Inspectors that can't write the same report twice Makes you wonder.

Hi Rob,

I think just because they missed the problem the first time is no reason for them to omit it from a report once it comes to their attention. Nobody's perfect. I think we would fault the inspector more if this was not disclosed on 2 reports and then led to further problems and costs.

--Andrew

Would like a picture but I'll give it a try.

Form boards?  Are you saying that the foundation form boards were left in place and deteriorated?  If so they have no structural purpose other than to rot.  It should of been noted and recommended to be removed.  

If I understand you correctly your asking if pests can destroy an area in one year?  If so yes, seen it happen.

Dry rot comes from one thing-moisture.  Wood destroying insects love soft wet wood.  If the crawl space has a dirt floor and no vapor barrier then it should of been noted.

Basements and crawl spaces with dirt floors allow moisture to come up from the ground and cause all sorts of problems.  A simple vapor barrier / poly from Home Depo could help control a large part of it if costs prevent the owner from doing it right.

The trim rot/damage is it the lowest section of the house?  If so I'm guessing here but it probably an end cut that was not sealed with paint.  End result is water wicking up inside the wood.  See it a lot on corner trim boards, door & window casements lowest section gets weather damaged.

Interesting you never mentioned any pictures.  A good inspector takes pictures and documents everything.  If there is a claim being made pictures would show you the condition present and past.

Overall, I can understand why you might be frustrated.   As you mentioned, it shouldnt' be a surprise that some things - such as trim boards will probably change over time.  Personally, I'd ask the inspector about why he didn't mention the other things the first time.   Granted, as Andrew stated - I guess at least he had the integrity to mention them the second time around. 

Good inspectors are worth their weight in gold.  

Rob, I certainly can't guess what's going on in the mind of that inspector and would be very hard pressed to give a better answer than Stephan...a man in the business, but I give huge kudos to an inspector I like to work with whenever I get the chance.