wcgosman

I Think ASHI was wise in writing in the standards a couple of related items; 'not required to write code violations and not required to write up repair specifications. I am willing to be judged in court by the ASHI standards, and thankfully after 26 years that hasn't come up, but there are a couple of ways to set yourself higher standards to be judged in court by. First is using the "Code" word in the inspection report. I consider that this is raising the standard by which one inspects by, such that if someone makes a claim that a code violation was missed it becomes difficult to use ASHI standards as a defence when the report includes other code violations. Some inspectors even advertise that they exceed ASHI standards, wow, now what standards will the court go by - likely any one the plantiffs' attorny wants. Some here seem to know all the codes well enough to cite all violations and thats admirable - I can't and have never written up a violation as "Code". In my area it becomes a problem when something is written up as wrong and so do "x". The buyers then demand the sellers do "x" and the sellers want something other than "because the inspector said so" , they want a reference. This creates contract issues and nobodies happy. Personally I would have writin this issue as "I consider the exposed gas line a potential hazard such as by damage from tripping on. I recommend having the gas co. or lic. plumber check and make recommendation" I have alerted the buyer, the buyers not going to ask the sellers to fix, and I have made a recommendation. Its always worked for me anyway.

Price Shoppers! When logic and experience aren't convincing, it depends on how much I want work. Sometimes they just hang up after a price quote and I will call back and take the job at the price they want. I can usually sell an add on at the house such as termite inspection or radon test or other service and get to meet a new agent. Sometimes negotiations is a cultural thing, so depending on the caller I add a 100 to my price so they feel good when I come down a 100. On the other hand clients who whine about $25 are usually the first to whine about the dishwasher that breaks down 3 months after the inspection and want to know why they should be out the $50 to fix it Bill Gosman W.C.Gosman Associates

Heavy up? swapping out a 100 amp entrance and panel for 200amp I see this done all the time with no permit

When if feel it is warrented I recommend them particularly for a heavy up. But normally it takes me about 20 seconds to search myself online for each job. It gives me a nice added history of the house. I tend to look at things from the buyers point of few. Most buyers would consider it useful information and I would feel remis if I withheld useful information. I have never had a problem with recommending a search or doing it myself and my clients appreciate it. Whats the down side? Also in some occations illegal work can void a home owners policy for a fire from illegal electrical work. This is particularly a problem with wood burning stoves with no permit. I do note when the work appears professionaly done and warn of complications that might arise if they get the officials involved such as having to open up drywall. Then this is the buyers choice