SubTitled, Let's See If He Catches This...
Several times over the past few years, I've had clients and/or Realtors try to trick me. They've done this by not filling me in with their concerns or their observations. I even had one client say her father had told them not to call my attention to a roof problem, "If he catches that, I'll know he knows what he's doing." I caught it.
Folks, the inspector is not there to be tested - he is there to learn everything he can about this particular property within the acceptable time - 2-3 hours or more. I always try to do some homework before an inspection - checking county records for property information, checking permits from the county to see any work done, etc. This gives me a head-start on the inspection. It also often explains things in the house, such as an addition or a new roof. By the same token, if the buyer or Realtor knows that, for example, the seller complained that a breaker keeps tripping, or a shower fixture leaks, these help the inspector to understand the house and any issues therein.
Some time ago, I got a tip from another inspector. He gave his client and/or the Realtor a pad of paper and pen to write down any concerns or questions, for him to address before the inspection was over. I've tried this, but have never had anyone write anything. I've also never had any luck in getting a copy of a seller's disclosure.
Even if a concern turns up as unwarranted, I feel it's in the buyer's best interests to share these concerns with the inspector, before the inspection... if for no other reason, than to put them to rest. If you have any concerns about your inspector's abilities, perhaps he's not the right one for you.
I think this all goes back to how to initially qualify an inspector. Talk to him. Become comfortable with the inspector, and ask a lot of questions. I don't subscribe strictly to the theory that a cheap inspection is necessarily a bad inspection, but you usually do get what you pay for. And if you don't feel comfortable with your choice, you may be tempted to "test" him.
So, make the right choice, leave the testing to the professionals... and don't try to "Catch the Inspector"...
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