An inspector\’s home inspection checklist utilization promises top-notch performance, results consistent with other inspectors, and ethical treatment. The home inspection checklist brings rewards such as assuring nothing is unintentionally overlooked, fulfilling legal standards, and preventing conflicts of interest. Actually, the inspection business deals with several checklists, and this article takes a look at each list\’s purpose and rewards.

First, a home inspection checklist that describes preparations a client and/or real estate agent must make before the actual inspection is not mandated by standards but nonetheless of great value. Having everything go off smoothly so that the inspector doesn\’t have to come back due to something accidentally missed is the main reward to be reaped from this list. Examples of list elements are: ensure that no one, including the owner, pets, and workmen, could potentially interfere with the inspection; ensure that nothing (e.g., belongings) is blocking access to key components including garage, electrical panel, crawl space, and attic; ensure that no utility is unintentionally turned off; and ensure that the house is unlocked.

Every other checklist we review reflects Standards of Practice issued by state governments or professional trade organizations. One regulates the way an inspector needs to conduct his business. Adhering to this list brings the reward of safeguarding the legal relationship between the home inspector and his client. It focuses primarily on the contract, or pre-inspection agreement, and the inspection report, indicating such things as what information the contract must include and the length of time the inspector needs to retain it in his records.

Next we consider a checklist that deals with ethics. The rewards it brings are high-quality, professional inspector performance and elimination of conflict-of-interest issues. Elements of the ethics list include the following requirements: the inspector cannot have special connections to other parties who are part of the transaction without disclosing them; he cannot skew reported defects or prejudice his findings in return for promised future referrals; he cannot advertise in a fraudulent manner; and he must wait at least one year to repair found defects for pay on any inspected home.

Another list covers disclaimers of what an inspection excludes. Its reward is greater client awareness of scope of what is inspected and the squelching of preconceived ideas. Typically the home inspector makes the disclaimers known in a clause of the contract. Example disclaimers are: inspecting is not invasive or technically exhaustive, it doesn\’t entail moving objects, it does not examine code compliance, and it is not a survey of environmental conditions or hazardous materials. In addition, the list makes clear that the inspector need not determine a defect\’s cause and need not issue a promise, warranty, or guarantee in any form.

Last but not least we look at the most important checklist, stipulating everything that must be included in a home inspection. The reward to be reaped is again greater client awareness. List elements are manifold and categorized according to function (e.g., heating, plumbing, electrical, structure) and/or location (exterior, attic, crawl space, garage, kitchen).

Together, all these lists govern all aspects of inspecting and bring many rewards.

John W. Gordon is a home inspector licensed to operate in Washington State. His business name is Dr. Inspector LLC, based in Bellingham. John is methodical and customer oriented. His comprehensive home inspection report is well regarded. See more at his website, www.HomeInspectionWA.net.

John W. Gordon is a home inspector licensed to operate in Washington State. His business name is Dr. Inspector LLC, based in Bellingham. John is methodical and customer oriented. His comprehensive home inspection report is well regarded. See more at his website, http://www.HomeInspectionWA.net.

Author Bio: John W. Gordon is a home inspector licensed to operate in Washington State. His business name is Dr. Inspector LLC, based in Bellingham. John is methodical and customer oriented. His comprehensive home inspection report is well regarded. See more at his website, www.HomeInspectionWA.net.

Category: Real Estate
Keywords: home inspection, home inspector, home inspection checklist, inspection report