When you as inspectors come across small cosmetic cracks in the walls and ceilings do you report them on your report or not.
And like typical holes you see in a garage, how do you handle these situations?

Seems I have always reported them, but some guys in our area do not and it makes me look like I'm being too picky.

Best regards,
MaMa

Yep..

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Jim Luttrall
Mr. Inspector.net, Inc.
Allen, Texas 75002

It just depends on the crack. If it is a crack at a corner bead, a diagonal crack at a window or door I will usually note it. Sometimes it is a verbal note to my client, it just all depends. When I say depends, this means the crack and the client!

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Scott Patterson
Spring Hill, TN
http://www.traceinspections.com

Where to draw the line on cosmetic stuff is a tough call sometimes....

Something I'll tell buyers when they want me to note every dimple throughout the house is that it has a tendancy to diminish the overall integrity of the report. Basically, if the report is just full of a bunch of cosmetic junk the builer or seller will more easily jump to the conclusion that.... 'the inspector is just unreasonable and picky....'

Wheras if you stick to more important structural/functional stuff the report carries more weight.

I often see this come up new construction. I'm very critical of door and window functionallity (in a new house this stuff should work pefectly... older houses? not as high of an expectation by most). Shrinkage cracks, nail pops, trim imerfections, to me aren't what we're there for.

If "common cracks" are present, I make a general note that I saw cracks and suggest patching. I do not specify unless I feel they are of concern. Same with holes. I will also report garage wall water stains that are probably from spraying the eaves with a hose. I feel that it is better than "serviceable" or "functioning as intended" or whatever fill comment is typically used.

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The apostrophe troll.

In the case of typical cracking we state that all homes will experience some type of settlement and shrinkage therfore resulting in drywall cracking.

Holes in a garage wall are a different animal though. Consider an attached garage with a hole in the wall adjacent / opposite to the living space. The Drywall is technically a firestop and if there is a breach in that firestop, you have a safety issue.

Bill Barnes
Seagate Inspections, Inc.

Bill. Called Separation per recent thread. Unless your in CA.
Attic Access

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Dave