Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
Smoke Detectors
CREIA warns that working smoke detectors are the concern of everyone in the real estate transaction July 2004 (Palm Springs, Calif) ?? The California Real Estate Inspection Association wants homeowners, homebuyers and their real estate representatives to be aware that the disclosure and transfer of proper working smoke detectors is the responsibility of all.
As the oldest and largest state home inspection professional association in the country, CREIA is concerned about the fire hazard of nonworking and faulty smoke detectors. It is because of the high priority we place on a home?s occupants and their safety that a professional home inspector will report on the presence, absence, and location of smoke detectors in a home. However, a home inspector?s report is a generalist?s overview of the property?s systems and components at the time of the inspection. Since it is not unusual for a period of time (and sometimes an extensive period of time) to pass between when the inspection occurred and when a buyer (or subsequent purchaser) takes possession of the property, it is unwise and unsafe for a home inspector to report on the working status of smoke detectors present. Such a report could create a dangerous sense of ?false security? about the condition of the detector.
It is imperative that those present at the final walkthrough ? before the keys are turned over ? make sure the smoke detectors are working. California law requires the seller to transfer a home with proper working smoke detectors. The seller and the buyer are required to sign the Smoke Detector Statement of Compliance (available from the California Association of REALTORS? at www.CAR.org) prior to close of escrow. The homebuyer, homeowner and their real estate representatives need to make sure that this law is complied with prior to the completion of the sale at the final walkthrough.
CREIA remains firmly committed to looking out for the health and safety of homeowners. It is because we place such a high priority on the lives of those who will inhabit a home, that we urge all home sellers, buyers and their real estate agents to take a proactive role in complying with this important legal requirement. CREIA inspectors will continue to comment on the presence, absence, and location of smoke detectors in a home, but the working condition of this important home component must be looked after by those involved at the final transfer.
Any comments?
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: tallen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I do not check them. I put in my report.
We do not evaluate smoke detectors as part of our service. However, they are an important safety feature that is required in many jurisdictions, and should be installed or certified as being compliant before the close of escrow.
Along with a couple other disclaimers in the contract and in the "general" area of the report.
-- I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.
Originally Posted By: kmcmahon This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I do and always will report on a smoke detector not working or that it was functioning at the time the inspection was performed. I also hand out a smoke detector pamphlet from the cpsc which instructs people to test monthly and replace the batteries yearly.
That in itself should cover you if anything happens…even if it’s a month before they move in and the battery dies.
You know, the car insurance industry warns that driving your car increases the chances of getting in an accident. 
Can't live life worrying that something bad is going to happen...just do your best and the rest should work itself out in your favor.
Originally Posted By: Scott Patterson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The simplest approach for smoke detectors that will not get you into any trouble is to always recommend replacement of the smoke detectors with the sale of the house. They are too cheap not to replace and most are useless after five to seven years, some even less.
My policy is not to test and to recommend replacement of all smoke detectors when a house is sold.
Originally Posted By: dbowers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Scott had a good comment.
How about the smoke detectors mounted near the peak of a vaulted or cathedral ceiling 15' to 16' or taller up in the air (in the middle of a room). Who is going to get their 12' tall step ladder to get up there cause there is nothing to rest the 17' or 19' LG or extension ladder against to test it.
Originally Posted By: Scott Patterson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
kmcmahon wrote:
Now I think I'm starting to understand how someone can inspect a home in 1 1/2 hours. 
Kevin I detect a little sarcasm in your post, as in most of them.
Telling your customer to replace some $7 smoke detectors is not a way that I would use to speed up the inspection process. This is just doing what is best for your customer. Sure it might make a homeowner mad or parish the thought that it might even make the real estate agent mad but this is what is best for my customer.
Originally Posted By: kmcmahon This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Just a little bit of sarcasm.
I can see putting a statement in that says “Test monthly and replace batteries yearly. Smoke detectors have an effective life of 8 to 10 years and we recommend replacement if this unit is at or near that age. Contact current homeowner to determine when these units were installed”.
