Just write what you see. The bonding jumper was missing/damaged/corroded, etc. Then write a brief (2-3 sentences) description describing what the bonding jumper is needed for. I like to do that just to help the client understand why it is a problem.
Here is a picture you can use in your report to go along with the narrative.
Thanks Ryan.
Would you make a recommendation to have it fixed by a qualified contractor?
Absolutely. This needs to be done right and should only be done by someone who knows how to do it right.
Would you consider this a minor or major deficiency in the report?
I’ve been reading sample reports and see that wording varies for deficiencies, as for instance - not serviceable - a minor or major defect or simply written in a reporting summary as needing to be looked at by a qualified contractor.
I think you need to back off major, minor, etc.
Something either needs fixed or it doesn’t. Don’t apply a value judgement to it.
Always flag anything safety related as being required to be fixed.
Thanks Mark.
I don’t differentiate in my reports between minor and major for the most part. It is just something that needs to be fixed. If you must differentiate, I would consider it quite important.
Thanks Ryan.
Anything that can start a fire or allow a fire needs to be so obvious even a caveman would realize it. I pretty much consider electric and gas items to be critically important and my language reflects that.
A drippy faucet needs fixed, a loose wire can burn your house down. Both should be fixed, but one should jump off the page.
Thanks Mark. So in this instance a missing jumper wire should jump off the page as it could be a serious safety issue.
Yeah, I’m pretty sure me and you do two totally different kinds of houses though. Things that can start fires are the norm in most of my reports. I understand if you are doing mainly houses built in the last decade, how a missing/damaged/deteriorated bonding jumper can be a huge deal. But when you do mostly 50-150 year old houses like I do, it isn’t quite as “spectacular” to see bonding jumper issues.
Oh, don’t get me wrong here, I’m not talking specifically about this issue.
I don’t think a bonding jumper will start a fire. I’m still stuck on the previous concept of major/minor/etc not being very useful to anyone.
To fix or not to fix, that is the question. Language should be blunt or mealy mouthed, depending on what it is. I also use the red safety colors in spectora if I think they genuinely are a hazard. A bonding jumper isn’t really. It needs fixed, but not this second. A stove that sizzles when you turn the knob? That needs disconnected immediately! CAPITAL LETTERS, RED COLORS, STOP USING THIS, IT WILL START A FIRE!!!.
Thanks Mark. Great advice.