Well they do ask for substantially more than a pulse for entry into the program too.:mrgreen:
The idea of requiring schools to prominently publish their pass/fail rates would provide some incentive for them better screen the candidates that they take-in and pass.
I agree that there are multiple problems, one of which is unqualified candidates making it through the pre-reqs to sit for the exam. Perhaps cleaning up the exam question pool, expanding the question pool and allowing schools to teach to the larger pool with open book exams may be part of the solution. I don’t think simply lowering the minimum pass standard is the best answer. Do we really think that TX inspectors as a group are over qualified?
I can not speak for TREC, but you have answered the question from a legal standpoint “If we are not contracted to inspect the pool”. As per the TREC rules:
If you contracted not to inspect it (in your contract), and you mark the REI 7-2 it was not contracted for then IMO you’re covered. If it is brought to TREC’s attention then you provide them the contract and report and they can see themselves.
Now my question would be with this statement in the Rules:
My question(s) would be:
If an Inspector makes no mention of an “Optional System” within their contract then is it implied that they will not inspect it? Or must the Inspector list the optional systems in their contract that they “routinely depart from”?
I can’t speak for TREC or the courts, but I can tell you my thoughts and how I handle it.
First off: I disclaim every pool in every house I inspect, regardless of whether it goes uninspected, gets inspected by the company of their choosing or it gets inspected by someone I coordinate for them. I don’t feel qualified to adequately inspect pools and won’t hesitate to tell my client so. So every pool gets marked as “Not Inspected” with appropriate accompanying verbiage.
Now no pool stands alone… They all relate, interact or are connected to other systems or physical characteristics of the house. Regardless of the fact that I don’t inspect the pool itself, I do inspect all of these interfaces so if there is an issue with:
Inadequate gate protection - I report it in grading and drainage or walks and drives (for lack of a better place);
electrical bonding and grounding of equipment - I report it in electrica;
Pool electrical sub-panel, gfcis, switches not exterior rated, overhead service, etc. - I report it in electrical;
Non-tempered glass within 5 feet of the pool - I report with windows;
Grading and drainange around the pool and patio - I report with grading and drainage;
Trip hazards around the edge of teh pool - I report with walks and drives;
Gas leak at the pool heater - I report it in the “Optional?” gas supply section;
Improper pool fill mechanism - I report with water supply piping;
etc.
In all likelihood, if you don’t inspect these things they will probably go uninspected and be a potential liability to you. How many pool specialists know how to inspect an electrical sub-panel? Note that nothing gets reported in the pool section, because I don’t inspect the pool or related equipment.
Now if a valve doesn’t work, a pump doesn’t run, the gunnite is bad, has the wrong type of drain cover, etc. they won’t learn those things from me, because I don’t inspect the pool and related equipment.
IMO: disclaiming the pool and equipment in the Optional report section is not license to ignore where/how the pool interfaces with the non-optional systems that you do inspect.
When dealing with the grey areas like this, I take the approach that I would much rather my clients be surprised that I DID inspect something than be surprised that I DIDN’T inspect something.
I do essentially the same as Chuck, except for the “improper pool fill mechanism”…I rely on the pool inspection company that I coordinate to address that. I also include the “Pool Safety” pdf pamphlet with the inspection report I send.
Here’s a tidbit of info that might get everyone thinking in a new direction…
Last year NC included in the annual continuing education program a requirement for each inspector to submit a writeup to cover issues associated with pictures and information they supplied. It was a very good problem that required skill to properly report. You can imagine what they learned about each licensed inspector from what they submitted.
This is what the tests should have more of, not just the multiple choice code stuff and SOP items but real life issues that need writeups written correctly. It takes much longer to grade tests with this but its a much better way to weed out the actual incompetent applicants.
are you aware that what you’re suggesting could irrevocably alter the cosmic alignment of the conga-line donut dancers at every re office across the state
I suppose anything could come back to you, especially if there was a death. If I do not inspect the pool I state something like:
“I did not inspect the pool / spa and associated items. This includes but is not limited to safety barriers, electrical, structural, hydraulic and ancillary equipment. You are advised to have the pool inspected and brought up to the most current safety standards. Pools are exceptionally unsafe for young persons and children.”
In person, I am tougher. I tell people pools kill children faster than it takes to drink a cup of coffee. If they say “we do not have kids” I say “but your neighbor may”. Why? My daughter almost drowned in front of 50 people at a pool party. She flipped upside down in an inner tube and could not get out at age 3. All turned out OK but we were only 10 feet away and it happened FAST.
I have not had a complaint being this tough. A friend of mine does the same. He had a repeat client a few years ago. He asked why they were moving after only two years. They said the pool he warned them about killed their baby and they could not live in the home. He said it was a very hard inspection for him to do.
What is the most common dangerous item in a home? Stairs.
What is more dangerous the a stair? A pool.
Here is an odd associated risk. A copper 2 foot tall sprinkler riser in a garden bed adjacent a pool is an impalement hazard. Think about kids running around the pool and falling onto this spear! If I do not inspect the pool I still write up these sprinkler risks because I inspected the sprinkler.
I do most of my pools. In fact I am thinking of semi retirement by doing only pools for other inspectors. I'm comfortable with them. Think I'll get a Harley, a Palm tree shirt; flip flops and call myself "pool dude". If it’s hot as hell I can always dive in and do a leak check on a return.