Should checking kitchen appliances be added as part of the InterNACHI SoP?
- dishwasher
- food waste disposer
- range exhaust hood
- ranges, cooktops and ovens
- microwave oven
- trash compactor
No !
We can test them if we want to .
No need for the added trouble in the SOP.
In Canada seldom are the appliances left in the home .
I have never tested any appliances .
why do You have a left over Logo ?
Because like spaghetti they are better the next day.
What/who are you referring to ?
No…
So many people change their appliances I see no point.
And we have no idea what appliances stay with the home anyway.
I typically test the “built ins”. Those that are screwed in or are more than just plugged in. And I communicate that to the client.
I see no need to change the SOP, though. Just communicate to the client what will be done.
It may be time to address these issues in the SOP.
I for one do operate appliances and describe that I operated them in my report. If a dishwasher is full of the occupants items I’ll generally ask if the items are clean and/or OK to at least rinse and check operation.
I describe that the oven or microwave were operated, but that I did not check for calibration/leakage etc… I think it’s an appreciated thing and it’s not unusual for me to find leaks during operation of the dishwasher (incorrect Air Gap confirguration as well).
Operating an oven and noting defects such as defective hinges, damaged controls or bad seals doesn’t take much time and I think it’s expected.
Having a documented SOP that indicates the limitations of appliance inspection may be of benefit… Although, I’ve had 0 problems with doing what I and describing what I don’t.
Some homes that I look at could easily have $10K just in kitchen appliances alone. Whether you recommend an appliance specialist etc or not… at least noting if they operated may be of value.
:lol::lol:
:D:D
Appliances are personal property, not part of the home. I understand that you have to inspect them in Texas though.
They are included in almost every real estate deal I have been part of in Florida.
I always have inspected them.
From FABI SoP:
11.HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES (optional)
11.1 The inspector and the client may agree to the inspection of optional items. When this agreement is made the following standards shall apply: (Household appliances to be inspected are limited to the following – Built-in central vacuums, ranges, cook-tops, built-in dishwashers, food waste disposers, garage door openers, built-in ovens, built-in microwave ovens, refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, built-in trash compactors, ceiling fans or whole-house fans.)
11.2 The inspector shall:
A. Inspect:
- Household appliances specifically identified to be examined during the inspection.
- The basic operation of appliances included in the inspection, limited to those items listed above.
B. Describe: - The type of appliance and its general function.
C. Report: - The completion of a full cycle of the appliances intended use.
- The adequacy of controls or switches in operating the appliance.
- Missing or defective components or parts.
- Failure or stoppage during operation.
- The presence or absence of necessary safety devices.
- The success or failure of the appliance to perform in the manner intended.
11.2 The inspector is NOT required to:
A. Activate any system or appliance that is shut down, disconnected, or otherwise rendered inoperable.
B. Operate or evaluate any system, component or appliance that does not respond to normal user controls.
C. Operate any gas appliance that requires the manual lighting of a pilot light or burner device.
D. Operate any system or appliance that requires the use of special codes, keys, combinations, or devices.
E. Operate any system, component, or appliance where in the opinion of the inspector, damage may occur.
F. Determine oven or cook top thermostat(s) calibration, adequacy of heating elements, operate or evaluate self cleaning oven cycles, indicator lights, timers, clocks or timed features, defrost cycles or frost free features of refrigerators and freezers.
G. Determine leakage from microwaves ovens.
H. Determine the presence or operation of back draft damper devices in exhaust devices.
I. Examine any wine cooler, sauna, steam-room, still or other water producing or purification device, kiln, toaster, ice maker, coffee-maker, can-opener, bread warmer, blender, instant hot water dispenser, or any other similar small, ancillary or non- built- in appliances, including commercial grade kitchen appliances.
I recall that TX, OR and NJ include kitchen appliances in their SoP, and NY, CT and IL do not.
I test them personally however do not see why at this time any changes or tinkering need to performed just for a minority of locations.
Appliances do not need to added.
Are you trying to make (recall chek) prerequisite ?
Some would leave the association over such a divisive change.
Again I check them as I was a professional installer and know my stuff.
No, Unless specified by your state, it should be left to the discretion of the Inspector whether or not to test these items.
Nick is correct in saying they are personal property, and although many times appliances are included, they are not considered part of or have any bearing on the transaction as far as the lender or appraiser is concerned.
That would be my guess.
So, it looks like:
- appliances will remain out of Standards, and
- appliances will be included the InterNACHI Home Inspection Checklist as “optional.”
He he he !
Wheres my stir spoon ?