For Inspectors Only

Section 535.220 of the TREC Standards of Practice for home inspectors state:

“The responsibility of those persons who engage in the business of performing independent inspections of improvements in real estate transactions imposes integrity beyond that of a person involved in ordinary commerce. Each inspector must maintain a high standard of professionalism, independence, objectivity and fairness while performing inspections in a real estate transaction. Each inspector license holder must also uphold, maintain, and improve the integrity, reputation, and practice of the home inspection profession (emphasis mine)”.

It further states: “The relationship between an inspector and a client should at a minimum meet the following guidelines…In accepting employment as an inspector, the inspector should protect and promote the interest of the client to the best of the inspector's ability and knowledge, recognizing that the client has placed trust and confidence in the inspector (emphasis mine).

Do you remember seeing the movie Jerry Maguire where he is having his ‘memo’ duplicated at the printer and the clerk tells him how you get great? Well, as inspectors, that’s the attitude we have to take to be great. You’re not doing your clients any favors or promoting the profession if you don’t hang ‘em out there when you do your reporting when you should.

I cringe when I read the reports of some inspectors (especially new ones) when there is more verbiage regarding what they aren’t required to report/inspect than what they actually found during the inspection. Guys - I get it; no one wants to have a complaint registered against their license or worse yet get fined or sued. But by the same token, ‘if you can’t run with the big dogs - stay on the porch’.

I say this because I have acquaintances that either have or are now dealing with health issues regarding black mold - the really nasty stuff because the inspector failed to note something in their report. TREC law states that you can’t report mold if you are not certified to do so in the State of Texas. But you can AND SHOULD say something in the report so that they can get another opinion or at the least be informed to make a health/safety decision about the property. But to ignore it because you’re not allowed (or are too scared) to determine what is is just plain irresponsible. You don’t have to say what it is, but you can & should acknowledge it. Something along the lines of “Black staining (possible mold) was present on the interior walls; further evaluation and remediation (if needed) is strongly recommended by a qualified service professional” can certainly be put in the report. The language is ambiguous enough to keep you out of trouble and yet gets the point across to your client - ‘hey, this could be serious’. We actually put verbiage in our service agreement in this regard to cover ourselves and apprise/warn our clients: “Regarding mold and fungus; any noting of water damage, water stains or plumbing leaks past or present should be considered as areas of mold/fungi growth.  It is the Company’s opinion that all homes in Texas have and/or had some degree of growth; especially where moisture infiltration has occurred whether observed or latent. “

Your opinion matters. Do it for the sake of your clients. Their life may depend on it. The reputation of our industry depends on it. That’s how you become great!