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Don’t Shoot The Messenger.

By
Home Inspector with Ceilings 2 Cellars Home Inspections LLC

 

I’m a Home Inspector.  I love my job.  When clients hire home inspectors they do so for several reasons.  The most important reason is so that we can do an evaluation of the property and report back on the building’s systems and their current state of efficiency or deficiency.  The ironic thing is that almost all homes have deficiencies, and everyone has to live somewhere, so the client is faced with a decision.  Can they live with the home in its present condition and/or are they willing to make investments to improve it.  Since I have spent my whole adult life in and around construction I am in favor of making improvements.  On the other hand, not everyone thinks like me and many would rather buy in to a home that needs few or no repairs.  This comes at a price.  Decisions, decisions…

 

Our reports are based on the condition of the home, our education, training and background.  It’s as simple as that.  However, we can be made to look like the ‘bad’ guys just by doing our jobs.  No one likes to hear bad news and, depending on how you look at it, we bring bad news.  We’re often known to Realtors as “Deal Killers.”  Since the majority of our work (at least my work) comes from Realtors.  It’s a tough position.

 

Legitimate Home Inspectors have a Code of Ethics.  The American Society of Home Inspectors has a deliberate Code of Ethics that we all agree to abide by.  In part it says, “Integrity, honesty, and objectivity are fundamental principles embodied by this Code, which sets forth obligations of ethical conduct for the home inspection profession. The Membership of ASHI has adopted this Code to provide high ethical standards to safeguard the public and the profession.”  ASHI Code of Ethics.

 

I view doing Home Inspections as a privilege.  I also take my reports seriously.  I want to make friends as much as the next person, but I’m not in a popularity contest.

 

So please… don’t shoot the messenger!