I am posting my entry for the “code of ethics” essay
While inspecting a home, my GFCI tester gave a hot/neutral reverse reading on an outlet in the living room. not putting this in the inspection report, to make the report look better to the client, would not have the client’s best interests in mind and would violate the NACHI code of ethics.
Upon walking down to inspect a basement, Joe the inspector came across a painted foundation wall that exhibited signs of excessive moisture. The characteristics of the phenomenon where black splotchy marks that appeared light on the outsides but became darker as they drew in. Upon further investigation he found that those black spots resembled what he believed to be mold or mildew. He notated it in the report for his client and went on his way. Once he completed the report he made sure to identify the problem and suggested that they hire a professional to determine what created the physical markings and also explained that they would be able to give them the correct information of how to correct it.
AFCI Testers
Arc-fault circuit interupter is an electrical testing tool that tests for dangerous arcs in a homes electrical wiring. An inportant thing to know about AFCI Testers is that the AFCI Indicator is not a yes/no tool. if while using the indicator button on the AFCI tester the circuit is opened the system is working properly, but if it does not open the circuit it’s not necessarily malfunctioning. In this situatation it is important to use the AFCI test button to ensure that their is indeed an issue.
My friend Steve who work as a managing broker in a realty agency was trying get me some free tickets for a Stanley cup finals for a business lead.
Hello all! Starting my training! Retired from the Army after 25 years and ready to be my own boss!! Best of luck to everyone!
Conflict of interest.
The client asks the home inspector to write his/her report in such a way that will potentially devalue the home so that they can make a smaller offer. As a home inspector it is his/her duty to inspect the home in an honest manner, looking at the home as it is at the time of the inspection. The home inspector has a duty of honesty in reporting so as not to diminish trust in the profession
Research: Using XRF in identifying problem drywall should be used in combination with other methods. Identifying strontium can be misleading as it is used in other products like paints, and the gasses giben off in combination with water tend to be alkaline and not acidic as in many problem samples.
I have been inspecting homes for over 14 Years. Many of my referrals come from agents however as may I have worked for they all understand that when I do an inspection it is based ONLY of the condition of the property at the time of the inspection. I’m very through and try to identify ALL defects in detail. Like it or not, the agents and my clients respect the report information. During the inspection I look at the home and consider nothing else. My clients are the #1 concern when I am inspecting. My inspections take between 3 to 4+ hours on any home and if anyone tries to tell me I take to long then they need to find another inspector because I take pride in my work and will never short cut my work to appease any agent or buyer. I not only follow the SOP but go far beyond. My goal is to provide my client with a report that contains information so they will know more about the home than they ever thought. Time is not considered when I am inspecting because every house is different and I excel with my business because I care and truly enjoy the process and information I provide.
My grandfather and uncle were builders and I now have the opportunity to take over my uncle’s home inspection business. Getting certified is the first step.
eassy
as a home inspector conducting a home inspection i notice a double tap on a breaker in the breaker box, the home owner says they just had no other breakers in the panel to use and ask if i could wait for them to remove the double tap just long enough to take the picture for the report so it doesn’t show up on the report ,then put the double tap back on after i leave. i would have to politely explain to the home owner that this would be against the code of ethics, and as a internachi member and the owner of an ethical business i would not be able to do this.
Conflict of Interest:
A state licensed Real Estate Agent, in which He/She advice there clients to use XYZ Inspections which is owned the Licensed Real Estate Agent. The licensed real estate agent performs the Inspection which is a licensed Inspector and give it a clean green light. This agent is in violation of the code of ethics and the standards of Practice because he is not bias. There needs to be a medium between both parts. There is absolutely nothing wrong with holding several licenses, the problem becomes when you use them to benefit each other.
The Article I read an decided to speak about was the Drones and Inspections. I love technology and I find it truly exciting. The Drones are truly remarkable and with the right use can be life changing. As per the Article Drones cannot be used in Payment or commercial purpose which include us Inspector. The FAA is attempting set rule and regulation for the use of drones. If and when drones are permitted to be used for inspections, they should be used only for high roof and commercial structure that could be life threading.
Code of Ethics - Essay
Robert Espeland
One area of conflict of interest which i could see occurring on occasion would be the listing agent recommending or asking to let certain defects slide or be unreported. Items like leaking toilets where it would be certain there is rotted sub flooring, mold, and tile which will eventually come lose is an example. Another might be leaking in roof, reverse grading pooling water around foundation, etc. The realtors agenda is to sell as painlessly as possible for the client and i’m sure in some instances might be unrealistic in the true value of thier home at the get go. So, any “flaws” in the property might be met with resistance.
Code of Ethics - Essay 2
I reviewed articles from two areas of interest:
“How to get a real estate pro to hand out your card” and some other marketing ideas.
The concept of providing customers with 3 leave behind “Now that youve had a home inspection.” with my card attached seemed very logical. The book version is less likely to get tossed in garbage and does provide information to the consumer. The short and long term lead potential seems viable.
The other thing I felt was very good at validating and promoting services was the custom inspection video. Very professionally done, they cover areas of expertise in a very easy format to send to prospective clients…electronic.
All great marketing tips to present a professional image.
InterNACHI Code of Ethics Essay
While performing a home inspection for a real estate agent whom I have done business with, I learn that the property owner is a relative of the agent. The agent then requests that I overlook a number of safety hazards including faulty wiring at the breaker box as well as improper venting on the water heater. Upon informing the agent that I was hired by the buyer and that it would be against the code of ethics and even a legal liability to manipulate or falsify my report findings, the agent offers me money and threatens to not use my services in the future. I then tell the agent that if they compensate me I can fix the wiring issue as well as repair the water heater venting issue and not include it in my report.
InterNACHI Research Essay
Septic Systems
As a soon to be rural home inspector, septic systems will likely be very common. Having lived in a home that had a septic system I know the importance of frequent service and inspection. A faulty septic system can contaminate ground water, wells, and pollute nearby rivers, and lakes. Indications that a crack is present is if the effluent level is significantly below the level of the tank outlet. Inspectors should never enter a septic tank. Septic repairs and compliance can be extremely costly and require knowledge of local laws and septic system training. Septic compliance inspections are beyond the scope of a general home inspection. In Minnesota compliance inspections must be conducted by : Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)- Certified Inspector, Advanced Inspector, or Qualified Employees of a business with a MPCA Inspector or Advanced Inspector license; or State, county, city, or township employees with MPCA Inspector or Advanced Inspector registration. Being armed with the proper information and knowledge is key to providing the best service to your customers and reducing your liability.
I have completed a home inspection and delivered my report to the homeowners. After walking through the with the client; since they are not from this area, I strongly suggest repair companies that they should consider using. My hope would be that they use these services, as my friends who own these companies will give me a kickback for sending them business.
This becomes a conflict of interest on several levels, but more offensive if I falsify information in the report knowing that my friends may get the work and I would get the $200 kickback on a $4000 repair. I further jeopardize my standing and violate protocols by doing this and may bring discredit to NACHI.
An inspector is close friends with a Realtor and has been asked to do an inspection of a property the Realtor has listed for sale. A potential buyer is requesting an inspection of the property and the Realtor has recommended you. The Realtor has asked that you “minimize” certain details in your report to ensure the sale. This is a clear violation of ethical behavior. A report should include and note all findings as they are observed even if it means the seller will be required to make repairs or lose the sale.
A barn typically contains both natural and made-made flammable items that can create quickly spreading, deadly fires. Most farms do not have hydrants or secondary water sources. This creates a potentially deadly environment. It is extremely important to note all fire and safety hazards specific to outbuildings and barns and give appropriate recommendations.
The following is a hypothetical example of a violation of NACHI’s code of ethics.
While interviewing a potential customer over the phone, I was able to ascertain their race, sex, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation, or handicap. I then used that information to charge or treat that potential customer differently than how I have treated other customers, either by services offered, price of services, or availability simply on the basis of those protected classes.