Can't Live with Them and Can't Live without them - Home Inspectors

I find it interesting that the inspector was sharing anything with you in the first place.  Unless I have written permission from my client, I don't share any findings with either agent, or seller, unless the condition is an immediate and severe safety hazard.

An inspector should not be making off the cuff remarks or comments about the home to anyone other than their client.  I am not there to argue, train, inform, pacify, or coddle some third party.  I work for MY client.  I am not part of a "team".

It is obvious that there are vast regional differences.  Unfortunately when someone gets a "feature" blog, those differences magically disappear and a member of the public that may be reading the thread can get the wrong impression. 

Ginny - I cannot believe the buyer had a building inspector inspecting the septic system.   We have separate inspectors, and it may be for just the reason that came up in your inspection.

@ Inspector Alan... True, but we are also not the ones who posted this subject on their Facebook Wall. Why would Ginny do that if she didn't have an axe to grind? Seems as if she's on her own 'crusade' to cause harm to the Inspection industry. 

Perhaps it would be a good idea for everyone, Realtors, clients AND inspectors to (re)read the standards of practice of each of the three major certifying associations to see what a home inspection is expected to cover.

All agree on at least one point; a home inspection is a visual inspection of a limited range of systems within a house and immediate surround. I believe I'm correct in saying that the code of ethics of each allows the home inspector to provide other inspection services, septic, mold, radon, etc, for which they are properly qualified but not remediation of findings.

All the inspection agreements/contracts I am familiar with stress that the information reveled by the inspection are the exclusive property of the signatory. The only exception I am aware of is related to circumstances that might endanger person or property.

Based on my reading of the comments here, I'd guess that the inspector provided additional services outside the typical home inspection SOP and seemingly reported correct findings of defects but may have improperly discussed them with people who were not his client.

You know if that is traditional in your area then the inspector should have known. At least he wasn't a know it all & made the situation worse.

Good work.

Get post, I was actually just able to write a post about home inspectors. This part of the transaction can cause some of the biggest headaches especially depending on the home inspector. Having an experienced and well educated home inspector can save lots of headache down the road.

We had one that was paid his fee but really wasn't worth the time - will never use him again. I was not aware that septic systems have a filter! We don't have many here although I have owned a couple of properties over the years that had septic systems.

A Realtor needs a great professional Home Inspector more than a great professional Attorney since this Home Inspector will prevent the need for an Attorney or at least make things safer if one is needed!

What a great turn this thread took.  If I had the time I could go on and on about whet is really wrong with the whole RE transaction game.  I will save that for another day and another thread.

Sean (post 107) I agree completely that a good home inspector needs to be experienced, well trained and all that good stuff.  Bit to avoid the majority of the Headaches as you call them the Agents need to also be concerned with other things rather then just how quick they can close the deal.  It would blow your mind to know just how many agents have asked an Inspector to not mention, or to downplay a particular defect that the inspector discovered.  I could also go on and on about the agents that only recommend 1 inspector to their client and do not give several so that their client can make their own choice??  Or the so called Realtors "Preferred" vendors list ?  wow that's really some biased info to be giving out to clients.  Oh well, another day.

We don't expect home inspectors to get involved with septic systems.  We have licensed septic system companies to do that and in Virginia, the seller gets it done.  In MD the buyer or seller can. 

This is a critical step in buying a home because the cost of a failed septic system can be in the $20-60K range or more.

As Lenn has so aptly stated, "We don't expect home inspectors to get involved with septic systems." As our industry (RE) progresses in an era of specialization so to is it true in the home inspection arena.

I'll call him the "Ole Timer All In One Guy". FYI? Those days are gone. Nowadays you need to have a home inspection i.e. interior, exterior, floor, wall, ceiling, appliance, plumbing and electrical fixtures, light structural, paint, wall paper, etc. 

AND, a separate roof inspection by a liecensed roofing contractor, a foundation inspection by an experienced foundation contractor, a termite inspection by a certified pest control company, a drainage expert (civil engineer), a licensed plumber to check the integrity of the plumbing infrastructure and likewise with an electrical contractor.

And of course you will need an expert "POOPER SCOOPER" TO deal with the MINUTIA.  It's a brave new world out there today and this come from an experienced general contractor and RE broker.