REPAIR vs. REPLACE

[William Warner]

Originally Posted by bkelly2

I have used both, but the best IMO is to note that what was observed, was observed, at the time of the inspection.

Was it leaking before you got there, maybe, was it still leaking the next day, maybe. Should it be repaired or replaced, maybe.

Was it a "Heavy" leak????

Agreed!

[Robert W. Jude]

repair vs replace completely depends on the cost of each, comparatively speaking, factoring in VALUE. IOW how long wil leach last for the money spent.

[spatterson]

How bout saying "I recommend a qualified plumber inspect the hot water tank for possible repair or replacement"???

[Bruce A. King]

Originally Posted by spatterson

How bout saying "I recommend a qualified plumber inspect the hot water tank for possible repair or replacement"???

No good unless you state what is wrong with, the above statement is taught by franchises to new inspectors looking to capture some repeat agent referrals by being vague. Agents have admitted to me that they take the vague statements made by my competitors and tell the buyer "do you actually see where the inspector wrote that anything was wrong?"

[Sean Fogarty]

The whole scenario sounds fishy to me. Why would someone who has a computer report system write out a summary. How many of you spend most of your time covering your butt by writing excessive comments in your report to hedge off any issues or resposibilities. I had the exact scenario yesterday. No dielectric union on a hwh stub out that was corroded. I put it the report as needing evaluated and repair or replace. Until you start turning the wrench you won't know how bad. It could just need to be cleaned or it could be corroded all the way. How do I know if the manufacturer has threaded stub outs or are the welded on. I did my job. I noted the problem. I also included a picture so everyone could see that it was corroded. Anyone who wants to argue is just looking for somthing free. Period! Also even if he put repair, how do we know the plumbers were not looking for more. It might just need repairing. Why would the buyer not read his report. If the scenario is true then it is crap unless he only gives a summary to people, then he is just retarded.

[Robert W. Jude]

i agree with Bruce. I was taught the whole be vague thing but the realtors will talk **** about a report filled with "appears" and make you look like you dont know ****.

I'd change the statement to something like:

Considerable amounts of corrosion on hot water tank were noted at time of inspection. Hot water heater is xx years old and has passed the average life expectancy of its useful life. although it was functional at time of inspection, I would recommend client have a qualified contractor estimate repairing or replacing and budget for near future