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Is your inspector non-biased and impartial? I hope not!

By
Home Inspector with Cox Property Services HI-2899

The major Home Inspection trade associations all maintain a Code of Ethics.  In each, the inspector is expected and required to act as an unbiased, impartial third party in a real estate transaction.  In the sense of the transaction, this is true.  I have no interest or possible gain whether the sale goes through or not.  In that sense, I am unbiased.

During the inspection, though, I am absolutely and totally biased!  I am being paid hard-earned money by my client, and I am partial to him/her/them as to my findings.  My loyalty is bought and paid for by my client and they have a right to expect that from me.

Does that mean I will change my report for my client?  Absolutely not.  But I will inspect, dig, and look into everything I can to get every bit of information I can about the property.  I actually think of myself as an educator...  I must research my topic before I can present it to my student.  For that purpose, I use everything I can - tools, technology, equipment, to do my research.  I walk into an inspection with the assumption that my client will buy the home.  That decision has already been made.  It is then up to me to show him what he's gotten himself in to!  Good and bad!

So, when that home inspector tells you he will be fair and impartial in his inspection and report, just smile and agree, but now, to borrow from Paul Harvey, "You know the Rest of the Story."

Show All Comments Sort:
ARDELL DellaLoggia
Better Properties Seattle - Kirkland, WA
I'm holding my breath on a second inspection of a clay sewer pipe put in in 1905.  They are going in with the camera.  Owner had it checked when she put a bath in the basement and it was OK then...about 3 years ago.  Wondering if OK for putting in another toilet is OK from an inspector standpoint.  If he doesn't like clay being the material used...he cold say put in a new one.
Jan 14, 2007 06:35 PM
Andrew Cox
Cox Property Services - Kissimmee, FL
First, unless he is a contractor,or a specialist, the inspector should not be making that kind of recommendation.  He should only report his interpretation of the findings.  If the clay pipe has been OK for 100 years, it should be OK for a little longer, as long as it's intact and no problems found.  I, personally, would look at it, and if I had any hesitation, would recommend a specialist take a look.  Since he apparently has the camera, you could ask for a specialist to be there with him.
Jan 14, 2007 11:59 PM