seems to be little concern for leaving the client to fend for themselves after the initial inspection.
In looking through some websites I see inspectors making some significant claims as to their abilities. What I seem to be hearing here is that some inspectors would not know how to tell if a repair was done correctly. If that is the case then there would be question as to whether that inspector could have recognized problems on the initial inspection.
I have absolutely no hesitation or reservation about conducting re-inspections. I see no increased liability issue. My clients know that if any contractor disputes my findings that I will step to the plate and backup my reports. I do not charge to go back out and meet such contractors - it's a service that I promote.
Sorry for the bluntness, but those of you who are "afraid" of re-inspections, of any liability, of being wrong - you and I are in different leagues and I cannot identify with your reasonings. Perhaps some websites should be changed to reflect that followup re-inspection support is not provided. Let the client know up front what he can expect after he pays you for your service. It's the fair and professional thing to do.
It is not that some of us, especially here in South Florida, are "afraid" of re-inspections, it is that we realize that we are not inspecting, we are guaranteeing someone elses work.
Would you guarantee your dentists or doctors work?
Although I don't charge as much as Jerry did, my clients are also smart enough to know what they are paying me for. If they want me to hold their hands, I will... but it will come with a steep price.
What I seem to be hearing here is that some inspectors would not know how to tell if a repair was done correctly. If that is the case then there would be question as to whether that inspector could have recognized problems on the initial inspection.
I gave an example above. It is not fiction. It has happened and the company put a roof on for free. It was the first thing I did when I started working for that company back in 1988. I didn't do the inspection, one of their highly trained inspectors did.
You tell me exactly how you can "visually" tell a roof has been repaired properly with out being there to see the work being done. To use your phrase, I'll be blunt, you can't.