I would like to share some information on bat infestation. before I retired from construction I bat proofed a church attic I found out the hard way that dust from bat guano is toxic, within two days I had a severe lung infection which took four rounds of antibiotics and one month to recover from. Wear a mask and be careful !
A “hypothetical” example of breaking the code of ethics
I worked for a general contractor building and remodeling houses.
Years later i have gained my inspector license and learned that my old boss has been in need of a laborer. I kindly reply " no sir, you see i am a home inspector nowadays." He says to me " oh thats wonderful, i have a job that i really messed up on and i was worried about time and money loss and how i could pass the inspection with the structure the way it is, if only if only i knew of an “INSPECTOR” who could “CUT ME A BREAK?” * Hint hint*
GFCI’s
This is a research exercise essay for the code of ethics course.
A GFCI or Ground Fault Current Interrupter is used to prevent people from becoming electrocuted who simultaneously come in contact with a ground and an energized part of an electrical circuit. This combination could result in lethal shock. It is said that there are over 300 deaths per year due to electrocution. This is why a GFCI is a very good addition to new and upgraded construction.
How it works:
The GFCI disconnects a circuit when an unbalanced current is detected between an energized conductor and a neutral return conductor. This all happens in a matter of milli-seconds, protecting the person coming in contact with the hydro current.
Many building codes state that GFCI’s must be used in areas where there is a danger of electrocution.
To test the receptacle GFCI, first plug a nightlight or lamp into the outlet. The light should be on. Then press the “TEST” button on the GFCI. The “RESET” button should pop out and the light should turn off. If it does not pop out or the light does not go off, a qualified electrician should be contacted to diagnose the reason for the GFCI not working properly. However, if the GFCI is functioning properly and the lamp turns off, press the “RESET” button to restore power to the outlet.
A hypothetical violation of the Code of Ethics could be - On an inspection, I mention to the homeowner that I used to own my own remodel company. Then, I offer to come back and fix the items I find on my report for a fee.
During the sale of a property, an inspection you performed for the buyer is used to create a repair addendum. The buyer has granted permission for the inspection report to be shared with the seller. The seller contacts you (the inspector) to ask questions about the deficiencies. Since you are familiar with the deficiencies and seem to be knowledgeable, the seller proposes that you repair the deficiencies listed on the repair addendum. You decline because this is a conflict of interest and specifically prohibited.
To whom it may concern, this is my hypothetical code of ethics conflict of interest scenario.
My scenario is being approached by a group of real estate agents looking for a kickback for 1. Recommendations for inspection services and 2. Make any and all reports painless as possible for closings. Each referral would generate a $50.00 payment to referring agent.
I am at a home doing my inspection and the homeowner wantsto talk. He tells me the furnace isrusted and the heat exchanger has a hole in it, he doesn’t want me to discloseit and he would gladly pay me off with $100 to “miss” that detail. I accept the offer and check the furnace offas OK.
Looking at the pictures in this article are quitealarming. The load bearing of the trussis obviously diminished. The interestingpart is about shear strength Vs the pull strength of different fasteners andthe importance of using the correct fastener. Using the correct hanger has implications also.
Aluminum siding is a common exterior finish used widely throughout the United States and Canada from the 1940’s until the 1980’s. The material has many advantage such as being water and fire proof, very long lasting and paintable. Being similar in appearance to vinyl siding, it is distinguishable by looking for dents that will not appear in vinyl. Lightly tapping with a finger, it will sound much like tin. The disadvantages to aluminum siding such as being noisy in rain and hail. Easily dented or scratched and difficult to repair. As it requires a great deal of energy to produce it’s more expensive to manufacture than other types of siding material.
Essay describing a hypothetical conflict of interest
I was doing a home inspection for the buyer of a home. During the inspection my client’s broker called me on the side and offered to send me referrals if I go easy on the inspection report. The Broker told me that the buyer is really picky and he has lost other deals in the past due to the inspection reports showing too many issues.
I didn’t agree with the broker. I performed a thorough and professional inspection and detailed all the findings in the inspection report.
Emerson Tonon
THIS ESSSAY IS A HYPOTHETICAL
I was doing a home inspection when the buyer came up to me and said they would love to give me an extra $200 if I would not report a major leak I then told them I can not a told the buyer and reported everything and that it was against my code
A few facts about adjustable steel columns:
•They are usually found in basements.
•In some parts of North America, adjustable steel columns are called lally columns, although this term sometimes applies to columns that are concrete-filled and non-adjustable.
•They can be manufactured as multi-part assembles, sometimes called telescopic steel columns, or as single-piece columns.
The following are potentially defective conditions:
•The post is less than 3 inches in diameter. According to the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC), Section R407.3, columns (including adjustable steel columns)…
“shall not be less than 3-inch diameter standard pipe.”
Poles smaller than 3 inches violate the IRC, although they are not necessarily defective. A 2½-inch post may be adequate to support the load above it, while a 4-inch post can buckle if the load exceeds the structural capacity of the post. Structural engineers – not inspectors – decide whether adjustable steel posts are of adequate size.
I am inspecting a home and the homeowner wants to discuss the furnace. In the discussion I am told there is a hole in the heat exchanger and he does not want it disclosed. I tell him that would be unethical for me to do.
Hypothetical Scenario:
As I begin my new business in home inspections I canvas the local real estate offices with flyers and emails. I am very excited when I am contacted by a large real estate firm offering me a large portion of the inspection work they need for their firm.
I eagerly meet with Mr. ImaCrook with Gotcha Realty. Mr. ImaCrook explains that he can assure me a lucrative amount of work for a nominal fee of 10% of my earnings. I immediately shut down the conversation and inform Mr. ImaCrook that that sort of activity would violate my personal code of ethics; as well as; the ethics of my certification body. I also inform him that his actions are possibly illegal.
I end the meeting and look for honorable, honest, and ethical business relations.
I got very curious about thermal cameras for electrical inspection and how they can detect electrical issues that include:
• excessively hot or loose connections;
• overloaded wiring;
• overloaded circuits;
• overloaded transformers;
• overloaded motors;
• arcing; and
• excessive harmonics.
So I decided to buy a FLIR ONE for Android. I know it is not the most advance Thermal camera in the market right now, however I was looking for an entry level camera and this one, for the price around $250, won’t break the bank. I’ve read good reviews about it. If later on I realize that this type of equipment will help me to make more accurate reports, than I might invest on a professional version of it and I might get certified for Infrared inspection.
Are any of you using the FLIR ONE on the field right now?
A potential conflict of interest arose as I was completing the inspection of a newly built house which had no significant inspection issues. However, the major appliances that had been delivered to the kitchen and adjoining laundry room were not yet unboxed and installed, so they could not be included in the home inspection. The client offered to pay me an additional $1000 to unbox, install, and test the major appliances so that the report could include everything. I explained that I could not do additional work other than what was agreed in the inspection contract, but the client claimed that I was not acting in their best interest.
Marketing foundation repair to a client after their inspection was done is a violation of the Code of Ethics. As an InterNACHI Member, I would avoid this or similar scenarios.
I just learned that there is no correlation between deck failure and whether or not the deck was built with or without a building permit, nor whether it was built by a homeowner or a contractor. Instead, 90% of collapses occurred as a result of the separation of the house and the deck ledger board, allowing the deck to swing away from the house. So don’t think that you’re done once you have a permit, make sure you have a secure connection to the ledger board and having a proper inspections performed during and after construction.
For the second essay,I chose the Bathroom Venitlation article. I found it interesting due to the number of issues that improper airflow or termination of the vent can cause. This would also be cause for use of a moisture meter, although not required by SOP, to go that extra step for the client.
My daughter is the listing agent for my neighbor’s house and could recommend me to the buyer’s agent to do the inspection but I couldn’t/shouldn’t accept the job because there are numerous reasons and conflicts of interest. Also, I must refrain from engaging in a conversation with my daughter about the results of the home inspection once completed.