Massachusetts has required home inspectors to be licensded since 2001. The prospective buyer wants to know whats wrong with the house. The defined term is "IN NEED OF REPAIR" - Does not adquately function or perform as intended and/or presents a safety hazard.
Many of the sample reports I see posted use the term "Repair as needed". Maybe I'm too particular, but I don't think "IN NEED OF REPAIR" and "REPAIR AS NEEDED" mean the same thing. What do you think?
Dear Jim,
You have struck a chord with me! So many inspectors are so vague. My favorite is "in need of further evaluation"! What the heck does that mean?
Some inspectors put that on every category! They will never get my business!
An inspector doesn't guarantee, but they need to supply their client with substantive information!
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
The term "in need of further evaluation" is there to let the client know when there is an issue and the inspector can not see the scope of the issue.
I too get fustrated by vague reports.
Anytime you see "in need of further evaluation" there should be a reason explaining why the inspector thinks an expert or licensed tradesperson should be contacted. Typical categories for using this designation are; 1) The inspector can't see scope or boundaries of the problem, 2) There is a good chance there is concealed damage based upon the visual clues, 3) The area is beyond the expertise of the inspector.
If there is no reason listed, then the client should contact the inspector to discover the reason for the need of further evaluation. - Just as you wrote... supply their client with substantive information!
Thanks for your comment!
Jim
Just wondering if Massachusetts buyer's agents have a preference to the term "In Need of Repair" vs. "Repair as Needed" when recommending a home inspector?
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