Originally Posted By: rjonson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Any advice on how to handle or deal with this situation would be appreciated.
I recently heard back from a client for whom I performed a home inspection for approximately two months ago. He indicated that while moving in, they noticed several "major" cracks in the garage floor and wondered why some mention of this defect was not included in my inspection report. He also went on to say that he had paid for and fully expected a full and complete inspection as I promised, and that he did not receive what was agreed to by the parties. He wants an immediate resolution to the problem. Yes, he is an attorney.
I set up a time to view these cracks, as I did not make mention of it in the report, nor had any memory of any "major" cracking of the garage floor. I showed up to the home and took a look at the garage floor. The "major" cracks he mentioned were typical hairline or spider cracks on the garage floor (very small hairline cracks). I couldn't fit a credit card down these, and they appear to be near the surface. The client is very concerned about these cracks. I explained to him how the concrete slab relates to the footer and foundation system, and that these cracks appeared to be cosmetic. I really don't recall seeing these in the first place, but if they were there, didn't report it due to being nitpicky, as I don't report on cosmetic items.
I asked what he was expecting of me and what he wanted me to do about this. His response to me was that I needed to propose a solution to him and allow him an opportunity to review the proposal and respond back.
As I said, I don't recall seeing these cracks in the first place. The buyer had viewed the home before the inspection, attended the inspection, and was instructed to perform a final walk through before closing.
Any ideas, help, or suggestion on this matter would be appreciated.
Originally Posted By: jmurray This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
rjonson wrote:
Any advice on how to handle or deal with this situation would be appreciated.
I recently heard back from a client for whom I performed a home inspection for approximately two months ago. He indicated that while moving in, they noticed several "major" cracks in the garage floor and wondered why some mention of this defect was not included in my inspection report. He also went on to say that he had paid for and fully expected a full and complete inspection as I promised, and that he did not receive what was agreed to by the parties. He wants an immediate resolution to the problem. Yes, he is an attorney.
I set up a time to view these cracks, as I did not make mention of it in the report, nor had any memory of any "major" cracking of the garage floor. I showed up to the home and took a look at the garage floor. The "major" cracks he mentioned were typical hairline or spider cracks on the garage floor (very small hairline cracks). I couldn't fit a credit card down these, and they appear to be near the surface. The client is very concerned about these cracks. I explained to him how the concrete slab relates to the footer and foundation system, and that these cracks appeared to be cosmetic. I really don't recall seeing these in the first place, but if they were there, didn't report it due to being nitpicky, as I don't report on cosmetic items.
I asked what he was expecting of me and what he wanted me to do about this. His response to me was that I needed to propose a solution to him and allow him an opportunity to review the proposal and respond back.
As I said, I don't recall seeing these cracks in the first place. The buyer had viewed the home before the inspection, attended the inspection, and was instructed to perform a final walk through before closing.
Any ideas, help, or suggestion on this matter would be appreciated.
Thanks.
I dunno Rand!
I am supposed to be notorious (according to some) for over reporting (that would be a written record of a visual observation). I personally note these cracks in my report. I label them as they are, "common" and ask that the situation be "monitored" since there was no evidence on the day of the inspection that any substantial structural movement had occurred. I am just merely bringing it to the clients attention.
Was there a car parked in the garage? What about storage? If so did you note this in your report??
If the cracks are as described, you could play the hero and repair them. How much does a bag of cement cost?
If the client is unhappy, they should be able to express what will make them happy unless they are testing the waters!
Good Luck!
-- "A little less conversation and a little more action"!
Originally Posted By: rcooke This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
If the cracks are as described, you could play the hero and repair them. How much does a bag of cement cost?
If the client is unhappy, they should be able to express what will make them happy unless they are testing the waters!
Good Luck!
No way would I get started in doing repairs .
It will never end If I feel it is necessary I would pay some one else to do it .
In this case I would do nothing.
I put in all my reports Typical Flaws.
I always tell people when I am doing the inspection there is no such thing as perfection .
The closest I ever found was my WIFE and I only give her a 9.9.
this always gets a chuckle and also lets people know there are always flaws .
I have a money back guarantee and if I have a difficult client I give them their money back and get the report back.
See my web site .
Originally Posted By: bkelly2 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
The slab floor is in acceptable condition. Small cracks are common and result as a consequence of the curing process, seismic activity, common settling, or the presence expansive soils, but are not structurally threatening. Also, you may notice some salt crystal formations that are activated by moisture penetrating the slab.
-- "I used to be disgusted, Now I try to Be amused"-Elvis Costello
Originally Posted By: jmurray This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
rcooke wrote:
If the cracks are as described, you could play the hero and repair them. How much does a bag of cement cost?
If the client is unhappy, they should be able to express what will make them happy unless they are testing the waters!
Good Luck!
No way would I get started in doing repairs .
It will never end If I feel it is necessary I would pay some one else to do it .
In this case I would do nothing.
I put in all my reports Typical Flaws.
I always tell people when I am doing the inspection there is no such thing as perfection .
The closest I ever found was my WIFE and I only give her a 9.9.
this always gets a chuckle and also lets people know there are always flaws .
I have a money back guarantee and if I have a difficult client I give them their money back and get the report back.
See my web site .
Originally Posted By: jonofrey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I would tell him verbally that there is nothing to propose because there is nothing to resolve.
With regards to your obligation to provide a complete inspection to him, you might want to mention that there were many other items in the home that were also functioning normally during the time of the inspection that you did not comment on. Inspectors aren't expected to comment on items that are functioning normally.
If that doesn't work, tell him to go piss up a rope! 
Originally Posted By: dandersen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Don’t do a lot of talking!! And NO writing!!!
Let a lawyer do the writing for you. The more talking you do, the more he will get on you. Even when you feel you have to justify or defend yourself!
“The next one that talks, dies”!
Stick to what has already been said or should I say written (verbal reporting is not the report).
Does your Agreement state "notify inspector within 14 days"?
I would stick with, it wasn't there during the Inspection. Why is he waiting 2 months?
Did your report say there was no cracking and everything was OK?
One of the problems with writing all kinds of "stuff" about "everything" is that if you indicate that you looked at it and it is OK and report it, you may be liable for it. They have a harder time with things you said nothing about (so don't start talking about them now).
He is required to put his complaint in writing, not you.
A lot of these things come and "just go away".
Provide him copies of contracts and SOP's and respond to just written communication (one line at a time).
If you think you are on the wrong side of the fence, refund the inspection fee, get the report and a release of future liability and be done with it. But, I wouldn't be making a habit of that.