Carpet underlay in basement

**Jim Smith** · 07-24-2012, 08:22 PM

Hi, I am an inspector in Alberta Canada. I had a client come back to me saying that I did not report that the underlay used for the carpet in the basement was the regular type and not the mould resistant type (it apparently was accessible to view). I have never checked this in any house. There were no musty smells, built 1965. Is the type of underlay used something that is typically reported on?
Thanks

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**Raymond Wand** · 07-25-2012, 04:16 AM

How is an inspector to know if the under layment is mould resistant?

It certainly falls outside the purview of industry SOP's.

**Garry Sorrells** · 07-25-2012, 06:09 AM

Jim,
All depends on what you stated you would inspect and how far beyond the SOP you go.

Underlayment should have either a stamp or a product number and manufacture which you could reference

Under general convention a HI is not required to move/lift up carpet. Though many will.

**Rick Cantrell** · 07-25-2012, 06:16 AM

Does a Home Inspector also report if the carpet is natural or synthetic fiber?

**Garry Sorrells** · 07-25-2012, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell

Does a Home Inspector also report if the carpet is natural or synthetic fiber?

Its is a mater of taste buds. Some can some can't. Requires a experienced and discerning palate.

**John Kogel** · 07-25-2012, 07:13 AM

What association are you a member of? Check the SOP.

CAHPI SOP clearly states 10.2 A.2 the inspector is not required to inspect the carpeting. If the client got a copy of this SOP, or was given access to it, you're in the clear.

To get your Alberta HI license you will soon need to be a member of a recognized association.This is how they will track your education and training.

**Raymond Wand** · 07-25-2012, 02:35 PM

In my contract is the following:

Home Inspectors will not find conditions that may only be visible when storage or furniture is moved. They do not remove wallpaper, look behind pictures or lift flooring (including carpet) to look underneath.

Area rugs will not have underlay and to my knowledge only wall to wall does. So the question is whether or not the carpet was wall to wall?

**Jim Smith** · 07-25-2012, 07:00 PM

Thanks, Yes it was wall to wall. I know it is excluded from the SOP's, I was just trying to get a sense if other inspectors checked on this sort of thing as most inspectors look at many things beyond the SOP's.
I don't think I'll start checking carpet underlay....

Thanks again for the responses.