When is a defect not a defect?

By
Home Inspector with Inspector Mike #2116

Home inspection ‘defects' may not necessarily be so. Some of the time those defect should be listed as recommendations rather than defects.

One important thing that most individuals that perform home inspections, Home Inspectors, Architects, Professional Engineers, etc., forget is that an installation may have been approved by the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

The AHJ may have deemed something safe at the time of construction. Example: two wires under a single lug on a breaker. This is not necessarily unsafe. Yes it may be but it may also be safe. Not following the manufactures specifications may or may not be a problem. Calling it out IS recommended. How it is called out is what is important.

If nothing was codified at the time of construction then the AHJ would effectively be the ‘code'.

So everyone involved in a real estate transaction should take care as to what may or may not be a defect.

Here in Ohio we did not have a statewide standard until 27 May 2006 so there are many different codes that may apply. And that may be true in your state also.

It is very important that Realtors® surround themselves with individuals that can explain these differences in opinions.

 

Remember how something is called out and how you put it in a request to remedy could make or break your deal!!!!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/927114/CSST-Revisited-in-Ohio

http://activerain.com/blogsview/871331/Why-electrical-inspections-are-needed

http://activerain.com/blogsview/935595/Is-your-new-home-built-properly

http://activerain.com/blogsview/874120/Understanding-Trusses

http://www.yourhomesok.com/why_us.htm

Comments (1)

Not a real person
San Diego, CA

I have an AHJ here who allows the TPR drain pipe to be a few hundred feet long with a few hundred 90° elbows. I tell my Clients that I know he allows it, but I refer them to the installation manual for the water heater, which invariably "recommends" following local ordinances or limiting the number of elbows to no more than six and keeping the drain pipe as short as possible. As long as my Clients are educated....

Mar 07, 2009 07:11 AM

What's the reason you're reporting this blog entry?

Are you sure you want to report this blog entry as spam?