Home Inspector, Hero, Villain or Scapegoat?

Benefit and value of service, and accountability are the benchmarks of home inspection professionals. Whether revered, vilified or targeted by frivolous lawsuits, the home inspector walks a very fine line.

FACT: (The Hero part)  a young couple upon recommendation by their extremely reputable and highly professional R.E. broker seeks the services of a home inspector on a newly rebuilt home in a very desirable area. In a relatively competitive market, an inspection fee of some hundreds of dollars results in a report on the condition of a home in the several hundred thousand dollar range.

REALITY: Within a few short hours, the inspector makes observations capturing enough information to identify a variety of materially defective reportable conditions of which the clients (buyers) were unaware, and so as it evolved, was the builder. Adroit representation by the couple’s broker, substantiated by the inspector’s report findings, resulted in a negotiated transaction closing to the advantage of the buyers, many times cost of the inspection fee. 

As an independent, objective and unbiased third-party reporter, the home inspector works for and reports directly their client. Inspection findings and report information are for the sole use and benefit of the buyer.

FACT: (The Villain part) While often in the eyes of the buyer their inspector may be a hero, this is not necessarily a sentiment shared by all involved in the transaction. The seller wants the most they can get for the property, and the listing and/or selling agents translate that into higher commissions on the sale. Unaffected by the potential outcome, the inspector may not enjoy popularity by all concerned.

REALITY: The young couple looking to firm up an offer on that $2 million home will think nothing of an inspection fee that represents 1/1000th of the value of the property. A great deal of work and the investment of time and money on the part of real estate agents and brokers go into bringing buyers and sellers together on an offer. It’s sometimes difficult for agents and brokers not to want to lay blame to the inspector for the possible evaporation of commissions in excess of $100,000. Inspectors do not “kill” deals, some deals just cannot be made.

With tort reform a faint glimmer on a distant horizon, as a society we have fallen prey to not taking personal responsibility and have no qualms about embarking upon fishing expeditions into the deep pockets of insurers.

FACT: (The Scapegoat part) In any given year, about one in four home inspectors will be sued, typically on a claim of breach or negligence. Even when suit is brought against an agent or broker, the inspector is always either enjoined or named in a subsequent cross-complaint. The moment an inspector steps onto a property, they know their reputation, and company or personal assets are on the line.

REALITY: In the same way that medical malpractice claims have deterred aspiring nurses and physicians, and caused degradation to available healthcare, the more than 75% of frivolous lawsuits brought against home inspectors result in higher fees by those still courageous (or perhaps foolhardy) enough to offer real estate inspection services. Consumers need to know who is on their side, and what the home inspector puts at risk to support them in their transactions.

Homebuyers and sellers are urged to retain the services of qualified inspectors trained and experienced in home inspection. It is also very important that the inspector be a member of a well-founded professional association such as CREIA. Established in 1976, CREIA is the largest and oldest state inspection association in the country. CREIA inspectors must adhere to CREIA's Code of Ethics and follow the Standards of Practice developed and maintained by the Association. Recognized by the State of California, these Standards of Practice are considered the source for Home Inspector Standard of Care by the real estate and legal communities.

About Steve Zivolich and Guaranteed Property Inspections: www.gpinspect.com

Steve Zivolich, M.A., the owner/operator of Guaranteed Property Inspection and Mold Investigation Inc. has been providing property and environmental inspections for over 13 years in Orange County and Southern California.

Steve Z. has performed over 6,000 home inspections, mold, energy and environmental inspections and is fully certified and insured to meet all your inspection needs. He personally provides all field inspection services and as a result is able to maintain the highest Better Business Bureau rating of A+.

Steve has extensive training and years of experience as a home, mold, energy and environmental inspector that will guarantee that you receive the most thorough, state of the art and comprehensive inspection that follows current industry standards of practice and codes of ethics, a true value and education at a fair price. He conducts every inspection, as if he were moving his own family into the property. Steve also backs up every home inspection with a 90 day warranty, that is purchased on your behalf from American Home Warranty Association.

Unlike other home inspection companies, who will need to refer you to an environmental and/or energy audit contractor, Steve is a nationally certified expert that can handle the job without making you jump through hoops to hire additional people before the end of your inspection period, including the areas of: mold, asbestos, allergens, child safety, radon, formaldehyde, energy, EMF, water quality, and VOC's. As a result of his advanced training, he is able to offer a FREE energy audit and FREE mold investigation as well, with each home inspection.
.
Please take the time to read through Steve's home inspector credentials and qualifications as this is so important when hiring an inspector. Don't focus on price alone, focus on value, quality, experience and professionalism. When you hire an inspector, any inspector, you are hiring their individual knowledge, experience and qualifications so make sure you hire the best, not just the cheapest. We are confident that you will be Steve's next satisfied customer.