Home Inspectors as Handymen?

by Wallace J. Conway

The slight slow down in real estate sales has been a challenge for us all. When sales slow, not only is there a direct economic impact on real estate agents, but also on the related professionals whose job it is to serve and support the customers in the real estate transaction. Fewer real estate sales mean fewer appraisals, surveys, title policies, and mortgages. It also means fewer home inspections, the service nearest and dearest to my heart.

One of the consequences of this slow down in real estate, and hence slow down in the number of home inspections, this that some inspectors have started to do "side work". I've recently seen home inspectors advertising such services as WDO repairs, appliance repairs, minor electrical and plumbing repairs, and other general "handyman" fix-it repairs. And all listed right next to their home inspection service!

Wow, this is really scary!

This is scary for two reasons. Not only should you always have a licensed professional conduct repairs, but this type of activity is also an ethical violation for the home inspector.

I'm assuming that it's common knowledge you should always choose a full Member of ASHI to conduct your home inspection. You should also know that the ASHI Code of Ethics states that "Inspectors shall not repair, replace, or upgrade, for compensation, systems, or components covered by ASHI Standards of Practice, for one year after the inspection".

It is the intent of the ASHI Code of Ethics to keep the inspection process free of "conflicts of interest" that are sure to arise when the outcome of the inspection has a financial benefit to the inspector beyond simple payment for the actual inspection.

When home inspectors stray away from this mandatory ethical position, the entire real estate process breaks down. Ultimately, both buyer and seller lose faith in the process, putting everyone involved in a very high-risk position, including the real estate agent. At the least damaging end of the scale, a conflict in interest can result in the dying of the deal. But at the most harmful end of the scale, it may also result in potential legal action by an upset buyer or seller.

The simple solution to reducing your liability is to ensure that a Certified ASHI Inspector does your home inspection and that a properly licensed contractor does your repairs, and that these two people are not the same! Two heads may be better than one, but if one guy is wearing both hats, it is sure to end in trouble.

Copyright © Florida HomePro, Inc. and Wallace J. Conway. All rights in all media reserved.

About the Author: Wally Conway is President of Florida HomePro Inspections, and has recently written a book entitled "Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector", available at GoHomePro.com or Amazon.com. Wally's expertise and experience has been sought after by HGTV's "House Detective", the Florida Times Union, the National Association of REALTORS®, and many real estate associations. As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of "The Home and Garden" radio show every Saturday at 8 AM on WOKV 690, 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!

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