smoke detectors

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1

Originally Posted By: rfeiler
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According to The National Fire Prevention Association smoke detectors have a 30% chance of failure after 10 years and after 15 years its 50%. Should we add a date check to our inspection? Most detectors are marked on back.

2

Originally Posted By: jpope
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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.


--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
3

Originally Posted By: bsmith
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Ron-


In my reports I routinely recommend replacing the existing smoke detectors. They are cheap enough.

--
Bill Smith
www.SmithHomeInspection.com
"The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits." A. Einstien

4

Originally Posted By: Mike Parks
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


I never test ‘smokes’.


Didn't we have a post on this a while back?

Mike P.

5

Originally Posted By: dvalley
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I have never pushed in test button on a clients’ smoke detector.


Massachusetts law requires Sellers' to obtain a "Certificate of Compliance" from their local fire department. Close of escrow will not be complete without this mandatory certificate.

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David Valley
MAB Member

Massachusetts Certified Home Inspections
http://www.masscertified.com

"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go."