In this section I have studied and reviewed the code of ethics.
I started a home inspection with a client and in the process found that the front cover of the electrical service panel was detached and lying against the wall. The client asked me to replace it once I was done with the inspection.I told them I was not able to put the cover on since it was that way when I arrived. They offered to pay me extra for the work. I had to decline the offer on the premise that it could constitute me being hired to do a repair and that was against the law.
Aging In Place
This is a very interesting article. It looks at the changes that can made to a house to make it more accommodating to an aging populous. Most things listed center around wheelchair accessibility. Things like fold down shower seats and additional handrails also help too aid in fall reductions.With our aging population we should see more and more need for this type of inspection service.
Ethical or Code of Ethic Violations
As an inspector, any requests from real estate agents, sellers, or banks that make a request that the inspector down play/over look any hazardous finds in a way that would not alarm the buyer, the inspector’s client, to walk away from the purchase of the home could/would be an ethical violation of InterNACHI Code of Ethics if the inspector were to willingly abide by those request for a bride, for favors of more work in the future, or the offering of gifts, or some other benefit or profit. It is the inspectors ethical duty to represent their client and no other parties. Then inspector is to clearly communicate any and all hazards to their client in writing as well as verbally so the client is fully aware of the condition of the home they are purchasing so the client may decide what is best for them. Working in collusion or misrepresenting a safety report in any manner is a violation and a breach of fiduciary responsibilities to the client.
Article read Adobe Inspection
Very interesting as I did not realize I would every see an Adobe home in the US. Also to note the interest in continuing the Adobe construction as a green way to build. Amazing stats on utilizing much less energy in building Adobe home vs concrete and other materials.
Assignment: Write an essay that describes a hypothetical conflict of interest or violation of the Code of Ethics that may arise as a home inspector.
As a licensed home remodeler in my city for the last 10 years, I have worked for many people. On my inspection, a former client is happy to see me inspecting his property. After the inspection, the client asks me to return to fix the items that need repair. I thank him for his offer, however as an Inspector, I cannot ethically accept the work on a home that I Inspected for a period of 12 months. The client seems disappointed and unsure of who to call. I encourage him to call our Inspection Office, as we have a list of qualified contractors in the area that can provide the services he needs.
Assignment: Choose one library article or gallery illustration that interests you as an inspector; and read and study the article or illustration. Next, share your research with other students
The article of Galvanic Corrosion by Nick Gromicko was very interesting to me. I see various forms of corrosion in my home inspections. Being able to identify why corrosion is occurring is important in finding a solution. Sometimes the solution can be as simple as sealing the surface material. Other times, a separation of dissimilar material needs to occur. When metals begin to disintegrate in the presence of an electrolyte, galvanic corrosion is likely at play. Look for connected dissimilar metals that are prone to become damp. Carbon steel pipe connected to brass or copper is a common problem area. Aluminum wire that contacts other metals may also present this corrosion.
code of ethics
Assignment: Research essay
Started my research with moisture intrusion as i live in the rain forest and see these issues on the regular with my job as a weatherization technician. After completing the article noticed a link to Straw Bale House inspection. The article included a brief history on bale houses mentioning building codes being applied to such structures in the 90s. They are resilient to wind and earthquake, excellent model for energy efficiency with high r values also the National research council of Canada fire tested straw bales at 1850 degrees Fahrenheit for over two hours. An inspector should take great care to check moisture levels in these structures preferably 14% or less as moisture intrusion will decay the straw and promote mold growth. Also check for rodent and insect infestations.
On June 25th 2016 I received a call from a customer requesting a Septic inspection. Several **catch phrases **were used that indicated breaking the code of ethics. During the course of the conversation these came up,
It’s just for a mortgage loan.
I really don’t care if it’s in good shape, just so it passes.
It’s just a formality; it’s my money anyway paying for it.
I really don’t care if it’s on the borderline; it’s ok to pass it with me.
I don’t care if you charge more, if you need to.
Many people are uneducated on what is proper in this world unfortunately
No it did not pass, and no extra was charged.
An example of a conflict of interest or violation of Code of Ethics would be for a home inspector to accept a job from a prospective buyer to inspect the home of a friend or family member and to purposely leave out or minimize the deficiencies of the home to the buyer. Whether by not pointing out crucial items, not putting them on the report when required, making the items seem less important than they actually are or even offering to repair them (whether for a fee or free). This would not only be a violation but brings discredit to the home inspection profession.
Most people don’t realize where money and energy are being spent in their homes or how to reduce the costs. Simple and easy changes can produce noticeable results. It is well worth the initial expense to replace incandescent lights throughout your home with light-emitting diodes (LED) lights which last longer and consume far less energy. Worth noting, about one-third of total heat loss occurs through windows and doors so either replacing them or using weather-stripping to ensure no air leaks and tight seals is extremely important. Also, just making small changes in the thermostat settings at night and when you’re away can make a difference in your electric bill.
I am writing a sample essay for this course:
I was asked some time ago by a listing realtor of a property that I was inspecting to leave out of the report a major defect. The water heater TPR valve was defective and the realtor already knew it.
This realtor also asked if, he started sending me business if I would give him a $50 kickback. Both of these items are in direct violation of the code of ethics.
My essay for an article:
While I hadn’t thought of it, the list of 15 tools every homeowner should own is a great idea.
The tools listed are quite common but, most homeowners probably don’t own. I will be adding this list to my inspections as a service for my new clients.
- Plunger
- Combination Wrench Set
- Slip-Joint Pliers
- Adjustable Wrench
- Caulking Gun
- Flashlight
- Tape Measure
- Hacksaw
- Torpedo Level
- Safety Glasses / Goggles
- Claw Hammer
- Screwdriver Set
- Wire Cutters
- Respirator / Safety Mask
- Duct Tape
I just completed a home inspection for a real-estate agent. There were several corrections that needed to be made in the home before the deal was to go through. The real-estate agent then asked me if I could make changes to the inspection report so the deal would go through and not be held up. This is a clear violation of the code of ethics.
I want to talk about some easy ways to save energy. First is to install programmable T-Stats in your house and actually use them as they are designed. Second is to install ceiling fans in the rooms you use the most such as the family room and bed rooms. This will make the room feel cooler through the hot part of the day. You can also replace incandescent light bulbs to more energy friendly CFL or LED bulbs.
I’ve spent the last decade as both an Army Ranger and as a Special Forces soldier. In this industry we are often surrounded by government contractors. In the contracting industry, “Finder’s Fees” are a common occurrence and are not only legal, but expected. I was introduced to InterNACHI and the home inspection trade through a member of my church is who is a great man and InterNACHI certified home inspector. One of the first things that came to mind was the potential of offering a Finder’s Fee to Realtors after a certain amount of referred inspections. I now know that it is against laws and InterNACHI’s code of ethics and will not only REFUSE to do this if the situation arises, but will also educate the prospective real estate “professional” on these code of ethics, which I plan to always abide by.
People have accused me of a conflict of interest because I carry two licenses… I am both ha real estate broker and a home inspector… the conflict would exist if I were offering to inspect my sellers home for the benefit of a buyer… but that would be ridiculous… So, I don’t do that. I tired another inspector this year… if a buyer on one of my listings wants to they can hire him to inspect the home.
Chinese Drywall
Most of the affected homes were built between 2004 and 2007, in the Southeast, where a warm and humid climate seems to encourage the emissions. Chinese companies use unrefined fly ash containing strontium sulfide. This substance can off gas, mainly hydrogen sulfide. Check the tips to identify it in this website.
A manufacturer’s label on the drywall’s back can be used to link it with manufacturers. Look for this in the attic.
- Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. was a major producer of imported Chinese drywall. [1]
There are locations online with pictures of the drywall.
[1] Wikipedia
RE:This post is in response to the Ethics policy.
An inspector has a close friend that is interested in buying a house from a For Sale By Owner seller. The inspector also wants to partner on the deal with his friend. So the investor addresses the owner with and offer to purchase the property. He then requests to have a home inspector come in and review the condition of the home. The sell is OK with letting the home inspector come in and do his review. The investor tells the home inspector to report any and all defects and then make up some additional “issues” about the mechanical system and the roof so that the investor can get a much reduced price for the house, and the both can make more money when they rehab the house and sell it a in few months down the road. This is clearly an unethical use of influence on the seller by the home inspector to gain a financial benefit with the buyer/partner.
I performed my research on, ”A Garage Inspection” by Kenton Shepard. I found the article to be extremely informative and enlightening. As a beginning student I realized from the beginning how much I need to learn about the structural engineering of a home. The second thing I realized is that I also need to do my due diligence in educating myself on the various forms of screws and nails and the functions that they are truly meant for. In the past I have used nails and screws of all shapes and sizes to accomplish certain projects. While none of these projects had disasterous consequences like destroying the structural integrity of a building, nevertheless I never paid much mind at the time. This article enlightened me on various other factors as well. The biggest point I would say is to never simply trust that a home, or garage, or other structure was built “correctly” by the original builder. As humans, we naturally like to go the path of least resistance. I could see this happening when a builder finds an error in the design, then rigs something that he believes would “pass muster”. Thank you InterNACHI for providing so much education like this free to members.