Little known NC rule information

[Bruce King]

NC (or actually the NC realtors) are known for always trying to limit what inspectors can put in the required summary section, but in reality, no real hand tying has been accomplished other than rules about quoting code and upgrades. What they have done is create some fuzzy language that makes the realtor friendly (soft and lame) inspectors think they have an excuse for hiding information from the buyers.

What many inspectors do not know is that you can put any system in the summary even when NO problem was observed with it if you feel that it need further investigation by a specialist due to safety concerns. It does not not even have to be a system that is part of the required items to inspect since it says "any system". This typically is needed for things like chimneys, well/septic, pools and elevators and old gas furnaces.

Here is the section of the rule with just the part I am discussing here:

The summary page may describe any system or component that poses a safety concern.

[Randy Aldering]

That whole NC situation is not good. I think that I would have to write something like "board rules, set by real estate agents, prohibit inspector from informing client about the following issues and concerns: . . . "

[James Duffin]

NC (or actually the NC realtors) are known for always trying to limit what inspectors can put in the required summary section, but in reality, no real hand tying has been accomplished other than rules about quoting code and upgrades. What they have done is create some fuzzy language that makes the realtor friendly (soft and lame) inspectors think they have an excuse for hiding information from the buyers.

What many inspectors do not know is that you can put any system in the summary even when NO problem was observed with it if you feel that it need further investigation by a specialist. It does not not even have to be a system that is part of the required items to inspect since it says "any system". This typically is needed for things like chimneys, well/septic, pools and elevators and old gas furnaces or A/C units.

Here is the section of the rule with just the part I am discussing here:

.... separate section labeled "Summary" that shall include ANY system or component that:
...2. warrants further investigation by a specialist... .

Why would you put something in the summary as needing further investigation if you did not see anything wrong with it? What do you tell the repair guy when he calls and says he can not find a problem and asks for your guidance on what needs to be repaired?

[Bruce King]

Why would you put something in the summary as needing further investigation if you did not see anything wrong with it? What do you tell the repair guy when he calls and says he can not find a problem and asks for your guidance on what needs to be repaired?


Lots of reasons, also taught in a CE course that I took. Why would the repair guy call and ask that when I only reported the need for more technical investigation?

This typically is needed for things like chimneys, well/septic, pools and elevators and old gas furnaces.

Most all old gas furnaces will be found in need of replacement if properly inspected. All chimneys have issues to when inspected by a chimney specialist.

[James Duffin]

How does this approach fit into the criteria of "a system has to be performing its intended function and not be in need of immediate repair taking into consideration normal wear and tear."

[Bruce King]

I just realized the CE provider included some of the old rule, I'm looking into this closer now..............

updates to follow

edit:

ok, its even simpler than I thought, you can put anything in the summary that you feel has a safety concern and could not be completely or technically inspected.

For example:
gas furnaces
chimneys
well water
pools (safety features, electrical bonding)


They did make it somewhat hard to follow since the reporting rules are in two seperate rules now.

GS 143-151.58 is the general statute that explains the summary section of the report.

HI Admin Code title 11, chapter 8, section .1103 has the purpose and scope for the report body section only where it used to have all report rules.