TOPIC: Inspection checklist/software and insurance - getting started

Yeah, that's it.  I gotta admit, that was funny.



Okay, I do think Bob has hit on something on one of his websites.  This is a great quote:

  "Dominic Marcic the renowned software designer took many..."


Is there an HIP web hosting discount if this is included? I secretly wondered if Dom had narcissistic tendencies.

Which site is that on?
Looks like a mis-spell.

He may take my Hippie card away if he sees that.

Cameron if you think clients have no time for detail why are you inspecting my site with so much detail? 

It didn't take much inspecting to find that, I was trying to find the sample report you and Bruce were discussing.  Here it is:

www.chicagolandhomeinspection.com/home_inspection_report.html


I do inspect with a great amount of detail, or anal retentiveness, whichever fits.  I just don't think it is necessary to go into detail about items which are functional without defects. And describing materials outside of the SOP requirements doesn't make an inspection or the report "quality", unless you're looking to  get quoted in a "Fine Homebuilding" article.

If that's what you say it takes to make an inspection report a quality document, please, PLEASE, immediately start teaching Continuing Education classes to all my competitors.

Hey if you wish to perform to minimum code ,be my guest.
The Agents will pick you over me for sure and in a small market I am sure you depend on them more for business. Touche.

Seriously though if you only stick to facts then you also make no mention needing GFCI in grandfathered properties or discuss needing bathroom exhausts even if there is a window, or is opening the old single pane in January just fine in Peoria.?

How about Kitchen range hoods?
Do you note if they vent out or are ventless? After all that is not part of SOP so why bother? (right)?

If you are a stickler then on dishwashers do you insist on need for a air gap or is a high loop acceptable?
Do you suggest caulking the back splash at sinks or since it is not in SOP are you happy to not bother?

Lets put it this way...I look out for my clients best interest and most of my clients are first time home buyers that wish for detail.Now since you like my sites go read the reviews and see what they like about my reports.

O Lord, why am I continuing to type...?  It's like a car wreck you just can't look away from, you know you should just drive by and forget it, but you can't.

Okay, I'm sure I'm in the pocket of all the Realtors in my little tiny market, but that's all beside the point.

What feels like a few hundred posts ago you told Bruce, “please stick to subject.”. There is a big difference between describing the materials used in constructing components in the house and calling out potential defects or future issues within those components.

  - GFCIs are a safety issue, not a material description.
  - Bathroom exhausts are a moisture control upgrade, not a material description
  - Range hood venting is a moisture control issue, not a material description.
  - A dishwasher high-loop is part of the Illinois SOP, not a material description
  - Backsplash caulking is preventative maintenance, not a material description

Sure, I would report on all of those as needed because they are defects or potential issues. But won't spend time saying, “The GFCIs are vertical GE brand, the bathroom vents are 120volt and noted, the range hood is aluminum and serviceable, dishwasher is a Hotpoint – Ser.# NS284.129, Countertop is sealed granite.” None of those are exaggerations, I've seen all kinds of notes like those in inspection reports and I just don't think they are needed.  Material descriptions about how every component is constructed are outside the SOP, unnecessary for a detailed report and ignored by clients across the USA. 

Bob, you have really good reviews and none of them praise you for your “well versed descriptions of our hardwood flooring” or “I sure am glad you mentioned the type of trusses in the attic”.  Come on man! Be proud of what your clients are proud of; they like the detailed descriptions of the issues you found. That's what saved them money and headaches.

And I'm pretty sure “touche” is what you say when someone else makes a good argument, not when your proud of your own point.  Is everyone enjoying this show?

Cameron,I am sure you know your stuff and do a great job for your clients also and the Agent comment was a joke by the way so lighten up.

Back to nuts and bolts here I think taking serial numbers is a great idea and many Inspectors use a service that automatically checks those numbers for recall by the way.
Imagine that the first time that you are aware of an appliance recall is when the fire marshal tells you after your house fire. www.appliancerecallcheck.com/

I myself spent 6 years as part of my life installing all types of appliances sold by Sears and can tell you right now that there are many that have been recalled so brand name does matter.

How about if you have a Federal Pacific panel ,does that mean anything to you?

Knowing that your home is Brick constructed vs Brick veneer is also very important to clients as it will determine how the proceed with rehab/remodeling projects.
I can go on and on however arguing for giving less information to your client as being superior to a FULL report is an argument you will not win Cameron.

Yes I know you like using that i phone for photos but it simply is not suited for detail which is where your argument is springing from.
By the way I have compared the i phone to my Android Evo and find the images are actually better on the EVO.
Optical lenses make more of a difference after 3MP and anything after 3 MP is pointless.Touche  lol