I don’t know what some inspector’s client would be aware of. How would I know that? Furthermore, a home inspector is free to look for code violations and often report them when they notice them. But they aren’t required to.
How would I know what some client will know? How could I possibly know what someone else will one day know?
I have no idea. How would I know? Are you asking is the deck safe? I wouldn’t know. There is a lot to a deck, not just the diameter of the ledger’s lag bolts. I don’t think most home inspectors would be willing to say for certain that the deck is safe for a specific, unique commercial use either.
So, when and inspection is completed and all looks OK (as far as the inspection goes), then the client cannot expect the inspected area to be OK. Correct.
What is the client paying for?
So you would not recommend it. Why??
What I meant was if a person uses the “structural designation” while inspecting a structure “might the client” not infer a “higher standard”? I other words, my inspector specialized in structures. So I can feel better about my structure…
So, if the home inspector follows the SOP are they responsible for anything if a failure should occur?
Yes understood. However a PE would know to say “x”, or “y” may be a problem. Due to their C of E would they not be obligated to point out potential problems (ones that a HI may not notice, or understand)?
Yes understood. If a contract is signed, might it stated they are not responsible for any omissions?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP43gCCT8cgCan you please comment on the videos. What type of contract would recommendations would avoid this type of case?
If a HI was doing a “code” inspection should they inform the client of that in their contract (if they have one)?
Understood. If they find some and “not find others” in their visual inspection might they be held to a “higher standard” namely be able to check for code violations?
So if they don’t have to, would you recommend they “leave the codes out”?
Understood. Should the client be told if this is being done?
If the client is “concerned about her deck” as in the case presented and specifically asks for a “code inspection” would you “recommend” the inspector do this? Would you recommend it be present in the contract?
What is the HI with a structural designation responsible for with respect to this deck and the clients concerns?
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He can expect it to be OK, but not be 100% certain. If I don’t find mold in a home, the client can’t be 100% certain that the home is mold free.
For the home inspector to perform a visual inspection of the home/building and to provide client with a written report identifying the defects that the inspector both observed and deemed material.
Because determining if a deck is suitable for a specialized commercial use is beyond the scope of a home inspection.
No. But you can have some extra confidence in your inspector. The more education a home inspector has, the more confidence you could likely have in him/her. True of any profession.
Following an SOP doesn’t mean the inspection report is accurate. I can inspect a roof in accordance with our SOP and my comments about the roof could still be completely incorrect.
The legal definition of “omission” doesn’t just mean that you left something out, but rather that you left something out that you were obligated to include. Therefore I doubt a clause that states that you are not responsible for any omissions would be upheld.
I would hope the client was informed that they were purchasing this additional ancillary service before the contract has them agree to purchase it.
No. That is a myth. If you hire me to only do a home inspection and I notice termites in your basement crawlspace and as a courtesy, I tell you about them for free… no court would ever hold be responsible for not noticing the WDO in the upper attic. That’s absurd.
If you believe, but aren’t 100% sure, that you have found a horrible code violation… simply report exactly that. “I believe, but am not certain, that _______ is a code violation.” Not difficult: observe, report what you observed, tell the truth.