Research & Writing Assignment:
Avoid being scammed. Here is a few clues that you might be dealing with a scammer. They need the inspection done immediately and cant meet with you in person. Only wants to communicate through email. Fabricated story to lower price of service. Does not call you by name but something else such as mr inspector etc.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A home inspector is confronted by the client while performing the home inspection. The client tells the inspector that he will give the inspector $50 extra if the inspector doesn’t include a water leak on the main water shut off. The inspector could accept the offer and risk losing their license and InterNACHI membership or inform the client that that would be considered immoral behavior.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose Article: Doing damage during an inspection. I learned from this article that if I damage a material under normal operating conditions, I should not feel guilty but grateful that I discovered a material defect within the property. If a client were to discover that particular defect post inspection, I would be under scrutiny.
Research & Writing Assignment:
No visible evidence was the article I reviewed . Its become clear to me that writing a report that includes a phrase " I did not observe evidence of a roof leak" could invite legal issue. It would be better said this way " I did not observe any indications of roof leak"
Research & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting a home that is occupied, the seller watches as the inspector checks an outlet that appears to be faulty. He sees the inspector taking note and photos of the outlet and decides to repair the outlet. The inspector continues with the rest of the home and is approached towards the end of the inspection by the seller who tells the inspector that he “doesn’t have to include the bad outlet in the report because he just replaced it”. The inspector can do as the seller requests or he can write his report based on the facts as they were while he was inspecting that it. He would of course do the latter and might include the additional information that the seller worked on that item after he inspected it.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Using an independent contractor agreement for those inspectors who do work for your company but who are not employees is a good way to organize your company. By having an agreement in place the owner and the independent inspector can feel more comfortable as their terms and responsibilities are laid out in writing and are not speculative or subject to change on a whim. Inspectors who are employees of the company are guided by company policy, contractors might be expected to follow more general industry guidelines and procedures.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article about Doing Damage During an Inspection. It was very enlightening to think about. It does make sense that we are doing the owner a favor by finding something that is broken. Instead of their teenager. That is what we are suppose to do. Check systems under normal operation to see if they preform correctly.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The Client (homebuyer) attempts to slip you a $50 bill as they casually request that you write up as much as possible in the report. You infer that the client is hoping to use the inspection results to gain as much negotiating leverage as possible. OPTION #1: The Inspector states that he is obligated to furnish an unbiased report that substantially follows InterNACHI standards of practice. However, the Inspector is willing to include additional inspection services (WDO or thermo-imagery) for an additional $50. OPTION #2: The Inspector indicates that he is prohibited from accepting payment that is beyond that indicated in the signed contract. The Inspector is obligated to furnish and unbiased report based on InterNACHI SoP. However, rest assure that the SoP focuses on identifying deficiencies that may harm occupants or significantly impact home value. You can follow up on any material defects with the appropriate specialized contractor who should be able to give you a recommendation for repairs and associated costs. – I would opt for Option 2. As soon as someone tries to put you in a situation that is ethically murky, it would be best to stick to the previously agreed upon scope of services and avoid any real or perceived improprieties.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Don’t go with a sole proprietorship. Consider forming a corporation to protect your private assets (home, bank accounts, etc…) from seizure resulting from a lawsuit. It is highly recommended that a home inspector consults with a lawyer and accountant to ensure the asset protection strategies are in place and effectively executed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
i get several R.E. agents in one office who know me and have given their clients my cards etc. I get a call from their Managing Broker and he tells me has a deal with a mortgage broker whereby he has this mortgage broker is the official office mortgage guy, recommended by the boss. in exchange the mortgage guy pays for the office Christmas party every year, several thousand $. he wants to know if i’d like to do a similar deal, after all it’s not 'paying commission fees". i tell him i’d love to be the go to guy for his office based on my ability to do a great job but it is a conflict of interest to pay any financial goods or services in exchange for recommendations with anyone who has an interest in the sale of the property i inspect.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The mortgage broker is a close friend and asks that you take it easy on this one and they would send more inspections your way.
This is a business just like most other businesses and it needs to kept that way. Honest and Legitimate is how it should be.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Avoiding lawsuits: InterNACHI has an abundance of classes and trainings. The certificates that are given after each passing class can show that you have basic knowledge in each of the fields. They should go a long way in court if the need should ever arise.
Research & Writing Assignment:
i’ve learned from this article that the organizational administration of a home inspection business, e.g. properly worded contracts, corporate structure, insurance etc. is as important if not more so than the actual doingness of the job. also being a member of InterNACHI wil be a tremendous benefit.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A real estate agent poses an arrangement to you where they will funnel their buyers to you for favorable reports. As a certified Home Inspector, I would have to decline this offer as my reports would be subconsciously biased thus providing an inferior service to the buyer who order the home inspection ,whom I am supposed to be working in their best interest.
Research & Writing Assignment:
As home inspectors we have a burden on our soldiers due to the fact that we are checking someone’s potential home for defects. That being said mistakes our bound to happen, and clients will be far from happy. The best thing to do is be amicable. It is a tense situation for all parties involved. Double check your work to make sure you covered all areas listed in S.O.P, and also take time to educate your client on INTERNACHI standards. It may be best to go through this verbally prior to inspection, and also have this in your report.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Example, house seller said, “roof was just replaced. U don’t need to inspect it.”
Home inspector is required to inspect everything in scope or by the SOP guidelines.
Taking anybody’s word is not a recommended evaluation of a home inspection. U should simply say, Thanks for the information and process the roof and describe what u find.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the drone law primer,and was surprised that a license is required to use a drone to inspect a house by the FAA. While it seems like overkill, I will be obtaining this license before buying a drone for roof inspections.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The home real estate agent meets the HI in the driveway and asks them to “Hurry up, because they have other appointments to go too” and offers the home inspector an finiacial compensation to do so, causing an conflict of interest with the HI. The HI should not accept the financial stimulant
And preform their duties in all accordance with HI standards.
Research & Writing Assignment:
to avoid lawsuits as a home inspector. avoid commenting on how much a repair or fix would cost . refer to a licensed professional or a contractor. form an LLC limited liability for your corporation. never work as a partner or sole proprietor
Research & Writing Assignment:
InterNachi strongly encourages HI to sign a written inspection agreement with their client. If the client is not available and the real estate agent or some other form of clientele is available they too should sign the HI inspection agreement as an “authorized agent”. An authorized agent conformes authority on behalf of the client. If the real estate agent is an authorized agent then the HI should get a copy from the agent or client of the agreement.