Is It Ethical for Inspector to Also Make Repairs?
QUESTION: As a licensed Realtor, I encourage my buyers to hire a home inspector before every purchase. The inspector I generally recommend has always done a competent job, but I’m concerned that he also contracts to repair the conditions listed in his inspection reports.
This strikes me as a conflict of interest and has caused me to consider finding another inspector. In your opinion, is it an ethical practice for home inspectors to perform repair work?
ANSWER: Throughout the home inspection field, there is an accepted national standard that precludes inspectors from performing repairs of any kind on homes inspected.
This prohibition is a primary principle of the codes of ethics of all recognized inspector associations. From a consumer’s perspective, the only assurance of a home inspector’s objectivity is his or her inability to derive financial benefit from faulty conditions discovered during an inspection.
A home inspector must remain a detached third party in the transaction. Even if the inspector is honest and would never compromise the verity of a report, the general perception of his work will be suspect if he stands to profit from defects in the property.
To limit your own liability and protect the interests of your clients, avoid inspectors who indulge in this compromising practice.
When hiring an inspector, it is best to ask for references. Ask other real estate agents whom they recommend. It might be wise to ask the inspectors themselves for a list of clients whom you can call for references. Call them to confirm the inspector’s reliability and professionalism.
That is the only way you can ensure that the property your clients are buying is receiving the most accurate inspection it can.
Law Tersely States: Strap Water Heaters
Q: According to my Realtor, earthquake straps are required on all water heaters. My water heater is installed in a small closet that would easily hold the fixture in an upright position in the event of a quake. Does this method of securing the water heater eliminate the need for strapping?
A: With regard to seismic safety requirements for water heaters, the plumbing code is written in few words, without stated exceptions.
According to the most recent code, the only condition that exempts a water heater from mandated restraints is that the fixture be located outside of seismic zones 3 and 4. For anyone living in those areas, that leaves little room for debate.
From a practical viewpoint, even a rigidly built closet provides no surety that a water heater will remain on its feet in a severe quake. As anyone who has lived through a major quake can tell you, things that seem totally secure can literally come apart when the Earth starts dancing. Most water heaters are connected to gas piping that can become disconnected if the water heater should fall. For the sake of fire safety, seismic strapping is strictly required.
Safe Aluminum Wires Require Special Paste
Q: A home inspector reported a problem with our electric service panel. He said the aluminum wire ends should be covered with a special paste, called antioxidant, to prevent corrosion.
Our electrician says that anti-oxidant is optional and is not required by code. We want to be sure our electrical wiring is safe but are unsure of whose opinion to believe. Is there a special code requirement for treating aluminum wire ends with antioxidant? If so, how important is it?
A: Antioxidant is a special compound that prevents corrosion on aluminum wire ends. This corrosion, known as aluminum oxide, is an insulator that restricts the ability of wire connections to properly conduct electricity. When this happens, the wires can become hot, and this constitutes a significant fire hazard.
The application of antioxidant is a standard practice among most electricians, because of its fire-preventive benefits. But there are still those who omit its use, because the legal directive is not explicitly listed in the National Electric Code.
The requirement, however, although not directly stated, is nonetheless inferred by Article 110 of the code. This rule requires that all electrical equipment be installed in compliance with the manufacturer’s labeling. Therefore, electricians must regard manufacturers’ specifications as code. In the case of aluminum wiring, manufacturers specify the use of antioxidant on all aluminum wire connections.
Your home inspector’s recommendation is consistent with the electric code and with the common sense of proactive fire prevention practices. My advice is to employ an electrician who concurs with the inspector’s finding.
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Got a question about any aspect of the home inspection? Send it to Barry Stone, Los Angeles Times, 540 Atascadero Road, Morro Bay, CA 93442. Queries can also be sent via e-mail to: inspector@fix.net
All questions will be considered for use in “Ask the Inspector” but cannot be answered individually.
