TOPIC: Advice about a customer complaint...A Plumbing issue

Good Luck David...

Let us know how it goes....

Happy Easter everyone!

I settled for $150.  This would have been a non issue if I would have added verbiage about  the limitation of what I inspected. The access was smaller than
18 by 24 !!...the crawl space was on 12 inches from the ground to the joist.
I would have had to crawl commando style for 30 feet to the other side of the house.  There was no indication on my initial inspection  to do a full commando
inspection of the crawl space....I should have noted what I seen and advise the
customer to seek the advice of a licensed plumber for an expert analysis if they
want to know about hidden leaks or breaks. Im taking it as a lesson to make it clear to customers about a crawl space inspection that has limited view and access. They will get verbiage in Red....to seek the advice of a license plumbing contractor for an expert anaysis and exposing hidden leaks breaks that cannot be seen from a normal inspection.

David

Not only a lesson but a happy client as well.  That could give you a referral sometime down the road.

Not only a lesson but a happy client as well.  That could give you a referral sometime down the road.

Thanks...I kind of looked at it  that way....I told the guy why make it ugly and go to court .

Did you find out more about the $800 job?

Did you find out more about the $800 job?

The $800 was to dry the crawl space out....but the client stopped using his kitchen sink so it was dry when I showed up. The client stated that his brother
would fix it for $150 so I said what the hell...I will give you $150 to shut up.
I could have solved this problem by following Home Inspector guide lines.
The crawl space was to small to enter..it was less than 18 by 24. there was only 12 inches from the ground to the joist. Advised the client on the percentage that I could  see and  and recommend a licensed plumbing contractor for a full in depth analysis.  All the facts where their for me to state.
I got bit by not following  HI guide lines.  Its warning for the future.

David

Other issues can be present in addition to plumbing, ie; electrical, foundation, structural framing, etc...  Whenever you're unable to inspect a crawl space list it as being partially, substantially or completely inaccessible.  Don't advise to call a plumber unless you know there's a problem.  If the owner were to find an electrical problem they'll state you advised them to call a plumber not an electrician, etc...

Did it show up on the termite report?  Did the termite inspection access it? 

Sample Verbiage when an issue is noted during inspection - "Allen Insurance":

1.  Refer to an independent licensed plumbing contractor for further inspection/service as needed to ensure plumbing systems integrity prior to close of escrow.

2.  Sub area was completely inaccessible due to substandard service access and and  or limited framing clearance above grade.  The area was NOT inspected and is NOT included in the inspection and or report as a result of same.