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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    28

    Question Flood inspection

    With all the rain and flooding here in Central PA. I got a call from a guy who in the midst of recovering from loosing everything in the flood. FEMA and the insurance company are giving him a run around. So he wanted me to inspect the place to show the officials that it is a total loss. I feel bad for the guy so I said I would come and take a look.
    What do I say? This place is so full of mold it would never be clean again. Fuel oil is everywhere, the well head was loose. Septic backed up....
    Has any one done a review like this?
    I think I'll just make a statement on my letterhead that lists some of the issues and say that it would be less expensive to tear down and rebuild above the flood plane.
    What do you think?

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  2. #2
    Darrel Hood's Avatar
    Darrel Hood Guest

    Default Re: Flood inspection

    I would only make that statement if I had completed the pricing exercise for the demo, new construction and land acquisition. Otherwise, there is a good chance of doing a serious disservice to the client.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
    Posts
    4,311

    Default Re: Flood inspection

    Quote Originally Posted by Chuck Miller View Post

    I think I'll just make a statement on my letterhead that lists some of the issues and say that it would be less expensive to tear down and rebuild above the flood plane.
    What do you think?
    .
    Hi Chuck,

    I would treat it as any other Home Inspection.

    Just a lot more Remove, Replace and Contact a Competent Professional for Testing , Remediation .

    They will come to the conclusion to tear it down and buy the contaminated lot.
    .

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Nazareth, Pa 18064
    Posts
    45

    Default Re: Flood inspection

    Got a few like that in eastern PA.
    I just document everyting.
    Refer to a specialist(s) for costs and re-do recommendations.
    It will take a bit longer.
    I understand that most inspectors can tell if something is worth fixing... but unless you are a structural engineer, general contractor, plumber, electrician, and mold specialist rolled into one, I would be real cautious about recommending tear down of a whole home.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
    Posts
    5,851

    Default Re: Flood inspection

    I have done a good amount of work like this first with Katrina in Mississippi and then in Nashville after the May 2010 flooding.

    First, it sounds like the person did not have flood insurance; otherwise the insurance company would most likely not be a problem.

    Second, FEMA is limited to the amount of money they can provide. I think it is around $43,000 per address. This figure changes so it might be correct. FEMA will not replace the home if it is a total loss.

    Third, if they have flood insurance then FEMA will not give them anything.

    You need to also make the owner understand that you will be documenting everything, but that is no guarantee that anything will be done. You are just a third party and your job is to document what you find.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Pennsylvania
    Posts
    28

    Default Re: Flood inspection

    Thanks for the insight guys, this will certainley be one to learn from.
    That's why this is such a great job. There is always something different and something to learn.
    We've had 3 days of sunshine now, life is good.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Flood inspection

    Would it not be better to steer the potential customer to an independent adjuster who could provide prices and is familiar with the insurance coverage as well as speaking the insurance companies language? It seems this is out of the typical (myself included) home inspector's niche.
    I can document what is wrong but translating that into government and insurance terms is beyond the average home owners ability.
    JMHO

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    New Mexico
    Posts
    1,352

    Default Re: Flood inspection

    Years ago there was a large wildfire that burned a lot of houses here, and some of the people hired independent insurance consultants to help deal with their insurance companies and FEMA. From what I could tell, the consultants were pretty helpful.

    Jim Robinson
    New Mexico, USA

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