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Should We Test Smoke Detectors?

By
Home Inspector with Master Home & Building Inspections, LLC MD Lic 32336-VA Lic 1044

Purchasers are sometimes surprised when they find out home inspectors don't test smoke detectors - we only report on their existence or lack thereof.

Well, a state senator in Virginia decided, "I've got a solution for that. Let's make it law that home inspections must include testing of smoke detectors as part of a residential sale."

I'm not going to get into my typically lengthy details here. There are some significant complexities to implementing this law as it is written, which need to be worked out by the state regulatory body. But I would like your thoughts, ideas, and comments on how you feel testing and reporting would impact the sale or purchase process with your clients.

 

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Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I think it is a positive move by home inspectors to test the smoke alarms while they are in the home. A moment to check could save lives.

Aug 02, 2022 10:07 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Donald, our inspectors are not licensed in CO, but my inspector checks them!

Aug 02, 2022 12:26 PM