Couple May Sue Former Home Owner

[Darren Spencer]

Those franchise Co's are always in the news.

[Donald T. Belmont]

Of course the video is shot to emphasize the bad stuff. And once the walls are opened the mold is easy to see. So I don't find it surprising that a strictly cursory (given the individual in question) visual exam would miss what may have been subtle evidence. Even if it was one of ASHI's superstars doing the work.

Having said that what idiot doesn't suspect fresh basement paint and go to some extra lengths to discover why it was painted. And if you can't determine the reason then the existence of fresh paint itself is written up with a recommendation that client ask the seller specifically why it was painted. Make the seller go on record.

But I'll be using this video to emphasize to my prospective clients why they want a full thermal scan and mold survey as part of their inspection. (Also why they don't want an ASHI inspector who is as deal friendly as this fellow is known to be)

As for this inspectors attitude about ride alongs and training requirements. I think we showed pretty conclusively that their motivation for that was/is greed. Since by their own standards they would have been the only inspectors in NH qualified to priovide such training.

It should be interesting to see if a complaint is filed. Maybe the homeowner should be told that this person is on the board?

[Carla Horne]

Don,
Good post.
As far as filing any complaints against Inspectors in NH, licensing is not required until Jan. 2010 as you know. Therefore the board has no jurisdiction until after Jan 1, 2010 relative to any grievances.
Carla

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Could he not be ejected from the board do to his apparent legal problems of not performing a proper inspection? I would think letting him stay on the board might cause some legal problems for the licensing board if he is found guilty in a court of law. But it is your licensing law, not mine.

[Peter C. Russell]

I think the rest of the board members should ask him to step down. This is a slap in the face to all of us who fought this poorly written legislation that was ASHI bias.

I attended a house sub-committee meeting where Senator Cilley, who helped write the ASHI bill, got up and said if we save one person from a bad home inspection then we've done our jobs. Just unbelievable!!!!

[inspector gadget]

i lived in wakefield NH about 20 years ago.... I dont see how the home owners would have a leg to stand on. It would be all about the disclosure laws in NH. of course the old owners new water sometimes came in the basement but they may have never known about the mold or water damage on the siding. It would be hard to prove they did unless the insulation or siding was very new.

[Donald T. Belmont]

Originally Posted by chorne

Don,
Good post.
As far as filing any complaints against Inspectors in NH, licensing is not required until Jan. 2010 as you know. Therefore the board has no jurisdiction until after Jan 1, 2010 relative to any grievances.
Carla

Hi Carla,

I know the rules but one could always hope public embarrassment would work. Since this person is one of those I am on record as not trusting as far as I could throw them.

Of course he's has made clear he is one of those superior ASHI inspectors so I doubt embarrassment will work.

I seem to recall it was just such an incident a few years back (another highly qualified lowballer (ASHI again) out of Mass) that prompted the licensing bill in NH. So I find it ironic and amusing that once again the ones who yelled loudest for law to protect the consumer from incompetent home inspectors are hoisted on their own minimalist approach to home inspection.

On a side note. When are we likely to see the final requirements for licensing in NH? As I recall the intent of the law was to give all of us current businesses plenty of time to meet the formal requirements. Given the business cycle I really don't see less then 6 months as adequate to prepare. Hard to escape the conclusion that the publication of the requirements are being delayed to hamper any legal challange should they prove contrary to a resonable reading of the law.

[Donald T. Belmont]

Originally Posted by prussell

I think the rest of the board members should ask him to step down. This is a slap in the face to all of us who fought this poorly written legislation that was ASHI bias.

I attended a house sub-committee meeting where Senator Cilley, who helped write the ASHI bill, got up and said if we save one person from a bad home inspection then we've done our jobs. Just unbelievable!!!!

To quote the COE of the NH Law.

Inspectors shall avoid activities that may harm the public, discredit themselves, or reduce public confidence in the profession.

In the clear spirit of the law this board member has definitely reduced public confidence in the profession. Given his known belief that the law is necessary when can we expect to see his resignation from the board? My guess is never since this individual is big on setting standards and rules for others but likely won't see them as applying to himself.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

Donald makes very good points. If the NH inspectors would get together and voice their opinion, and yell loud enough, they will be heard.

[Dennis R. Goudreau]

Originally Posted by dbelmont

Hi Carla,

I know the rules but one could always hope public embarrassment would work. Since this person is one of those I am on record as not trusting as far as I could throw them.

Of course he's has made clear he is one of those superior ASHI inspectors so I doubt embarrassment will work.

I seem to recall it was just such an incident a few years back (another highly qualified lowballer (ASHI again) out of Mass) that prompted the licensing bill in NH. So I find it ironic and amusing that once again the ones who yelled loudest for law to protect the consumer from incompetent home inspectors are hoisted on their own minimalist approach to home inspection.




On a side note. When are we likely to see the final requirements for licensing in NH? As I recall the intent of the law was to give all of us current businesses plenty of time to meet the formal requirements. Given the business cycle I really don't see less then 6 months as adequate to prepare. Hard to escape the conclusion that the publication of the requirements are being delayed to hamper any legal challange should they prove contrary to a resonable reading of the law.

or step down to show professionalism as result of pending lawsuit

[Frank M. Carrio, CMI]

Originally Posted by dbelmont

To quote the COE of the NH Law.

Inspectors shall avoid activities that may harm the public, discredit themselves, or reduce public confidence in the profession.

In the clear spirit of the law this board member has definitely reduced public confidence in the profession. Given his known belief that the law is necessary when can we expect to see his resignation from the board? My guess is never since this individual is big on setting standards and rules for others but likely won't see them as applying to himself.

For all of you who want to express your concerns about this matter you can send an e-mail to the Executive Director of the joint licensing board here is her information;

Louise Lavertu
57 Regional Drive
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
(603) 271-2219
(603)271-6990 FAX

llavertu@nhsa.state.nh.us

• For those of you who live in New Hampshire there is a "Board Meeting" tomorrow July 7 at 9 AM and I strongly urge you to attend.

All of the "board meetings are held at the address listed above.

[Peter C. Russell]

http://www.nibi.com/members/New_Hampshire/default.html

Interesting, I've never heard of this organisation. Anyone else?

[Peter C. Russell]

Very interesting.

Why is knowing the condition of the home so important?

The condition of the home can have a huge financial impact on the home purchase decision. Home prices have risen substantially over the years and so has the cost of home repairs. Today's home buyer must consider not only the cost of buying the home, but also the cost of owning the home. Nothing can be more devastating, both emotionally and financially, than to have a family move into their new home only to face thousands of dollars in unexpected repair costs.
What does a home inspector do?

A professional, well-trained inspector can provide you with the information you need to make an informed purchase decision and a good investment! A written home inspection report will detail the home's condition including the heating and cooling systems, the plumbing and electrical systems, the roof and siding, as well as the framing and foundation. In addition, many home inspectors will provide or can arrange for additional environmental services that may be required or desired.
Once I have a home inspection, then what do I do?

Armed with this valuable information, you can then factor the needed repair costs into the home purchase equation. After the inspection, you can complete the purchase with confidence. In the end, a professional well-trained home inspector can provide you with peace of mind that you've made a sound and intelligent investment decision.
In my area, home inspectors have to be licensed. Will that guarantee that I will get a good inspector?

Not necessarily. Unfortunately licensing often gives consumers a false sense of security. Licensing does not differentiate between professional inspectors with experience and those who are less prepared and trained. While licensing is a good first step in the screening of inspectors, you should still carefully evaluate the credentials of the inspector that you are about to hire.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Peter, they got the same six people for Maine and New Hampshire, 1 in Vermont and none in Massachussets.

Can't be much of an association of certified Inspectors.

[Frank M. Carrio, CMI]

Originally Posted by mcyr

Peter, they got the same six people for Maine and New Hampshire, 1 in Vermont and none in Massachusetts.

Can't be much of an association of certified Inspectors.

Marcel, Please overlook the fact that there are only SIX individuals in this association.... after all it is the QUALITY of the inspector and their training that counts!

As evidenced by the news story I am sure that they have a long and bright future ahead of the "Association of Six"!


I am sure that MANY of us in New England are just chomping at the bit to join this association!

• I can feel the urge to join right now!

Hey... I know what they can do!

Like the New Hampshire Home Inspector's Licensing Board Member Daryl Justham who is featured in this news story proposed earlier..... They can set up a "Ride Along / Training Program" for New Inspectors and TRAIN wannabes how to conduct TOP NOTCH QUALITY Home Inspections!