Does an inspector pay for decay that was found because of probing?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by klott

A screwdriver is the wrong tool to use, plus an inspection is a non-invasive survey...

The same thing also applies to floor structures. I've seen joists and girders that have been severely torn into by termite inspectors with rock hammers. I use a rock hammer myself, but I limit the amount of wacking I do with it once I find decay. I don't have to determine the extent of decay, only that it exists.

[mjones6]

Just a tip for other inspectors. I did a inspection last week on a vacant home. The buyer started ripping rotted boards off of the rear deck, I quickly snapped a picture of him doing it.

[Kevin Luce]

Originally Posted by mjones6

Just a tip for other inspectors. I did a inspection last week on a vacant home. The buyer started ripping rotted boards off of the rear deck, I quickly snapped a picture of him doing it.

Just another tip for other inspectors. When doing an inspection on a vacant home and she (the buyer) starts ripping off her clothes, quickly snap a picture of her doing it.

[Randy D. Stufflebeem]

Originally Posted by Kevin Luce

Just another tip for other inspectors. When doing an inspection on a vacant home and she (the buyer) starts ripping off her clothes, quickly snap a picture of her doing it.

Good one!

[Jack L. Gilleland]

Wait a minute. If I understand this post the only damage that Louis caused was superficial at best. So, put it back the way it was. A little caulk and paint at the probe point should do it. Or offer the seller (in the most extreme cases) enough money to buy a tube of caulk.
Although, I never probe with a screwdriver, I would refuse to improve the condition of the property beyond the condition it was in when I arrived. Since many of the properties I inspect are 30 - 40 - 50+ years old I carry a little caulk with me. Sometimes it is necessary to look a little under the surface whether it is with a moisture meter or an awl to serve you client.
I was through this once where I ran my hand over a plaster wall and the slightest pressure was enough to make the flaking plaster underneath fall to the floor. Seller wanted me to replaster wall and paint. Gave him my attorneys telephone No. Never heard a word.

[rmaday]

Originally Posted by mjones6

Just a tip for other inspectors. I did a inspection last week on a vacant home. The buyer started ripping rotted boards off of the rear deck, I quickly snapped a picture of him doing it.

Good advice!

[rmaday]

Originally Posted by Kevin Luce

Just another tip for other inspectors. When doing an inspection on a vacant home and she (the buyer) starts ripping off her clothes, quickly snap a picture of her doing it.

Better advice!

[John Evans]

During a recent inspection of a home with T-111 siding, as I inserted the Protimeter probes into the siding the entire meter penetrated what was left of the siding! You try to be careful during the inspection process, but the unexpected will happen at times. If the decay is evident, I doubt there would be any basis for the owner to ask for restitution from the inspector. After all, the rotted wood material is worthless anyway.

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