Home Inspections, Should the Good be with the Bad?

This is a great question as I've thought about this very thing in relation to my own reporting.

When you say positive remarks do you mean comments on those components that are functioning as intended? For example when I inspect  a wood floor, If the wood floor is well maintained and in generally good condition, I note that in the report. That's a positive remark added not because I think it's nice to say the floor is in good condition, but because I am required by the ASHI Standards of Practice to inspect the floor and report the condition.

On the other hand I don't say the wood floors look great and really compliment the crown molding. I'm guessing the buyer knows about these things which is why they are interested in purchasing the home. When they call me I think they want me to tell them what the defects are.

I don't know about the liability part. It doesn't make sense that an inspector would increase liability because they stated an item was in good condition. In fact I would think just the opposite. If you only report on the defects the report would be incomplete and not following the standards of practice.

Sorry for the long reply.

After awhile you get a bit upset with some of these folks. Some of their attitude is they're getting paid so it doesn't matter good or bad with them. I've been in the buiness for many years and i've weeded out the "bad" ones on my own.