I was browsing the news the other day and saw what I considered to be a timely and an interesting story. This involves a recent court settlement over a disputed "mansion" inspection.

The settlement amount was not disclosed but a famous "musician" recently settled a lawsuit against an engineering firm that had been hired to do an inspection on a property that was purchased six years ago. The celeb in question purchased the house from nobody other than former ear-biting heavyweight champ Mike Tyson.

Without getting too into all of the details, the crux of the lawsuit was that the firm did not give the musician enough warning about the costs of the various repairs that would be required at the property. The performer was told that the repairs would be in the neighborhood of $500,000 but the total bill, when all was said and done, was $6 million. Lucky for most of us inspectors, we do not give cost estimates -- especially when working with a mansion that has 19 bedrooms and 37 bathrooms. The celebrity, who had tried to re-sell the place a couple years back, had an asking price of $18.5 million. This is quite the spread.

Lawyers for the engineering firm that did the inspection argued that it had been a simple inspection, to look at roofs, decks, driveway and other parts of the property. They also state that the celebrity went overboard on repairs and spent way more money than was required for the various improvements. 

Yes, everyone, this is the lead in to yet another Twin-Pick Contest. This time we are not quizzing you so much about music as we are quizzing you about current events. Remember, the test self-corrects. Just click on a choice below. If you get the right answer, you will be taken to an award winning and charming video of the artist performing a so-called hit song. If you get it wrong you will be rudely insulted by one of my cadre of obnoxious cyber assistants. On second thought, you might be rudely assaulted either way.

Question: Which celebrity, of the names below, recently settled a lawsuit against his home or, more accurately, "mansion" inspector?

A. Rod Stewart

B. Barry Manilow

C. 50 Cent

D. Maria Carey

E. Janet Jackson

F. Snoop Doggy Dog

For more "Stories Behind the Music" click on the guitar

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections