Gas Line only inspection

[jschway]

I have an out of town client (A property preservation specialist company) that wants me to inspect only the gas lines and components attached to the gas. This is a foreclosure bank owned property. Any suggestions on how to handle this? Im adding a rider to my pre inspection contract to include an option to only inspect gas. Im assuming that the gas will be shut off. Any suggestions on what I might find or should be on the look out for? Thanks

[Brandon Whitmore]

I'll assume this is natural gas, since you say the gas will likely be shut off.

Is this is visual inspection only?

Are the gas lines low pressure or 2 psi?

Are they concerned with leaks, and do they want an air test of the lines?

What exactly are "components attached to the gas? (does this mean all gas fired equipment, bonding systems??)

Hopefully, you are well versed in code requirements, manufacturer's installation instructions, etc. If that's the case, the inspection should be a slam dunk once you determine exactly what you are looking at.

[Marc]

I'm aware that Brandon has significant credentials for such an inspection. Given that such credentials do exist, I would suggest to jschway that before he proceeds on such a request that he examine just what credentials he has in regard to inspection of gas lines, appliances, etc. It's not a reflection on his knowledge at all, just a prudent consideration.

Marc

[jschway]

The reason I was asking is because I'm new to the inspection world. I need to take every opportunity to"get my feet wet"

This is a visual inspection. They know that I will not turn the gas on nor will I do an air test.

I have been very upfront with what I will and will not inspect. I plan to send my preinspection agreement with a rider attached to it first thing tomorrow unless a wise experienced home inspector would tell me not to take the job.

[kurt]

Of what particular use is a "gas line" inspection without air/pressure test?

How does one inspect (which usually means analyze in my world) components attached to gas lines....lacking gas?

The nature of the question tends to make me think the client isn't sure of what they want. They may have a vague general idea, but it doesn't seem attached to any reality I can think of.

Have I got this wrong?

[jschway]

You are correct. The bank is requesting this information from my client.

[kurt]

I don't think I'd want this job. Are you familiar with the process of subrogation?

[Marc]

You are correct. The bank is requesting this information from my client.

If you're going to take this job and the bank's questions are specific, then you should, at the minimum, specify that the scope of the job is limited to answering those questions. Don't leave the scope too broad or it's limits vague. That leaves folks plenty to room to fault you.

Lacking that, I wouldn't assume that much liability. What Kurt said.

Marc

[Jim Katen]

Why wouldn't they just call the gas utility?

[kurt]

Can't lay off risk on a utility.

[jschway]

Ok. I'm going to pass of this job. It sounded easy and quick at first but your experience speaks loud.

Here is what they are asking for. "Please provide a gas line inspection line item estimate for the entire property with "before" photos for all identified issues. inspector must assess the safe working conditions of all interior and exterior gas systems and provide a list of all gas appliances.

[Marc]

Sounds pretty much all-encompassing. No limits, no exclusions. Typical for a bank or mortgage lender.

Marc

[ghentjr]

Ok. I'm going to pass of this job.

Excellent Idea.

[Jim Katen]

Ok. I'm going to pass of this job. It sounded easy and quick at first but your experience speaks loud.

Here is what they are asking for. "Please provide a gas line inspection line item estimate for the entire property with "before" photos for all identified issues. inspector must assess the safe working conditions of all interior and exterior gas systems and provide a list of all gas appliances.

That's not "getting your feet wet." It's jumping into the deep end.

[Nolan Kienitz]

Ok. I'm going to pass of this job. It sounded easy and quick at first but your experience speaks loud.

Here is what they are asking for. "Please provide a gas line inspection line item estimate for the entire property with "before" photos for all identified issues. inspector must assess the safe working conditions of all interior and exterior gas systems and provide a list of all gas appliances.

That's not "getting your feet wet." It's jumping into the deep end.

... And the bank/lender and their attorneys would be rubbing their hands with "glee" seeing that have a target.

BTW - very good call on your part jschway ...

[Brandon Whitmore]

Very good choice on not taking that job; I wouldn't have accepted the liability either.

[Brandon Whitmore]

Here's a poor picture from a gas line inspection I did last week.

There are several violations visible, assuming you can zoom in to see good enough.

I showed up to size our gas service and meter, and to do some consultation work. The owner asked me to check things out while the plumber was working away.

Before I left, they asked me how to fix it (not just this one issue). After considering their options, they decided to start completely from scratch. Nothing like throwing appx. 10k down the drain.

Download Attachment: gas1.jpg

1716.78?KB