Home : Blogs : Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector : Charles's Seattle Home Inspection Blog

Inspectors GONE WILD!!!!

The sight of most of the inspectors I know----myself included----running naked through a home doing inspections would NOT be a pretty sight. After September 1^st in the State of Washington some inspectors will in fact choose to “go naked.”

Not in the “bare-ass-naked” sense of the word, but they will be choosing to carry no Inspector gone wild!

insurance----theoretically “exposing themselves.”

On September 1^st, 2009, all home inspectors in the State of Washington will be required to be licensed (with a grace period allowed for some). As of that date they will no longer be required to be licensed Structural Pest Inspectors in order for them to report on Rot and conditions Conducive to Wood Destroying Organisms. Currently, to report on any of these conditions, including reporting on wood destroying insects, home inspectors are required to be licensed as Structural Pest Inspectors which required maintaining somewhat expensive insurance and doing continuing education.

The new law that requires the licensing of home inspectors----requires NO IN$URANCE. Inspectors are looking to save anywhere from $2,500.00 to $5,000 annually by dropping their Structural Pest Licenses. They are banking on getting around the reporting of the discovery of wood destroying insects with language that allows them to report on rot and conducive conditions. If they see so much as a beetle exit hole, a dead carpenter ant or a termite mud tube they will be required to call for “further evaluation by a licensed Structural Pest Inspector or a Pest Control Operator.”

This seems like an incredible disservice to the home buyer, further complicating the home-buying process and leaves the buyer with possible additional costs if a separate inspector has to be called in. All of this is in addition to the fact that the inspector will no longer be carrying insurance.

Many of us plan on keeping our Structural Pest Licenses to take better care of our buyers and to protect everyone involved in the transaction.

Can you imagine the following scenario? The Naked Inspector calls for further evaluation of what looks like wood destroying insect damage and says, “We need further evaluation here, but why don’t you save a step and just call the Pest Control Company----then they can tell you what kind of critters you got and then they can kill them off all in one smooth operation?” We all know that ALL pest control companies are beyond reproach and are ALWAYS honest, but hey-----is this REALLY a good idea? Is this really looking out for the best interest of the consumer?

Most of the existing inspectors that have in the past been Licensed Structural Pest Inspectors will no doubt continue to find a way to adequately take care of their buyers. But what about the newer inspectors that will not even know what they are seeing----or not seeing?

So my question to agents out there: will you be recommending Naked Inspectors?

Charles Buell

Seattle Home Inspectors, ASHI Home Inspector, Structural Pest Inspector, Charles Buell Inspections Inc, Seattle, WA

Click on the Rose to check out: AHA!---A Forum of Landmark Proportions---your Group

PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed)all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) (when I use them) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.

DeCroe, is my "ethereal" home inspector assistant and occasionally flies into my blog and other people's blogs to offer assistance. To find out more about her beginnings just click on Raven.

Click on the Rose to check out: AHA!---A Forum of Landmark Proportions---your Group

PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed)all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) (when I use them) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.

DeCroe, is my "ethereal" home inspector assistant and occasionally flies into my blog and other people's blogs to offer assistance. To find out more about her beginnings just click on Raven.

Posted by Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector on 07/11/2009 11:14 PM

Comments (82)

ActiveRain Community in the ActiveRain Channel

seattle home inspector, shoreline wa home inspectors, everett wa home inspector, structural pest inspectors, home inspector licensing

Originally posted at: Seattle Home Inspector's Blog: Inspectors GONE WILD!!!!

Post is included in group: Virtual Office - Work from Home Office
Post is included in group: Puget Sound - WA Real Estate
Post is included in group: LA Connection
Post is included in group: Home Inspector's Corner
Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor

82 Comments on Inspectors GONE WILD!!!!

JUL

I love the picture-no way would I want to recommend a naked inspector to my buyers-it would end up costing them more in the end.

That photo is something else --- interesting about no insurance --

WHAT THE.....!! Charles don't tell me a client took that photo!

Interesting your state is deciding to handle the certification process.

Sounds a little FUBAR.

Do you know any of the inspectors that help write that legislation.....??

Pat, thanks---seems like it to me as well

Bob & Carolin----yes---more like Inspector gone crazy, or inspector has momemtary lapse of reason:)

Jim, I have to say I know almost all of them and lots of the recommendations that could have vastly improved consumer protection seemed to fall on deaf ears. In fact many see it as a major victory to no longer have to be licensed structural pest inspectors.

Whew! Not a pretty sight in either case.

What did your blog say anyhow? I can't remember a word I read but I sure remember the picture! DON'T LOOK, ETHEL!!!!!

John---guess I warned you in the first sentence:)

Barbara, I can't remember either----now if I can only find my clothes!

I bet that belt is cold.

Lenn, I probably couldn't have done the picture if it hadn't been 90 degrees today:)

Boy Charlie what a big belt you've got:) Is that the new official Buell Inspections uniform?

In California Termite (Including water intrusion) are one license and Home Inspectors are another field. Yes there is some overlap. The home inspectors are not licensed, but I look for ones with professional certification.

James, what do you think? Should I go for it?

Gene, it use to be that way here too. It just seems to me to be such a potential conflict of interest to have the guys that do treatment do "discovery" as well. The home inspector should be much better at being a third party advocate for the consumer.

I think you should ask Barbara when she cools down:)

Okay you got me with your title. Inspectors here vary, some do pest, some do not. As a full service licensed realtor I give my buyers a list of full service licensed inspectors.

James---probably pretty hot in Arkansas right now:)

Sara, I am hoping that is going to be the case here as well.

300k points and you had to resort to sex nudity to sell your post. Cleaver my friend. Here in Washington State, we pass reforms without consulting the experts or Attorney General. Good luck...

Paul, I think the Attorney General gets involved after the fact for often than before the fact:)

I'm sorry I couldn't concentrate reading - the photo was distracting... ~Rita

Rita---you just have to close one eye;)

Raven DeCroe

Hi Charles~ LOL! I had to laugh at Raven's comment when you click it! Also, I had to do a double take on the photo and laughed even more, I couldn't believe what I was seeing either. Have to agree with Raven this time! Just too funny!

Why would any inspector in their right mind not want to have insurance? Seems like any that decide to do that will probably not be in business very long...it only takes one claim to close a business.

Raven DeCroe

LOL - Where in the world did you find that photo?

On another note, I thnk the inspector would WANT the insurance -- strange.

Vickie, thanks----gotta keep people smiling:)

Christianne, I think some feel "if you got nothing to take" how can anyone sue you.

Kerry, you hurt my feelings to not recognize me:)

Oh my... this is just to funny... ( the picture ) Woukld hate to have this guy show up at a home inspection

Roland you and me both!

JUL

Charles, You do know how to make a point. And your picture is definitely worth a thousand words. I'll leave it to you figure out the specific words. I believe your clients will appreciate you keeping covered.

Charles,

That's just crazy; why not get the certification required instead of skirting the issue?

Charles: That insurance sounds pricey. Can't blame some folks for wanting to dodge it, but the state should require it of them. Just puts more onus on to ask their referral partners if they are packing, insurance that is. If you're wearing a tool belt are you still technically naked?

Wow! That is interesting - No insurance. Since we are regulated by the department of insurance guess what? Congrats on the feature...

Your building consultant for life in Nashville, TN

I would not use an inspector that didn't have insurance. That would cost him money in the long run wouldn't it?

They should not be require to carry knives also. .based on your picture

Why in the world would they not require insurance? What a nightmare. I had to re-read your post....well, and I was partially distracted by the naked man, lol. Get a tan on those pearly white legs!

Wayne, I don't think anyone has to worry about whether I will keep my clothes on or not:)
Roy, thanks for stopping by----New York was beautiful. $680.00 for the license here.
Terry, do you mean like my tool belt skirt?
Matt, regarding your question about being "technically naked"----I am technically naked under my tool belt:)
Michael, that probably would make it a no-brainer in Tennessee:)
Laura, it would if all agents got on board for sure.
Fernando----excellent "point"
Elizabeth, do you think I can photo-shop a tan?

I wonder how many new clients you gain with your new uniform Charlie??? Keep us updated please!

Cynthia, not only am I a "generalist"---but a "minimalist" as well:)

Nice picture! Look at that 6 pack! I don't usually go to an inspection, but may have to reconsider if the inspector would be naked! One thing would be that you would save on your laundry costs.

So who took the photo Charles?

Great post. DIdn't read a word.

(just kidding)

Lizette, but those crawl spaces and attics would NOT be much fun:(

Erica, after much arm twisting my sweetie took the picture:)

OMG!!! That photo is hilarious! I have been through a ton of inspections and have never seen anything like that!!! Too funny...:o)))

Charles! LOL! What a scary post! And I mean scary in BOTH sense of the word. Thanks for writing it! And the great laugh at the pic. Aaaaa! It totally scared me! I don't know if I'll ever get that image out of my head! I sure hope so!!! Paah...leeze!

Jeani, I would hope not!:)

Nyssa, eventually the image will fade:)

That is disturbing! Good thing in Manhattan New York Real Estate market we do not have inspection in our transaction process!

Charles, Laughing my xxx off. You are one brave dude!!!

OK, here is my VSA (very serious advice.) Do not , I repeat, DO NOT, go near Nutsy while dressed as such. I have heard that weasely rodents have a bite that clamps down and well, that could get a bit nutty. Kate

Eileen, I assume you are talking about the picture?:)

Kate, I am just so glad that Nutsy is out of town and in another one of his drunken stupors:)

It might be interesting to see those inspectors running around naked ~ just kidding (LOL). Great article and a catchy title.

Charles: Don't you love it! Yet another layer to make things more complicated and costly... hmmmm...

Sandy, thanks----but I will be keeping my clothes on:)

Rene, there certainly are ways to make things more costly----the easiest is to have no inspection done at all:)

Dear Mr Charles

You will be glad to see that I am back after my weekend sojourn. I have a few questions and comments that I believe you will appreciate. A question -- was that photo taken during your recent visit to the vacant house on the east coast? Also, I find it bemusing, and helpful for you, that you are diminutive in stature. Had I been posing for the photo I am afraid that it would take more than a tool belt to protect my modesty.

Nutsy S. Wallenda

starting january 1 all kansas home inspectors will also need to be licensed. We don't have the same deal for pest inspections.

In Oklahoma our pest inspectors are separate. That being said I have two inspectors that have a from of errors and omission insurance that is not required here. I like going with that option for my recommendations to clients.

MAJOR INVESTIGATION REVEALED, ALONG WITH MR CHARLES REVEALED

I knew that the featured photo rang a chord with me as a top investigator. In going through my files, I find that this photo is very in character with Mr Charles. This is not an isolated incident. In fact, Mr Charles made considerable money in the 1970's with a singing group that specialized in scantily clad characters and workmen. Please note the album cover photo, lower left side.

Case open and shut

Ace investigator,

Nutsy S. Wallenda

Nutsy---all talk---prove it

Michael, I would say that most states function as Kansas does. Due to the huge potential for issues with several different kinds of house destroying critters (besides kids and pets:) having this part of the inspection outside of the home inspectors domain just doesn't make sense to me.

Joe, that sounds like a good practice to me.

Nutsy, so what is the problem?

Mr Charles,

To conclude the investigation I will be calling you. I need you to sing YMCA.

Nutsy

Not being a licensed structural pest inspector in washington is like being a finish carpenter without a tool belt. You can't do your job well! I'm glad your inspector has his tool belt!

Nutsy, you know it better than I after having to listen to Steve sing it endlessly.

Gentry---good analogy:)

Mr Charles,

I am glad you have a tool belt too. Some of your fans might get a bit too enthusiastic about your blogging otherwise. Have you considered putting this photo on your car?

Nutsy W

As always, a very informative post. I bet the floors are cold!

But, on the other hand . . . your business decision to keep your insurance is something that you network of professionals should know about -- and I hope you're letting them know!

Now . . . you and Nutsy play nicey!

Nutsy, you think I should?

Carla, take a look at that Lemonutsy----I am supposed to play nice?:)

Mr Charles,

Very good advertising. My boss is putting the lemon photo of me on his truck.

Nutsy

Charles, seriously? I didn't know that there was a distinction between the two types of inspectors, and I wouldn't want an uninsured inspector doing any work for me. But seriously, you wife agreed to take that picture of you??? WOW.

Nutsy, I can totally believe it!

William, it remains to be seen how many will actually run naked----it may be all talk. One would hope any way. Yes my wife agreed---but only after I threatened to use the timer and do it myself:)

JUL

Hey Charles,

I agree with the others...who would want an uninsured inspector in their home?

Unexpected pic, by the way!... You are nuts!

Tony of the hundreds of inspections I have done in the last five years I think I have been asked if I have insurance 5 times:) Definitely "nuts" here.

You are the man Charles!

CB, when my oldest daughter (attorney) buying her first house read over the inspection, she was shocked that the liability was limited to the cost of the inspection. But to tell you the truth, I'm not sure if your blog is about this but I CAN'T go back and re-read it. Reading it once very fast to escape the pic was enough this week-end. :) The image is fading slightly.

Nutsy is back on the wagon today? Bet his skinny head is pounding. Kate

Mr Charles,

I will not be offering you any more drinks till we are sure it will not lead to more nudity at your AR account. Tisk Tisk. This topic leaves me cold.

Nutsy

Nikki, thanks----STEVE, just doesn't "get it":)

Kate it would be cool if you you just skip right to the bottom to make a new comment wouldn't it?:)

Nutsy, are we to reconcile Mrs Barbara's adamant declaration that her godson does not drink---must be a different squirrel she is talking about:)

JUL

The Mother State gets involved again. Wait until the "unintended consequences" hit that fan!

That's some bathing suit! How convenient, all your beach gear in one spot...

Welcome to the Naked Inspector's Club! Where is the "C" on your chest?

Very kindly,

Croakster

I have been away and OM MY WORD, I could hardly read the post because I laughed until tears ran down my face. And Charles I can say that I promise you I would never recommend a naked home inspector.

Jay, there are always "consequences" aren't there:)

Tammy, glad to keep you howling:)

I would gladly recommend Naked home inspectors! Oh wait, which naked are we talking about? Lack of insurance is a problem. They are working on reforming our inspection stuff here too - previously all you needed was a clipboard, and off you go!

All sorts of advertising possibilities with that picture... hmmm...

Sheree, I had heard licensing was happening in Kansas---at least you had a clipboard requirement there:)

CHarlie - Oh my! I've been missing from the rain for a few days and look what I come back to find! This is an interesting post - however, not to read. How are you keeping that belt from falling off your hips?

JUL

Charlie, your legs are TOO white. (Raven is hilarious.)

Carol, just as soon as the picture was snapped the belt fell to the floor:)

Chrissy, do you think I need to go back in and photo shop in a tan?

JUL

Charlies,

Nice picture - glad you have the big tool belt - now I have to get that image out of my mind.

Good topic - My question to you is does your E+O protect you or the customer? For it to pay anything a client has to threaten to sue you. Most HI insurance companies will automatically offer to settle for you deductible, would you be willing to share with your clients what your deductible is? I do carry E+O and frankly prefer my clients don't know or want to know what my deductible is.

The HI industry is somewhat conflicted when it comes to E+O - 50% carry it and 50% don't. Part of the reason is the high cost and low benefit. How often have you heard of an missed inspection item that could not be repaired with $2,500 or $5,000. Most realtors have no idea what we pay for E+O, they assume that our premiums are the same as thiers. Most are shocked when they find out we pay several thousand for insurance.

I do think that we should be mandated to carry GL insurance. One vase or a ladder hitting a client can really ruin your and their day. Its just good business,

//Rick

JUL

Rick, you are covering a lot of ground here---not really sure what you are asking. I think that E&0 protects all parties ideally, me, buyer, agent----how well is anybodies guess. I agree that many things get worked out within the deductible but it is a business decision to take that road as opposed to defending yourself if you aren't wrong. I think in the event of a catastrophic "miss" it is a good idea for all involved. That said---the best insurance is a good inspection. E&0 for all inspectors protects the industry as a whole----if some opt out it lowers the bar for all of us.

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?