Top Claims

Three months after completing an inspection, a home inspector received a letter from his client’s attorney demanding that he pay to repair “the failed septic system” and a number of other defects his clients had found in their new home. The letter ordered the inspector to inform his insurance company, so he did. But, since…

Four months after his inspection of an older home, a home inspector received a letter in the mail from his former clients, who, due to concerns about the age of their newly purchased and first home, had a licensed electrician assess the property’s wiring after the initial home inspection. According to the electrician, there were…

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…

While 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…

Note: The following is a condensed version of a longer article, which we created for The Managing Risk column. The column reviews the most common allegations in the industry and provides tips to make inspectors better equipped to prevent claims. For the full version, read the original here. Over two years after performing a home and pest inspection,…

Note: The Managing Risk column reviews the most common allegations in the industry and provides tips to make inspectors better equipped to prevent claims. In a recent claim, claimants alleged that a home inspector failed to detect structural deficiencies in the property. The claimants alleged that the inspector failed to identify that the wrong sized…

Note: The Managing Risk column reviews the most common allegations in the industry and provides tips to make inspectors better equipped to prevent claims. Last fall, one of our home inspectors received a claim alleging that he failed to identify the existence of polybutylene pipes during his inspection of a condominium two months earlier. The…

Last year, we published an article featuring the top five claims home inspectors face each year and what you can do to mitigate your risk. One year later, those allegations—water damage, roof issues, foundation defects, mold, and plumbing problems—continue to be common. We revisit each claim type by looking at recent claims from our archives…

Even if you’re not inspecting for mold—but especially if you are—it’s important to know how to avoid a mold claim. Why are mold claims common? Regardless of whether or not you decide to perform mold screenings, clients can file mold claims against you. Mold claims are the fourth most common type of allegation against home…

Note: The Managing Risk column reviews the most common allegations in the industry and provides tips to make inspectors better equipped to prevent claims. Foundation claims are the third most common allegation against home inspectors. However, because foundations are literally the base upon which every home rests, foundation damage claims are also one of the…