It sound as though you handled it very well. Since being badly burned once from the home improvement business, I am very wary of that type of client. (Someday I hope to get over that) I probably would have done something stupid that would only have hurt my business in the long run.
Did you do the sewer scope or do you sub that out? How did you handle the exclusions?
The sewer scope/ rodding was referred out.
here is my response-- lol enjoy!
Questions re: AGREEMENT:
We reviewed and have a few questions/comments.
1. Please delete ‘radon’ from the ‘Exclusions’ as we have agreed to include that.
I will include radon, as we discussed, in the Pre Inspection Agreement.
2. Will you test for ‘normal functioning’ (kitchen and laundry household appliances, smoke detectors, exterior lighting, etc.) even if excluded?
Checking for normal functioning is common in a home inspection. However, since most appliances are intended for regular household use and some appliances will remain in home as part of the sale, the client may want to look at the normal function or have the seller demonstrate normal function.
3. Will you list the presence of any ‘antennae, satellite dishes, lightening arrestors, trees or plants’ even if excluded?
I will list the items above if they, in my opinion pose a potential problem that should be reported in the inspection, or are otherwise hidden from normal vision ( ie antennae in attic) etc.
4. Will you list the presence of any ‘heating system accessories’ even if excluded?
Typically NO, because that may include highly specialized duct uv systems or the like which really require a specifically qualified technician. I will report on visual signs of poor maintenance or damage.
5. Will you list the presence of any ‘alarm systems (there is an ADT sign in the photo), security and fire protection systems’ even if not inspected?
I will list presence of an alarm system but I encourage you to ask present owner about warrantee info, manuals, keys, codes, operation etc, or the alarm or other low voltage system.
6. Can the report discuss missing or deficient items that are required by code or standard practice even if ‘excluded’ such as:
1. lightening arrestor system or
2. emergency power backup for the sump pumps,
3. carbon monoxide alarms,
4. GFI outlets, settled/cracked ac pad
5. Frost Proof HB
6. exterior lights, on wall and on post
A home inspection is not a code compliance inspection, but a general overview of the homes condition which will typically include safety concerns and problems. Sometimes the Inspector will supersede local code in that a present condition may not be against code but is considered unsafe or incorrect and it will be included in the report.
7. Can a sewer system videoing from house to street be requested in report (sewer back-up)? Is a die test from the sump another option?
I always recommend a sewer line inspection especially where there are trees (which is almost every place homes are), or when visual indicators show poor maintenance practices. A dye test can also be performed by a licensed plumbing contractor if there appears to be the need for it, but that will mostly be up to the plumbing contractor in question.
8. If there is visual evidence of a potential problem (like mold in the basement or attic, or termites or mice droppings, etc), can the report recommend a separate mold inspection and remediation?
Yes during my inspection I will look for issues such as these and I will recommend the appropriate action.
9. Can the report include approximate costs to repair deficiencies?
No – this is not a cost analysis- the best person for that is a trade specific professional.
for example if there is a problem listed in the electrical panel or receptacles – a licensed electrical contractor will be able to provide a quote for the cost of recommended service and at the same time will have the expertise to find more issues upon a deeper analysis which may add to the repair costs.
10. The crawl space and garage and attic will be inspected, correct?
Yes- these are typical areas covered in a home inspection, so long as there is adequate and safe access for the inspector, in which case there may be some limitations.
11. Will the chimney/fireplace be checked for normal functioning (gas log type, NOT a wood burning)? How to check for chimney being clean?
No first there will be a visual inspection, but lighting a fire is beyond the IL STANDARDS OF PRACTICE .
However- feel free to ask the home owner to operate the fireplace or to describe the last maintenance period or otherwise inform of condition. The damper opening will be visually inspected.
12. Can water pressure and quality be checked?
Yes- water pressure can be checked with a gage I own, but I do not do lab analysis of water quality- a sampling kit can be obtained from your local ace or a report of the city water quality should be available online through the city or by your request.
