I arrived at the resident where I had my scheduled home inspection, I was contacted by the realtor which I was to meet at that time, the client was also present for the complete inspection, the realtor had to leave after our meeting.
I proceeded with my inspection of the exterior and as I moved around the back of the home, there is a large wood deck, upon further inspection the deck was is in desperate need of repair, I finished with the exterior and proceeded inside the residence where I was met by the homeowner, I continued on with the inspection, upon completion I pointed out to the home owner some of the repairs that needed to be addressed by a licensed contractor, the client ask if I new of anyone that could do the repairs at lower cost than what a contractor would charge, I explained that I was a carpenter that used to build homes before I became a home inspector, and if he were to keep it between us and not mention to the realtor I could make the repairs at a much lower cost than a contractor.
Essay #2 Mold and Moisture
I read an article talking about mold exposure in the home and it really explained how mold can grow and spread to almost any surface when water or some form of moisture is present. It could be in plain sight like on a wall, or concealed, like on the other side of drywall or wallpaper. With the health damage mold can have to individuals it is best to take steps immediately to clean off any wet surfaces inside and outside of the home that could contribute to mold being created. If mold is present, fixing the cause of the moisture should be priority number one. Even if the mold is cleaned by professionals, the mold will return if the root cause of the moisture isn’t addressed.
Home inspectors are very dependent upon realtors to refer their services to the home buyer and many use only one company as their main “go to guy”. This dependence on the realtor for business can place a lot of pressure on the home inspector to not fully inform the customer of the extent of problems or potential problems. It would be easy for a home inspector to verbally report that there are no “major problems” with a home and then “bury” deferred costs in the written report. An example of burying a deferred cost would be not reporting a roof at the end of its life in a deferred costs summary, but instead reporting it among other less expensive repairs.
An example of a conflict or potential Code of Ethics violation could come in the form of an agent who propositions you for preferential treatment. The agent asks for inspection reports that downplay major faults that are detected and the report generally skewed towards purchasing the home. In exchange for this, he will only hand out your card and recommend your services and give you $100.00 for every sale your report helps to make. By accepting an offer such as this, you would be violating many aspects of the Code, such as Duty to the Public #1, #2, #3, #6 and #8 as well as Duty to the Profession and InterNachi #1, #3 and #4.
As a general contractor I work for several real estate agents. A hypothetical code of ethics violation would be one of those agents offering more inspections to my company for an amount of money. Another example of a violation would be having the agents or myself contracted to make the repairs to a home I have inspected.
For the library article, I have chosen the Formaldehyde. Present in many common household products such as flooring, insulation and draperies, the gas can accumulate and cause a variety of respiratory ailments among others. This is of particular interest to me as many homes in my area have UFFI and current homeowners are not experiencing any adverse reactions. It is also worth mentioning that the UFFI has been in place for 40 or so years and much of the gas associated with it has long since dissipated.
I was unaware of that carpet beetles existed so it seemed like a good topic to choose for my library article. It sounds like a relatively easy problem to spot but the treatments options leave a lot to be desired. Permethrin for example is a chemical that I would never recommend to a homeowner who has young children or pets. Pheromone traps seem like a better option. I’m familiar with Diatomaceous and I’d be comfortable recommending it. It’s basically ground up sea shells and is used in everything from toothpaste to cat litter. The best way to keep them away is frequent vacuuming and a tighter windows and doors.
In regards to the Code Ethics For Home Inspectors course.
Article : Indoor Air Quality (for consumers)
The variety of indoor air pollutants and their sources means there are few areas of the home that don’t pose a threat. Testing is one way to be aware of dangerous levels; however, most pollutants can sit dormant until disturbed or a new problem introduces them into the home.
A disturbance such as scraping paint, tearing up floors, ripping up carpet, etc., can create airborne pollutants in the home. Minimizing these disturbances and hiring a professional to do any work in an area where there is uncertainty is advised. Though, in some cases, it may be too late until the area is exposed. Proper ventilation will cure a lot of these problems; and having a constant air exchange in the home will go a long way toward keeping the air quality at a healthy level.
One possible hypothetical conflict of interest could arise if it turned out that the seller’s agent was my sister. If I chose not to disclose this information to my client, this would present a huge conflict of interest, as the possibility could exist that I would pad the inspection and the report in such a way as to favor the seller.
As it turns out, the subject of efflorescence is pretty interesting. Efflorescence is the white, chalky appearing, residue left behind after capillary action has transported groundwater and dissolved salts up through porous materials. Once on the surface, the water evaporates, and the salts remain on the surface, forming the residue. In many cases the process is not actually harmful to materials, but sometimes the process can be indicative of impending moisture-related problems, and should be inspected very carefully.
Upon receipt of the inspection report, the client offers an additional $500 to ignore rotten wood in the eaves of a house. Accepting the money directly violates InterNACHI’s Code of Ethics and Mississippi state law.
1,638 people died from falling down stairs in 2004 in the United States, due to certain defects home inspectors should look for in stairways. Handrails should be placed on both sides of the stairs, as well as sufficient lighting in order to see. Inspectors should pass on certain tips to the home owner on fall prevention, such as wearing thin shoes with non slip soles.
Bat Infestations
While inspecting the attics and eaves of houses, be mindful of evidence of bat infestations. Milky white stains on windows, piles of guano, or mouselike droppings under eaves or overhangs are good indicators of an infestation. Bat infestations should be corrected immediately because bats may carry rabies, and their guano may cause histoplasmosis. Beware of bats that appear to be unable to fly, or are unafraid of humans as these may be signs of a rabies infection. Always inform homeowners of infestations, and advise them to contact an profession pest management service.
Posting my short essay.
As a former Certified Graduate Remodeler and Handyman for over twenty years I get asked many times to do the work for which I have noted deficiencies. Instances of ethics violations would be for me to fix structural issues and simple issues like a GFI or anything pertaining to the house for 12 months.
My article concerned trusses modified in a garage. Trusses are engineered and must not be modified by anyone unless it has been reviewed by an engineer. Only the correct nails should be used when securing joist hangers. Screws do not do well in shear.
Here is an example of a potential violation of Internachi’s Code of Ethics. You receive a call from a realtor asking for an inspection of a home occupied by a homosexual couple. You inform that realtor that you will not perform the inspection because you do not support homosexuality for religious reasons. This would be a violation of the Code of Ethics per the section that states “…member shall not discriminate in any business activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation, or handicap…” An Internachi Inspector should perform any legal home inspection requested without regard to the sexual orientation of any persons involved.
Roofing.
This is a hip roof. It has a drip edge all the way around it. It is secured with screws. There is very little overhang which will help it survive strong winds. There are two dormers on either side.
I am writing this Code Of Ethics essay to complete this course.
Code of Ethics Violation:
I see a foundation wall with structural damage that I know a licensed contractor she look at but the seller is asking me to look the other way. I say inform then that I can’t do that cause it is dishonest, and it violates the InterNachi’s Code of Ethics with I am a member of. And put it in my report.
Mgrandberry
As an inspector, I may be faced with being hired by an agent or client, and being asked to perform an inspection on a home currently owned by a friend or relative of mine. Clearly this would be a conflict of interest.
I would then need to recuse myself, or disclose my relationship with the home seller, and determine how they would like me to proceed.
Carpeted Bathrooms.
There are several advantages to carpeted bathrooms. They look more warm and inviting. They have a softer feel and help reduce slips. Installation is quick and inexpensive. The biggest disadvantage to carpet in the bathroom is contact with moisture. The moisture can get into the pad and cause subfloor decay and mold. Besides mold bacteria can get into carpet from urine. If you choose carpet you should use the bath fan regularly, clean the carpet regularly and keep moisture away from hitting it as best as possible.
H-clips.
H-clips are small steel clips that fit snugly between wood panels to help distribute a load between two panels. They are used primarily on roofing sheathing. It also allows builders to use a thinner sheet of plywood/OSB.