TOPIC: inspection question

Hey Stephen.  I did not know that to be a home inspector in Washington you also have to be a Pest Inspector.  That's a big bummer I think.  It's a job I wouldn't want to do.  I understand the insurance rates for that around here are high, but have never looked into it.  Here the sellers provide a receipt of an inspection that occurred within 30 days of settlement and if repairs or remediation were required it also tells the buyers what was done.  Some buyers get their own guy in addition, but that guy isn't me...  I've not looked into a bond here instead of such insurance.  I don't know even if it's acceptable in lieu.

As to the microwave, I heard from the agent, but not my clients.  They never really complained to me.  The agent just let me know what had happened.  I went to the store, bought the microwave and dropped it off on their porch.  No one asked me to and I don't think they expected anything.  They got home and did not know where it had come from.  They called her!  She did tell me they were impressed I would do that.  She was too.  Who knows, maybe they regifted it!?

As to reporting it to my insurance company, I don't know.  It didn't seem like a big issue, wasn't one really.  I will have to read my policy to see what I am supposed to report and not.  I have had E&O for many years and frankly don't know what my have to's are.  That microwave certainly was no claim though. 

The other circumstance would have been though!  I told them about that, right away, and before the seller had done anything formally to me.  The company got involved on its own.  I don't know how far that seller would have taken it, but he was certainly seemed mad enough about it to do something.  I of course did not know the washer was previously broken.  The insurance company discovered that on my behalf.

But yes, Stephen, I am a proponent of insurance!  It is to protect assets.  That's why we have it!  As I said, things happen.  I have E&O, general liability, umbrella, a bond, workman's comp and business asset insurance (like my stuff - if my IR camera gets stolen, etc.  It includes my home office, in case of burglary, and car...).  Builders around here won't let me on site without all but the asset insurance.  I do a lot of new construction inspections which I would not be able to do without all that. 

And I'm with you on the peace of mind CD's can give!  Go for it!

By the way, I really like the quote on the bottom of your posts ("Field of Dreams"?) and am with you there too!  I was disgusted when colleges let aluminum bats be used!

I'm glad you are posting on this site!  Stick around!

Jay,
The Structural Pest Inspector's license in this state falls under the Washington State Department of Agriculture and they threw a broad umbrella over us a few years back.  The actual SPI license requires us to report on wood rot, carpenter ants, termites and wood boring beetle's.  The topper and biggest thing they added was "any condition conducive to those issues".  So basically, even a damaged gutter, better yet a full gutter, could lead to water not properly draining down the downspout and could therefor run onto the facia or sheathing and lead to rot. Exposed siding, plants up against the home, soil to close to the siding, etc etc etc...

That is just a basic example, you get the picture I am sure:)  The new home inspector licensing law will allow for inspector's to either be a SPI or not.  Inspector's will be able to identify but then must defer to a licensed pest person.

Rob

Wow!  I report all that, but not in the context of "conducive."

I actually disclaim termites, wood borers, ants and damage on my agreement.  The termite guys have a different agreement.  If I see termite evidence, I mention it, with the qualifier that I am not the termite inspector and the mention is for information only.

That is one broad umbrella!  The insurance industry would call that "exposure..."

The old way was to offer a warranty and give out some huge figure that would cover any mistakes. I do not see that offered on many Inspector's agreements anymore in MA since we are required to have the E&O coverage. Last time I saw one was 3,000 dollars additional to warranty the inspection report.

The one that always trips them is when they ask whether you carry E&O (especially a realtor) tell them your wife is your E&O. Mine is an attorney..

That is just a basic example, you get the picture I am sure:)  The new home inspector licensing law will allow for inspector's to either be a SPI or not.  Inspector's will be able to identify but then must defer to a licensed pest person.

Rob

Rob,  Point of clarification.  Unless you have your SPI license you cannot "identify" anything except wood rot.  If there are termites, beetles or ants you may not specify what type they are, even if you know because you had your pest license at one time.  You can only say "wood destroying insects" and must defer to someone with a pest license.  Giving a specific type without your pest license will be a violation of the state pest laws and subject to fine.

hi all newbe here
had a call the other day and first question from the realtor was do i have error and omissions insurance/if u guys had that as the first question how would u respond
buywisehomeinspections.com

Always answer truthfully...  If you're in this business long enough, you'll end up being deposed at some point in time.  Don't let this stuff come back to haunt you.

With regard to individual state requirements, those are always "Minimum" standards.  Here in California many real estate firms won't knowingly use contractors who aren't fully insured and provide additional insured coverage to the agents themselves.

Call Bob Pearson at Allen Insurance.  He can assist you with an insurance plan that you pay per inspection rather than a larger more expensive policy.  It'll will no doubt be a limited policy, but maybe just what the doctor ordered in your particular case.

Good Luck!