Bill Anglin
07-13-2012, 02:06 PM
I did a previous inspection on a house for an investor(flipper). I have now been hired by the potential buyer to inspect the home after it has been slapped with a pretty stick. I have a couple of questions as I have never been in this position before. During the previous inspection it was noted that there were moisture stains and damaged ceilings in the basement below the main floor bathroom. The stains tested dry with a moisture meter but the house was also vacant for some time. The ceilings have since been repaired but I don't believe the cause was ever known or repaired. I want to let the new buyers know of this condition and recommend monitoring. Can I put this previous condition in the new report even though there is no evidence of such conditions?
The detached garage was previously inspected but was locked at the time of the recent inspection. I would report that the garage was locked and could not be inspected but can I report the known conditions from the previous inspection? The slab has a major crack with displacement. One side of the garage has settled. I know the condition has not been repaired because the crack in the slab can be seen from the exterior. Also, does anyone know if I can use photos from the previous inspection?
I was quite appalled by the work of the previous client. The house although it looks better is actually in worse condition than before. He clearly is not using professionals to perform the work and has no clue himself. Every receptacle in the house except for two is wired incorrect. They were correct before. Ungrounded outlets at the exterior and kitchen haven't been corrected, 3 way light switches are now wired incorrect. I know the previous client would be upset if he new I disclosed the previous conditions. This guy is making a 70K profit for replacing some light fixtures, installing carpet and tile and painting. He never touched the double tapped breakers at the Zinsco panel or even bothered to ground it. I'm not upset that he's making a profit but he is doing it at the expense of other peoples wallets and safety. He clearly knows the safety hazards are there because I spelled it out for him. Whats worse is that he is performing seminars to teach others how they too can take advantage of a poor system and make a killing. I don't know why anyone would build a new house now. if you stick to the old ones, you don't have to follow any rules and no permits are necessary. Only the home inspector stands in your way and we all know that many HI out there would find nothing wrong with the home to ensure they continue to receive referrals from the agent. I have mixed emotions about it but overall I do not not support what he is doing.
If nothing else this is good discussion material so what say you? Don't forget to answer the questions though.
Thanks in advance for your input.
The detached garage was previously inspected but was locked at the time of the recent inspection. I would report that the garage was locked and could not be inspected but can I report the known conditions from the previous inspection? The slab has a major crack with displacement. One side of the garage has settled. I know the condition has not been repaired because the crack in the slab can be seen from the exterior. Also, does anyone know if I can use photos from the previous inspection?
I was quite appalled by the work of the previous client. The house although it looks better is actually in worse condition than before. He clearly is not using professionals to perform the work and has no clue himself. Every receptacle in the house except for two is wired incorrect. They were correct before. Ungrounded outlets at the exterior and kitchen haven't been corrected, 3 way light switches are now wired incorrect. I know the previous client would be upset if he new I disclosed the previous conditions. This guy is making a 70K profit for replacing some light fixtures, installing carpet and tile and painting. He never touched the double tapped breakers at the Zinsco panel or even bothered to ground it. I'm not upset that he's making a profit but he is doing it at the expense of other peoples wallets and safety. He clearly knows the safety hazards are there because I spelled it out for him. Whats worse is that he is performing seminars to teach others how they too can take advantage of a poor system and make a killing. I don't know why anyone would build a new house now. if you stick to the old ones, you don't have to follow any rules and no permits are necessary. Only the home inspector stands in your way and we all know that many HI out there would find nothing wrong with the home to ensure they continue to receive referrals from the agent. I have mixed emotions about it but overall I do not not support what he is doing.
If nothing else this is good discussion material so what say you? Don't forget to answer the questions though.
Thanks in advance for your input.