Originally Posted By: wdecker
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Greg;
We are instructed in this state that we are not limited or expected to inpect according to code. There are a lot of conditions that are in complience with code, yet are not safe. Our state law requires that we call out unsafe conditions.
In a house built in 1955, GFCI in bathrooms were not required. Thus, if a 1955 bathroom, never substantually remodeled, has no GFCI, it complies with code, does it not?
Yet, if one of my clients gets shocked or killed because of the lack of GFCI in a bathroom and I didn't call it out (Hey, it was code!), I get sued and lose my license.
But if I do call it out (as I do) and the seller gets some sparky to come in and say it was code (sometimes they even call me to yell at me for not knowing 'code') I ask if the electrician has put in writing, with his license number and insurance cert, that it is safe.
Guess what. They never do.
BUT, the seller is happy and maybe they can get my buyer and my buyer's realtor and my buyer's lawyer to go along with it. Fine. Two months later, I get a call back because some 13 year old kid was blow drying his hair after taking a shower and gets REALLY shocked (2 days in the hospital, burns on the bottom of both feet) and they are REAL pissed (I would be too) and want to sue me.
I refer them to my report and note that I called out the SAFETY HAZARD and they made the choice to accept the house in that condition and not even fix it themselves.
I then direct them to the electrician (whose name I took (they never give me their license number, for some reason ![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif) )) and tell them to talk to him. After all, HE was the one who said it was 'code'.
See my point.
Not trying to be a jerk here, but I am REQUIRED to call out safety hazards.
Are you?
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Will Decker
Decker Home Services
Skokie, IL 60076
wjd@DeckerHomeServices.com