What year was the build?
For newer inspectors. Many homes built before ><1957 in North America were originally heated with furnace/fuel oil. When natural gas became available, fuel oil storage tanks, which were located underground in areas others in backyards or basements, were filled with sand or capped.
Joe…Part of the business we are in. You can’t inspect everything unless you passed the training and carry or rent the equipment.
As well, it could have been a real estate agent doing the rounds to see who does what.
I would have keep the prospective client on the phone explaining my inspection process/routine ‘in depth.’ On any particular component or system. That goes along with the extensive amount of tools, training, experience, expertise and equipment I bring to every inspection just in case something comes up. You never know.
Sell yourself.
After, I would have advised the ‘potential client,’ if they where, that still does not illuminate or preclude the soil not being contaminated. Hmm… That would be a phase 1 or 2 ESA assessment or an Environmental assessment. Refer to the sellers declaration. Check with the local municipality to see if a tank was removed under their bylaws. A record would be held.