Originally Posted By: mcyr
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I agree with all you guys and respect your diligence in the inspection of new home.
Unfortunately, here in Maine, houses are not quite up to par or caliber of the California Coastline.
Inspections in Maine on New Constructed Homes would require care in business ethics and conscionable advice, due the fact the towns are so small.
So, somewhat, the circumstances are somewhat different that you would encounter. I would be cautious up here to nit-pick the finishes on the premises, due the fact that another inspector would let it slide or dose not care.
Therefore, comments on workmanship should be noted as fair, good, or bad, or under standard of practice of acceptability. If generalized, it will still communicate your concern and not show the Real Estate people that you are taking the place apart for the potential buyer. Then they will not call you back or refer you to future clients, because you are causing to much grief to them and the seller. This is how it works up here, in Maine.
Real Estate want a report, to make it official, and clean sale. No hang ups. Unfortunately, this is not right in my book, cause I like to note it as I see it. I have found, that how you word it, to respect everyone's interest, and still make your point as to what you inspect will not put you in the Category of nitpicking paid Inspector that has no regarding respect of the Builder.
Being a Builder myself, mostly Commercial and most jobs are negotiated and/or design built, I have found, that towards the end of the job, I proceed to inspect the building accompanied with our Project Manager and literally go around and paste blue painters tape on deficiencies on wall ceilings or trim etc.,. Once this has been corrected, I have the Architect and/or the owner go through his building and supply him with the same blue tape.
Knowing that we went through that extreme to provide an adequate building, you would be surprised, as to how much more at ease the Owner is to nit picking items. Almost all of them have been corrected already.
I would imagine that generalizing work performance and quality of the finished products of a House in general, would not sound as critique and offensive to the seller and/or the new potential buyer would not be so reluctant to buy the property due to minor deficiencies.
This generalization, would also provide the inspection performance and adequate protection, that the Inspector did note minor deficiencies existed, but not prominently pronounced in any particular area.
Everyone is happy, you did your job and they will call you again.
Have a good day.
Marcel