As a show of hands, who recommends upgrades and similar? For example “While in use covers” for exterior receptacles, when that most likely would not have been required at the time of install, or timers or humidity sensors on bathroom exhaust fans, or frost proof exterior hose bibs? The man who I mentored with would always make these recommendations, however I’m starting to find that they also lead to cluttering of the inspection reports and that maybe their addition would only be wise if we’re seeing associated issues with related components. Just curious how everyone handles these situations.
To name a couple of things:
I recommend installing smoke (both ionization and photo-electric) and carbon monoxide detectors.
I also recommend sump pump back-up systems with high water alarms because that sump pump will fail one day.
I will sometimes will tell my clients, “if it was my house I’d eventially install frost proof type bibs”, and explain why, but don’t put that information in the report because IMO it’s not a safety issue.
7 Likes
Yes, I was leaning towards that route, simply safety issue type things, mainly because there is a nearly infinite number of “upgrades” and what may be an upgrade for one, may not be for another.
2 Likes
I think that your intention is good but what scares me if you don’t recommend every safety issue you set yourself up for a law suit.
It took me a long time to just state the facts. Anything else will come back to bite you.
And so how do you do it then? Whats your strategy? Stick to the SOP to the T?
He doesn’t. He’s NOT a Home Inspector!!
5 Likes
Wrong person to ask Brandon…
5 Likes
Everything in a home inspection report is a recommended upgrade.
8 Likes
Interestingly enough, frost-free bibbs are a code in MN. I always recommend them, along with anti-siphon. Lack of frost-free goes in the informative callouts. But lack of anti-siphon goes in the deficiencies section.
4 Likes
there You go mentioning that C word again,You are hereby banished from the kingdom for 24 hours and i am flagging Your post…If You travel this path again You will promptly be turned into a frog…
11 Likes
it is impossible to stick to the letter in anything. I try to keep from saying anything that comes to mind. You can see from this post how offering opinions can cause issues.
As to this you can say that almost all of the homes that I inspect have frost protection. The problem with recommendations is if something breaks down the road they may say “why didn’t you recommend XX to me? I trusted you to tell me every possible problem that could ever exist.”
This thread is a good example of what people do when they are unhappy. Now, imagine the buyer being unhappy plus being out of money and want to blame someone. That’s what people do.
What if one of your recommendations is wrong. Opinions are harder to defend than facts. What if one of the guys posting here was hired to follow behind you. They are getting paid to give their opinion. I bet that they would throw you under the bus and give their sage opinions to the buyers.
No one looks out for you better than you.
Times are different now. Sad but true.
1 Like
You are pushing Your luck sir…trust me being turned into a frog and having You birthday taken away is no laughing matter…I know this to be a fact…I myself in a younger and stupider state mentioned that very word twice…
1 Like
Actually they are easier. I do not need code to justify an opinion. In fact, code is a minimum standard. My opinion is based off years of experience and practical application. For example, I may recommend a guard alongside a porch even if the porch is less than 30 inches high. The fact my client is elderly or has poor vision may justify my opinion. Or my past experience.
Another example might be, in my opinion, downspouts should not discharge to lower sections of the roof because in my experience this increases the likelihood of leaks and premature shingle wear.
Opinions are great! We are hired to apply them.
13 Likes
Is there a higher standard?
But Brian You cant do that in Ohio apparently…
4 Likes
He Lurks , He jumps…the man needs a stage…
4 Likes
Sorry, that’s what I do. Learned it here so can’t blame me!
2 Likes
Let me ask you this. What if there is no code standard being enforced in a rural area? What if the home was built in 1890? What standard are you using?
2 Likes
Hey Brandon, hope you are well. I do make some safety upgrade recommendations but I attempt to avoid the filler.
2 Likes