Was it a single story?
Well, let’s use the GFCI as an example. Over time and numerous studies it has been found to be a lifesaving feature. It is also become the standard. So recommending upgrades (while not required) is good home inspecting. This is far different than recommending repairs that could cost the seller money based on a personal opinion of how you would have built it. As far as the realtor goes he has every right to know what you base your recommendations on. They should IMO be based on standards.
Agreed. I apparently didn’t express myself clearly. You stated earlier
Recomending GFCI (where not required) would be going “beyond” the code, correct?
That’s all I was trying to get across.
Perhaps you meant **client 
**.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Thorman
*As far as the **realtor **goes he has every right to know what you base your recommendations on…
*
check his site
So to answer the first post, no a second door is not required, agreed.
*Perhaps you meant ***client 
**.
I actually meant realtor. I know that I’m among the few if any home inspectors who believe that the realtor has as much rite as anyone to question my findings. I have been in the real estate and construction biz for 36 years and I got into home inspections because of past home inspection report that I had recieved that contained made up voilations. It ends up with the realtor to explain to the client that there is no bases to have the seller do a repair on a “violation” that just does not exist and I believe it to be a disservice to the client.
Kinda split on that one myself. Not having ever seen a home with a single entrance as mentioned, I wonder how I’d handle it myself.
Be nice to know that Bed windows meet Egress.
BTW, I mention GFCI protection on a 1901 or 2001 …
Tim
Ok, so check it out. Your buyer gets his report and goes to the realtor "I want the seller to install gfci at kitchen outlets (currnet standard), secure and caulk the toilet (always the standard), move the garage door opener button up to 5 feet above the floor (cpsc standard) and install another door at the back of the house (the home inspector thinks it would be a good idea). In the above request list the home inspector idea is the most expensive and has the least basis.
We see 1970’s condos with only one door. I check the bedroom windows for width and height from floor, and make a comment in report, also make sure verbally the client is aware of the implications.
Basement apartments are another, although they can sometimes run upstairs and pound on the locked door. :roll: Again, there must be suitable window(s).
The reason I ask this is a few years ago I sold a complete rehab I owned. It was a 100 yr. old single story built on a hillside. Front door, back door, and walk out basement door in back.
FHA loan and the only problem they had was the back door went onto a deck, that at the highest point was approx. 10’ off of the ground. On the sides 3 or 4 ft. The FHA inspector and the AHJ said I had to build a stairway off of the deck because it was a fire code.