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by Wally Conway,
Host
of the Home and Garden Show on WOKV
Frequently, we get the request in our office for a "partial"
inspection. This is another of those things that truly escapes my
logic. While I am sure that the basis for this request is the desire
to reduce the expense of the inspection, partial inspections are
often a high-risk event for everyone concerned. Let me explain by
way of example.
The most common partial inspection request is the roof inspection.
This is due primarily to the high replacement cost of the roof and
the probability of extensive damage to the interior of the home
should the roof fail.
 Here's
where the problems begin. Most folks assume that the roof inspection
takes place on the roof. It is true that walking on the roof is
an important element of the roof inspection. But, to really judge
the past history and future performance of the roof, the interior
of the home as well as attic space should also be inspected.
More often then not, roofs leak for quite some time into the attic
before the leak is detected in the interior living space. Some leaks
begin so small that for years the wood roof sheathing is kept wet
and rotting. The water my also have dripped onto wires causing corrosion
and ductwork causing mold! How are these additional discoveries
disclosed in the context of the "partial" inspection?
To ignore them is clearly irresponsible; to disclose them is to
surely expand the inspection beyond its requested partial scope.
In either scenario, it is certain to create confusion and consternation.
Had these initial symptoms of problem been discovered and disclosed
in the context of a full inspection it would be a much simpler and
more professional process to provide a clear and complete picture
for integration into the contract. Seldom are partial inspections
good for anyone in the transaction other then follow-up to the initial
full home inspection.
Copyright © Florida HomePro, Inc. and Wallace
J. Conway. All rights in all media reserved.
About the Author: Wally Conway is your weekly Host of the Home
and Garden Show on WOKV, and author of the book "Secrets of the Happy
Home Inspector", available at GoHomePro.com.
Wally's expertise and experience has been sought after by HGTV's "House
Detective", DIY Network's "Finders Fixers", the National Association
of REALTORS®, newspapers, and corporations. As a speaker, writer, and instructor,
Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right
amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit WallyConway.com
for more information!
Reproduction of this article: Permission is granted to use this article
in any media provided that the article is reproduced in its entirety as shown
above, with the authors resource box/bio included including links to http://www.gohomepro.com
and http://www.wallyconway.com
as the original publisher.
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