I would have searched for a GFCI controlling the tub, and if found reset it. Often, they are in the panel box. Like others, I take photos of the panel board, the labeling info, etc. in case I need to refer to it.
I would not have paid the $150.
My PIA and email notices prior to the inspection disclaim turning on breakers (although sometimes at my discretion I do in newer homes).
$150.00 for a service call. Seems a little high to me. Looks like he took you for a small ride.
Joe I would have but the tub was sealed in a cabinet no doors or openings around the tub at all to access.
I would have noted no power when the unit was evaluated and to have the unit demonstrated by sellers or sellers representative to be working properly during a final walk through before closing and disclaimed the tub.
As to damaging the tub, the realtor is incompetent. I suspect the sellers know something about why the unit was off…what a surprize this was not listed on the disclosure statement…probably was told to write I don’t know…
Your mistake was in directing the client to a Plumber.
Simply stating it did not operate would have CYA.
that is not possible by the remotest stretch of the imagination…where is this agent coming up with this stuff and why are you buying into it???..time to tell that agent to fly away…next they will be wanting you to re-pave he street as you obviously damaged it upon your arrival…
Bingo!
And when you follow-up don’t say this
The tub may have been damaged well before the guy ever turned it on. You don’t know. All that matters to you is that you could not have damaged it as you never sent power to the thing. Don’t get suckered into blaming someone else, just make sure you clear yourself.
Tell the agent you’re stopping payment on the check as you clearly were correct in reporting that there was an issue with the tub. The agent is abusing your good will.
My comment of after the fact… true. Good point.
The check thing… dunno 
I’d want to…
Ditto what everyone else said… if its off take photo and report it in the report.
Every time I argue for narrative verses canned comments this type situation enters my thinking.
Not saying it is necessarily related here.
I went back to the report here is what I noted in regards to the tub…
Observations:
• Whirlpool appears inoperable at time of inspection.
That contradicts what you stated in the first post.
Bob your right this was a few inspections ago, lol. Anyhow the realestate agent (buyers agent) wrote me back when I asked for clairification. She is going off what the seller told her in an email. She said she will get back with me tomarrow. I don’t see how she can be so convinced that I botched the inspection when she doesn’t even know whats going on.
Appears? I would eliminate that word in all future reports. Either it did or it did not, it is or it isn’t, it will or it won’t. IMO appears leaves you guessing.
Get her to write down what it is she “thinks” is going on, as you already wrote down your observations in your report.
All Education costs money, if this Learning Expierence costs you $150 so be it…
These thing always make you a better Inspector.
Should I just pay the $150 and move on? I don’t know if arguing with an agent will do me any good. Its like arguing with a politician you don’t get a straight answer. :twisted:
It is up to you Eric… we all have a level of pain where we Punt…
Just because an agent says its ok is not good enough. If I were inspecting this property, I would note in my report that the spa was not functional at the time of the inspection, and if a real estate agent says “just flip the breaker” ask to see her home inspectors license. My god, these agents lately are totally out of line. When one of them gives advice to the client, I tell them to back off, they have no right to interfer with the home inspection, it confuses most clients.
Secondly, I would have not paid for the plumbers service call. It is the sellers responsibility to make sure the home is ready to be inspected!!!
Did you check the panel box to see if a GFCI was there? (Also, did you note the lack of an access panel as a defect? Note that the cultured marble surrounds are simply caulked in place and can be easily removed.)
I thought you already paid it? That’s what you said at the beginning of this thread.