Originally Posted By: lgoodman This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Why would an inspector bias a report to find repairs to do for which she could charge no fee?
Having said that I confess I have made a repair and do not regret it.
My client was renting the home while making the purchase decision. There were two children under age 4 in the house. There was a broken recptacle with an immediate electrocution hazard. I removed the receptacle, wire nutted the junction and installed a cover.
I noted the repair in the report and advised them to have an electrician complete the repair when the other electrical items were addressed. I charged nothing.
Originally Posted By: rwashington This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Performing repairs for your own inspection, whether it’s apart of any SOP or Code of Ethics, is walking a slippery slope. As was said earlier, making repairs, as minor as they may be, puts the responsibility on you and increases your liability later as a contractor and not just an inspector. Not to mention how E&O might view it.
Originally Posted By: dnewby This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ok everyone… I really had my question answered. Thanks for all the input. I will hire a contractor to fix the crumbled stain on the ceiling, and wash my hands.
I have screwed up my share of garage doors just by pushing the button. I did call the overhead door repair company for repairs.
Originally Posted By: kmcmahon This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Always take a close look at those OH doors prior to “pressing the button” they may be set up perfect for an unsuspecting Home Inspector to appear to have broken.
Originally Posted By: rwashington This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Donna, I know you said the repair question has been overdone but your garage door comment has me scratching my head. If the garage door opener is part of the inspection and it breaks while testing it then we are doing our clients a favor. Failed while testing, Repairs needed. Maybe I am missing something Why would you be calling the repairpeople?
Originally Posted By: dnewby This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Richard,
I have learned to check out the auto garage door thoroughly before I open the door or test the door. You could call it bad luck but when I was and still am a newbie, on a few doors I pushed the button and the door squashed up like an according. Then the owner said it was working fine and the inspector messed the door up. So to keep the peace I called the door repair person. Now, When I see a garage door opener that is not centered on the garage door I write it up as not installed per manufactures specifications. But I have had my share of garage door repairs. Another part of the door that I look at before I push that button is the cables.
Originally Posted By: mcyr This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Maybe it is time for us to change our reports to read,
In order for the Home Inspector to assure the client that the systems are in working condition, the Seller or owner of the property shall perform all turning of knobs, and push buttons necessary to show performance of such equipment. ha. ha.
Originally Posted By: apfaff This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I agree with the thought of not admitting fault so quickly. I have not had any door failures but I would have said I am operating with normal controls, it failed, not my problem.
I once tested a kitchen GFCI outlet and it tripped but did not reset. Several lights went out and no other outlets worked in the kitchen. I explained the situation and offered the seller an extension cord to power the refrigerator.
It seems most people are reasonable if you stay calm and listen to them vent a little. Then explain the situation thoroughly. This is why I like having the buyer follow me through the home. Having a witness is usually a good thing.
Originally Posted By: mcyr This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I'll go along with that and insist that the buyer be with me while I am conducting an inspection.
For reasons of the above board comments and also to educate them in the same stance.
Originally Posted By: dandersen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Aaron,
The refrigerator should not be on the GFCI. 
That load, along with everything else may have caused the failure!
I have GFCI's blow out during testing all the time.
Just had an AFCI breaker give up the ghost yesterday!
I have never had anyone complain. Stuff happens!
Maybe it just never gets past my realtors!
Originally Posted By: apfaff This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
David, You bet.
Normally we don’t get a chance to figure out how many devices are on a circuit. This one was way overloaded. It was just an example of some unforeseen problems that arise while inspecting and testing. I have had many GFCI’s not reset properly but seldom do you lose all power in the kitchen, lights, and hallway. I did write it up.
Marcel, I would much rather perform all inspections without anyone watching, so I would have no distractions. I also enjoy the educating part of the experience. I sure am glad that there has been witnesses on a few inspections.  But I wish no one had been there a few other times.
But we wont talk about those.
Why would you be calling the repairpeople?