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Should A Builder Change An Installation To Accommodate The Buyer?

By
Home Inspector with Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC 3380-000723

Should a builder change an installation to accommodate a buyer?

This is a good one.  The buyer of this house wanted a basement laundry room in addition to the normal one on the bedroom level.  The builder said fine.

This is what we found on the pre-drywall inspection.

But when the installation was complete the buyer was not satisfied.

Why?

Because the supply plumbing (plastic CPVC) runs under the duct right in front of where the washing machine will sit.

What's wrong with that?

That supply tubing is only 6'3" high.

The buyer is 6'5" tall!  And he wants it moved.

In my opinion the installation as it is now was not well done.  Plumbing should always be run near to walls and not in places where it is vulnerable to accidental damage.

Even if the buyer was not 6'5" tall this plumbing is run in a precarious place.  Plus, it was loose and wobbly.

So, should the installation be moved to accommodate the buyer? 

YES!  And not only because he is tall, but because it was not a smart installation to begin with.

My recommendation:  sometimes things should be done because that is what the client wants, but also if something is done in a way that invites accidents it should be changed!  Most accidents are set up in advance.  And this is one of them!   Should this be changed?  In my opinion - it should.

 

 

Posted by

Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC  

Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.

Office (703) 330-6388   Cell (703) 585-7560

www.jaymarinspect.com


Comments(7)

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Maggie Dokic | Indialantic
Magdalena Dokic - Indialantic, FL
Selling the beach in Florida's space coast

Good thing you were looking out for him Jay. How did this one turn out?

Apr 17, 2017 04:37 AM
Fred Hernden, CMI
Superior Home Inspections - Greater Albuquerque Area - Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque area Master Inspector

They should do it because he is the customer! Looks like it would have been relatively simple to run it down on the other side of the duct... no? Sheeesh!

Apr 17, 2017 06:43 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

It was just on Saturday, Maggie.  I haven't heard yet.

Fred - I did not understand how they ran those lines anyway, no matter the height of the client.  But in this case the client should rule.

Apr 17, 2017 07:10 AM
Stephen Weakley
Nationwide Mortgage Services - Rockville, MD

The builder probably sent a low level staffer out there and told him to install it with no real trades knowledge.  Most owners would not have known the difference.

Apr 17, 2017 07:38 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

The "professionals" they pick up at the 7-11 are typically short, Stephen.

Not kidding.

Apr 18, 2017 01:33 AM
Eric Middleton
Closer Look Property Inspections Inc. - Uniondale, NY
Professional Property Inspector

Hey Jay - I totally agree, it should be moved. Good builders should be able to foresee a problem and take measures to prevent them.

Apr 18, 2017 05:15 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

It should be moved because it's a bad installation, Eric, but especially because it is lower than the buyer's head.

Apr 19, 2017 03:01 AM