I often get asked to do re-inspections during the final walk-through before the closing at escrow. Most home owners and agents are not skilled at the art of what inspectors do so they rely on the team members to to ensure that the repairs made 
where done correctly and to codes. I always remind them that home inspectors are not codes inspectors. We are generalists and can only determine if the work has been done in a workmanlike manner.
Workmanlike manner is defined as “the quality of work that would be done by a worker of average skill and intelligence.” Herein lies the dilemma. The seller is wanting to get the repairs made as inexpensively as possible. Often times, they will get several bids and go with the cheapest one. There’s a lot to be said about the old saying one gets what they pay for. Typically, cheap bids result in less than stellar workmanship. I always ask for copies of receipts for the work that has been done. A quick glance at the fees paid is an indication of the quality of work.
IMHO, breaking boards off of an old pallet found by a diptsy dumpster, 
nailing them to a guard rail and then slapping some paint on them does not qualify for the job being done in a workmanlike manner. First of all, the wood used is not weather and rot resistant and if not properly maintained, it will deteriorate in a few years. The slats were not installed so as to provide maximum safety for the occupants of the deck. There were several other “repairs” that were done in a similar, haphazard fashion. Although I had to shake my head and laugh, the buyer and agent were not amused.
I’m saying this more as a word of caution to real estate professionals and their buyers. Do your due diligence for your clients. Ask the home inspector who originally inspected the property to do a walk-through with you prior to closing. They can guide you through the rough waters when it comes to post inspection repairs.
The Complete Home Inspections Team - Brentwood, TN 37027
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