My wife and I are homeowners in N. California (Humboldt County). Before purchasing our home (a couple months ago), we had an inspection performed by a local agency that is a member of the InterNACHI Home Inspection Association.
The inspector listed on his report that there was insulation under the home, but we found out subsequently there was NO INSULATION under the house. Our realtor is guessing the inspection was performed in the evening hours – when it was more difficult to see–so perhaps the inspector just missed the insulation detail…
Unfortunately the lack of insulation will cost us $$$ in heating bills and it is causing lots of moisture to seep into the floor, along with unpleasant odors.
We have gotten a few estimates to replace the insulation, and it will cost c. $4000 to remediate with spray-foam insulation. Should we try to appeal to the inspector to help pay for this, due to his oversight? If not, what recourse (if any) do we have? Please advise.
in my frank opinion
if all you say is fact
your lame ass excuse realtor is smoking the same Humboldt shit as the inspector
professional inspectors have flashlights and flash cameras that can clearly depict accurate crawlspace conditions
1st
contact your inspector by email & snail mail if necessary
if you don’t get the desired results
2nd
email your INSPECTION COMPLAINT as the subject with a copy of your report to fastreply@nachi.org
if you don’t get the desired results
3rd
seek legal counsel asap
if i can report 7 deficiency items in my 1 pic others should be able to
Vapor barrier up side down
Adequate plastic on ground not sealed
Exhaust? vent disconnected
Stump or part of tree used as structural post/column on ground
Cable/hose not secured
HVAC boot disconnected
The report should have the Date and TIME listed for when the inspection took place. As @badair stated, contact the inspector and keep your copy of the report handy.
If I were you I would do as others have suggested but I would also call them directly. If it is a company ask to speak to the inspector and their boss/owner. Seems weird that there is no insulation and is reported as having insulation. If the inspector reported it as having no insulation would you have still bought the property?
As it happens, it looks like the inspector found a silver-foil like reflective surface. See picture. This foil is present under just one room of the house. But it is not present under under the living room, back bedrooms, etc. And it is not really insulation (perhaps back in the 1970s when the house was built it might have been considered a “poor-person’s insulation”?) And from what we can tell, the inspector did not try to peel back the foil to see if “real insulation” was underneath it.
In talking with the prior homeowner (who seems like an honest chap), we were told that there was never any “real insulation” put down in the floor.
Is there “any” reason you are seeking help here instead of on the phone/email with the inspector? Any “good” reason you did not contact the inspector? Are you required to contact the the inspector per your contract in case the inspector missed something and or there is an issue? This is usually included in the contract.
In Southern California, I almost never see insulation under a house. I grew up in San Francisco, and I don’t ever recall seeing insulation under houses there when I was growing up.
OK, thanks for the information. If that’s the case, then we’ll have to deal with it.
We are corresponding with the inspector via e-mail. But since this is all somewhat “new to us”, we thought it might be good to get the advice of some other “seasoned professionals” also.
