Originally Posted By: Jim Russell
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There is nothing unethical about offering services as a home inspector.
Radon testing is an added service and renders a labratory result.
Water testing renders a labratory result.
Unuathorized distribution of confidential information is unethical.
Our real value as inspectors is increased with education not from large numbers of inspections under the belt. Your first fee paid inspection should be as thorough as your 250th. Real certifications are acquired through class room attendance, training, participation and testing.
Many people have strong opinions which may appear to be brash, negative or even mean spirited. They may even appear to be just plain stupid. However, it is our experience that most folks who seem to be overly negative or argumentative are simply uneducated.
Through honest education, we see a different meaning of things. The lights may be on, they're just not alligned.
In the effort to conserve energy, houses are built tighter today. The jury may still be out on house wraps. In high humidity conditions, the structure simply cannot dry properly. And just forget about stucco esp. when applied over a wood substrate.
So the mold becomes an issue. If you think "selling" a client on a mold test is unethical, then simply inform your client that you provide the service. Your client may not share your opinion about mold testing. To your client, it could be of high concern. Many clients today expect inspectors to provide mold testing.
The real crime here is lack of education. It is the responsibility of the inspector to educate the client on things observed so the client can make a more informed buying decision. If mold is a concern of the client, down playing mold testing or pooh poohing the process might actually be considered cheating the client out of a complete investigation of the property.
Get Trained, Get Tested, Get Certified, Get Good.
If you think selling someone the need for any added service is wrong, simply inform your client what services you do provide and let your client decide.
Otherwise, tell your client up front,"I don't do mold testing. If you have any mold concerns, you need to hire another inspector."
There are many many highly regarded professional inspectors across the country who offer mold testing (gathering, the lab does the test) as an added service. Time is of the escence in a real estate transaction and inspectors who provide intelligent services benefit everyone in the deal.
Best to you all,
Jim Russell
Atlanta
