Originally Posted by
Mitchell Meeks
With inspections, as you know, there are a number of components that have to be checked and with distractions there is a possibility of missing something. There is also a possibility of just missing something because you forgot to go back and look at it or something was OK that day but now the next.
he realized that when the sun hit the glass a certain time of the day it caused condensation between the panes of glass. Something he did not see when he was there the first time.
I wanted to expand my remarks a little.
Please don't think that I am judging your professionalism as an inspector.
I do not know you well enough to do that.
My remarks are only to state that "professionals are willing to be held responsible for their work". Simply stated.
No one can give away the store at every complaint.
The true answer is to inform your client more fully as to the limitations on the inspection and how certain systems are dynamic in nature and changes are likely.
I do not promise perfection but I make an attempt at it as best I can each try.
In the end, I am willing to be judged by my peers (a home inspection arbitrator) but only after my client has fully stated their claim against me in writing so that I am not responding to shadows on the wall.
Licensing, in my view, has helped this profession in states where it has been applied with due consideration.
The public is becoming smarter and there will soon be a time when a "weasel clause" will not be acceptable to the homebuyer because they will have read about it or heard about from others.
To be regarded as a professional you must be willing to be held responsible for your work.
Who would visit a doctor or any other professional who placed a sign in his office that stated that their "liability is limited to the fee paid by the client"? My wife is an RN, my sister a CPA and neither would think of doing so. Of course, an RN can't open their own shop anyway. But what MD would do that?
The answer is to more fully explain the limitations to a home "exam" and how it may change from the inspection event. Informing the client of their contractual responsibilities regarding the report is the second part. It is equally important. Most HI's never think of doing that.