Help with an inspection question

[Ann P. Simth]

What are the options for a homeowner who discovered 3 months post inspection that the house purchased has aluminum wiring instead of the "copper" wiring listed on the home inspection report - the homeowner purchased prior to act of sale.

[Ann P. Simth]

Ok - I hear the ugh out there - mistakes happen - but what if it was your mom in this scenario?

[Ted Allen]

First you need to call your Home Inspector and your agent then call a lawyer.

[Ann P. Simth]

It's the weekend - agent called and will discuss on Monday - but can one negotiate without lawyers? Seems like the only ones that win in a situation like this are lawyers...

[Ann P. Simth]

By the way - Thanks for your honest response.

[Ted Allen]

Originally Posted by Ann P. Simth

It's the weekend - agent called and will discuss on Monday - but can one negotiate without lawyers? Seems like the only ones that win in a situation like this are lawyers...

Thats why I said to call the Home Inspector first. Everyone makes mistakes and us HI's are not infallable.

I wish you the best.

[Ann P. Simth]

Thanks -

[Ann P. Simth]

One more question - what would be a reasonable response from the home inspection company which by the way is an ASHI member? I understand if you feel you can't answer that.

[Ted Allen]

Originally Posted by Ann P. Simth

One more question - what would be a reasonable response from the home inspection company which by the way is an ASHI member? I understand if you feel you can't answer that.

No Inspector without being there could answer that question.

[Ann P. Simth]

Why would that be? It seems pretty straight forward - 2000 sq.ft house on a slab - nothing fancy - pretty typical construction for this area - except the wiring -

[Ted Allen]

I understand if you feel you can't answer that.

I can not see it so how can I judge it?

[Ann P. Simth]

Got it - thanks again -

[jmichalski]

Ann, look at your pre-inspection agreement (contract with the inspector). Often, this spells out a course of action in the event a dispute arises.

Typically, the inspector reserves the right to be contacted within a certain amount of time of the discovery, and is allowed a certian reasonable amount of time to review the complaint.

After that, there may be a limitation of liability clause in your agreement which would also help direct the way your negotiations may go.

Many inspectors also cary Errors and Omissions insurance for exactly this reason (we are not infallible) and that may also enter into this discussion at some point.

In the end, if your inspector gives you satisfaction, you will likely reach an agrement with him. If not, consulting an attorney is probably your next course of action.

[Ann P. Simth]

Thanks - good advice - not a easy thing to have happen - for the inspector or the home owner - Appreciate the time you took to write the response.

[whandley]

Hey Ann,

There are hundreds of thousands of residential structures throughout the country and world wired with Aluminum Wiring. They continue to be purchased, sold, rented, leased, remodeled, lived in and enjoyed just like homes without Aluminum Wiring. I can't remember a single occasion where Aluminum Wiring killed the deal. You should be aware of it and maintain it like several other components and or systems within residential structures.

Were you present during the inspection? Did you speak verbally with the inspector during the inspection and or specifically regarding the service panel and or electrical wiring systems? Is it possible the dead front cover of the existing service panel was not removed for access or safety reasons? For example, if an FPE, Zinsco and or Sylvania service panel were present I wouldn't pull the dead front cover. I've had two prior occasion where arching and damage occured by doing so. If it's a remodeled structure, looking at the outlets does not always give us a true indication of what basic wiring system is in use throughout the entire structure.

My point is, none of us online inspectors can have a true understanding of the circumstances since we weren't there, don't have all the facts and or don't have all sides of the story.

I'm guessing if you liked the property, you'd probably go forward with the purchase regardless of Aluminum Wiring. You may have tried to ask for some compensation from the seller, but in all the cases I've been involved in the answer is always, "NO"...