Sample Essay:
I was recently approached by an agent regarding a “monetary payment” from the agent to myself for expediting the Inspection and adjusting it to make sure it would not delay the signing process. It was explained that I would not be excepting any payment, informing the agent that it would be in direct violation of the Code of Ethics our company follows.
I am both a Realtor and a Home Inspector. My governing bodies prohibit me from being involved in any of my listings or acting on behalf of a buyer.This would be a total conflict of interest.
Reporting of material defects is very important in giving an accurate picture of the property for the client. Being clear and accurate in what we are calling out as defects can be deal breakers when in fact they might be deferred cost items or items to monitor. The material defect has to be clear as to whether it has a major impact to people or property or near the end of its useful life.
The Client is counting on us to observe accurately.
Just recently it became law that we have to install Radon piping under the basement concrete floors with a fan system that exhausts the gas to the outside. Alberta has some of the highest levels of Radon gas, which is a major cause of lung cancer in this area.
A conflict of interest would need to be addressed to theclient when I am a relative of the seller of the home. I would have to make sure that the client isaware of my personal interests in the home’s current owner and make sure theclient is aware of the option of using another inspector if they choose.
One example would be that an acquaintance of mine, who is a real estate agent, asking for a favorable inspection so that they can get a house sold without any hang ups or fixes needed.
I use the article *Pricingand Billing for Home Inspectors *for my research essay. What I learned wasvery helpful for me because I was wondering how I would come up with a cost perinception. Using billable hours sounds like a good way to go, but I am skepticalabout using an “average” time for each inspection and the corresponding paperwork.One I have a few inspections done; I can average out the time taken, and usthat number to divide the cost of what I was charging. This will give me a “billablehour” cost, and an average time it takes.
When I start out, I will be using a “local market” price. Idid some on-line research and discovered that there are only three inspectorsin my area. They charge and average of $516 per inspection ($400 x 500 x650 /3), each inspector claims to be very busy as the housing market is on therebound in my area.
This shows m that the local market will support a $500 chargefor a home inspection, and that will put me on average within the market. If Ican narrow the total time down for each inspection, I could change to a perhour price if I wanted to.
I am surprised that there are so many courses that are available to members.
One good example of a conflict of interest would be accepting money from a real estate agent in exchange for me writing a home inspection report on the home being inspected and ommiting several major flaws in the home in order for him to sell the home easier. This is a big no no.
Home Inspector Code of Ethics Course assignment. One example of a code of ethics violation would to take advantage of an client through means of extortion by intentionally writing a home inspection report listing unnecessary or false material defects in order to convince and pressure a client into believing that they must pay you as the home inspector additional contracting fees to have the defects professionally and properly repaired in order for you, the home inspector to issue the client a satisfactory or passing home inspection report. Otherwise the home would be unsalable. This type of action is damaging to the public and brings discredit to InterNACHI and the home inspection industry.
With years of experience in the construction world you ultimately learn that using the proper tool is 90% of the battle. In the article used for this essay they also stress the idea that using the right tool for the job is paramount to a job well done. Its often a choice between right tool/ quick clean job and wrong tool ugly/gruelling results. Ultimately your choice.
Starting the Course, let do this.
Crawlspace Hazards and Inspection
I read the article on crawlspace inspections andthe hazards they pose. I found thisarticle interesting because I feel that in general most people don’t realizethe dangers that a Home Inspector can encounter inspecting a crawlspace. The article mentioned a very wide variety of thingsto be aware of ranging from Mold, Fungus, and even the risk of Hantavirus fromrodents. Other risks listed were raw sewage, and standing water, and even therisk of electrical shock due to lose or unsecured wiring within the crawlspace.
I have an associate who has brought me into a contract because he cannot keep up and will lose the contract if not caught up by the end of the weekend. I agree to help both days. He does not show to work and does not call.The owners rep is very upset. I explain to him that I am here to help. So I go about the business of inspection. After 4 hours my associate is still a no show. The owners rep. has offered me the contract. What to do?
It is essential to accurately describe and identify the type of fuels such as fuel oil, natural gas, propane and electricity when inspecting heating systems.
Air, water, steam and electricity are ways of carrying heat and are four heat-conveying mediums. They are the main ways to identify and describe different types of heating systems.
A conflict of interest you may experience might be:
You are completing the roof structure portion of your inspection and noticed a small spot of water staining of the underside of the roof decking. As you emerge from the attic the homeowner hands you a hundred dollar bill and asks you not to include the leaking roof in your report, he says it has been fixed and that is was only a small leak.
Research Article
I just finished reading the article in the library titled “Boost Your Inspection Business with Truck Signage”. Just getting started in a competitive market I had planned on getting some door magnets made up for my inspection vehicle, but the article also included putting signage on the roof of the vehicle. This is a great idea that I had not thought of. I drive a lot in the city and a large number of the people I pass each day are above door level. I will definitely be ordering a larger sign for the top of my vehicle.
Code of Ethics.pdf (103 KB)
Research Article and Open discussion
I have been a home inspector for 3 years now and have recently joined InterNACHI. I have always referred to forums for information I didn’t know or fully understand.
I seem to run in to the chimney and flue issue a lot in the Columbus, Oh area, that is, the flue or chimney is not tall enough. I have a long construction background and I think that is important when performing inspections.
So the question is why do so many homes that when built did not meet the required code? How are the municipal building inspectors signing off on safety issues that don’t meet the codes they should know.
Now that’s not to say I haven’t meet some outstanding building inspectors, that I have learned a great deal from, but most of them just act like, you are the contractor so you should be licensed and already know the code.
This leads to ask what qualifications most of the builders or trades have also.
Ethics course:
I would imagine that the following happens often:
A clear ethics violation would be to accept any gift or monetary compensation
From a home owner (seller) in order for you to overlook issues with the residence so a sale can be made without the cost of repairs.