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During a routine home inspection, one of our inspectors performed a visual inspection of the property’s furnace. In his report, he noted signs of condensation and a lack of proper maintenance. However, the furnace was functioning properly. A few days after the inspection, the inspector’s client—an attorney—claimed that the furnace had stopped working. As a…
Read MoreLet’s face it: Insurance companies have a bad reputation. Most people don’t trust insurance carriers (let alone like them). And, while many people learn this distrust from others, some learn it from bad experiences with the insurance companies themselves. With a culture of skepticism surrounding insurers, it isn’t surprising why home inspectors don’t want to…
Read MoreFrom our decade of claims data, we know that the majority of home inspectors receive at least one claim in their career. And, when they do, it never feels great—particularly when that claim is meritless as about 80 percent of home inspection claims are. In his recent article, home inspector Randy Sipe described the feeling…
Read MoreWhile renovating the deck of their recently purchased home, some home inspection clients discovered wood rot plaguing their back deck. As contractors removed the old granite countertops (presumably for an outdoor kitchen) to replace them, the deck broke, revealing the deteriorated main beams and support stringers. Rather than continue with their deck expansion, the new…
Read MoreThe following is a real home inspector general liability pre-claim from our archives. The inspector has given us permission to reveal his identity and to use direct quotes from our post-pre-claim interview. Pre-claims assistance is exactly what it sounds like: It’s free help responding to unhappy clients in a way that may prevent said clients from…
Read MoreThis past October, home inspector Randy Sipe approached us, his insurance provider, to ask if he could write an article for our readers. After nearly 20 years of inspecting claims-free, Sipe had received a meritless allegation. Sipe wanted to share his firsthand experience with a frivolous lawsuit to encourage his peers—particularly those who believe they’re…
Read MoreThanks to all who celebrated National Home Inspection Month with us by entering or voting for our second annual funny home inspection story contest. Inspectors have some hilarious moments in the field, and we’re glad to have the opportunity to share them. We are pleased to announce our 2019 contest winners—selected by you, their fellow…
Read MoreIn North Carolina, a home inspector performed an inspection on a property that had been vacant for about 18 months. During the home inspection, the inspector ran the water in the various fixtures, including the shower directly above the kitchen. The inspector photographed the kitchen, including the ceiling, which, at the time, showed no signs…
Read MoreIn our Inspector Spotlight series, we take a closer look at individual inspectors making an impact on the inspection industry. Most home inspectors agree that women are underrepresented in the inspection industry. However, just how few female home inspectors there are is difficult to pinpoint. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, women…
Read MoreTwo years after the inspection, a multi-inspector firm received a county court summons. Within the summons, the inspection company’s former clients made a litany of allegations: Termites occupied multiple areas on the first floor, including the garage. One of the anchor plates on the basement wall was “moldy musty.” The bottom of the heating unit…
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