TOPIC: Lastest NOVAhi Template

Now you could not see or tell that the shingles were not nailed down. You did report (in writing) that the roof was OK. You told your client that they should have an invasive inspection because in your mind something bothered you about the roof. You are not supposed to lift shingles and do an invasive inspection as a roofer may or would.

Unless you live in Texas. Believe it or not, their new regulations as of February REQUIRE inspectors to life shingles. There's a huge debate on how they're supposed to do this an perform a non invasive inspection at the same time, yet the law was passed anyways.

I can only imagine what their insurance rates are if the inspections are becoming invasive!

Haven't asked any of the guys but we have quite a few Texas users, maybe one of them will comment.

I agree with both sides of the argument in this case (talk about sitting on the fence).  However, there is little use to hire a home inspector who referes you to several other "experts".  I also work for a career fire department as a medic and write patient care reports daily, which are a legal document.  I believe a home inspection report should be written similarly.  I can not say that a patient is drunk, I have to say appears intoxicated, because I have no way to measure a blood alcohol, the legal difinition of intoxicated (drunk).  Reports have to written objectively (what you see), with very little subjectivity (something you can't prove).  For instance, if a HVAC system works when the thermostat is operated; I will describe it as "HVAC responded approipriately when operated."  If the system appears dirty or has not been serviced in some time, I will recommend "Recommend having HVAC serviced by licensed technician due to unit age, service records, dirty unit", etc.  If you feel that you need to recommend an "expert" to follow up, then give a specific reason as to why.  Another example is when a foundation is cracked, more than just settlement cracks.  I recommend the client to consult a structural engineer.  In the report I site to reason why.  Basically, it is ok to recommend another expert if you can give a good reason why, but that should not be an every inspection occurance.  My opinion.

Thank You

I just wanted to remind everyone here that we are not experts in the systems we inspect.  If you are a licensed, plumber, electrician, HVAC, etc, you would then be an expert in that field.

As for using the word "appears", I look at that like an attorney using the word "opinion".  It helps keep your butt safe.  Lets face it, we ALL make mistakes.  And I would bet a dollar we ALL miss at least one thing EVERY INSPECTION.

As for using pictures, I look at them as an additional item I can offer other inspectors don't have.  Not as a legal item.  If you want to look at them in legal perspective, I think they could be a double edged sword.

We as inspectors shouldn't get upset for other inspectors trying to protect themselves in a sue happy word.  When our industry leans towards using certain words, phrases, and contracts, most likely its because someone has found out the hard way not to word things in a specific manner.