$150.00 mistake

[ejones2]

I did an inspection the other day when I tried to activate the hot tub it didnt power on. I checked it, it appeared to be installed correctly. So I noted in the report to have tub checked by a licensed plumber. Anyhow the buyers agent today informed me that I didn't "flip the fuse" so I didn't inspect it correctly. I am assuming she meant flip the breaker in the breaker box? Anyhow I paid the $150.00 for the service call for the plumber, Ill chalk it up as a lesson learned!

[Scott Gilligan, CMI]

As an inspector you are not required to turn on any breaker switches that are turned off or tripped at the time of inspection. You have absolutely no idea why they are off most of the time. By turning something on that has been intensionally turned off, you open yourself up to liability and can cause damage to the property. Never turn on a breaker switch that you did not turn off yourself or trip as a result of your inspection process.

I always take a picture of the breaker panel and the location of the switches to include in my report to document if any were off while I was doing the inspection. If something doesn't work because there is no electricity to the unit, disclaim it as not functioning at the time of inspection and there is no power supply. Recommend that it be further evaluated once electrical power has been reestablished and made ready for inspection.

[Tim Spargo]

You attempted to operate the Hydro Spa by it's normal controls and it didn't operate, you reported this condition... seems acceptable to me.

What was the reason the "fuse needed to be flipped?". Was the breaker for the Hyrdo Spa tripped and there were no other breakers tripped? This is of concern, IMO. Did the "plumber" give a written report indicating why the "fuse needed to be flipped"? I think you see where I'm going with this.

FYI (you probably already know this): Was there an access panel for the Hydro Spa, was there a visible source of Ground Fault protection?

While performing other checks, many times I may have noticed the GFCI tripped in the closet or access panel (it had one I assume) I would have noted that anyway. Think about this, if you had found a tripped GFCI, would you have simply reset this device and not mention anything to your customers? I doubt it. I, as an inspector am concerned for the safety of my clients, especially if they are buying a home with a hydro spa. Someone's safety and life is worth more than a lousy $150.

If there was, in fact, a breaker tripped in the panel and you rightfully noted that in your report or simply attempted to operate the Hydro spa by its controls (our SOP) and it failed to operate, you noted it and it was easily "fixed"

Not sure I, as a Contractor would have led an agent to think that the 10 second fix was the Home Inspectors fault.

As an inspector, I'd certainly want a copy of the "fix", if I paid for it.

[ejones2]

And the female agent said, "I inspect alot of these she said I always flip the fuses" lol The house had breakers not fuses lol

[Curtis M. Vilt]

I was on an Inspection Monday and the buyers boyfriend went right to the panel and started flipping breakers. I said what are you doing? He said he used to be an electrician...... Personally I never flip a breaker they are off for a reason.

[James F. McKee]

I don't turn on breakers...they are off for a reason and unless you know that reason it is a dangerous practice imo...You did the right thing and i sure would not have been paying that Bill....jmho....jim

[mnahrgang]

Originally Posted by cvilt

I was on an Inspection Monday and the buyers boyfriend went right to the panel and started flipping breakers. I said what are you doing? He said he used to be an electrician...... Personally I never flip a breaker they are off for a reason.

I wouldn't pay it. But I would have likely checked the panel to see if any breakers were tripped.

As to having the boyfriend who "used" to be an electrician... I would say, but you aren't now, and you are not contracted by the sellers to be messing with the breakers. If they are tripped, they are likely tripped for a reason. If you start a fire, who is going to be responsible for it? Not me...

[Curtis M. Vilt]

Mark it turned out the guy did everything in the past and after I talked to the buyer and asked her why she hired me he will soon be able to say he used to date her. If I didnt know her I would not have completed the inspection.

[Chuck Evans]

Originally Posted by ejones2

I did an inspection the other day when I tried to activate the hot tub it didnt power on. I checked it, it appeared to be installed correctly. So I noted in the report to have tub checked by a licensed plumber. Anyhow the buyers agent today informed me that I didn't "flip the fuse" so I didn't inspect it correctly. I am assuming she meant flip the breaker in the breaker box? Anyhow I paid the $150.00 for the service call for the plumber, Ill chalk it up as a lesson learned!

What specific verbiage did you use in the report?

Think about how you might adjust your verbiage so that it makes it clear that the unit did not operate during the inspection using normal controls, but does not leave you holding the bag for recommending an unnecessary service call.

[Chuck Evans]

Originally Posted by cvilt

Mark it turned out the guy did everything in the past and after I talked to the buyer and asked her why she hired me he will soon be able to say he used to date her. If I didnt know her I would not have completed the inspection.

If he interfered with the inspection again, he would be describing how he used to attend my inspection.

[ejones2]

So now the agent is saying I damaged the jacuzzi tub by trying to operate the tub with the breaker in an off posistion? I don't see how this is possible. Anyone have thoughts on this?

[Keith Runquist, CMI]

That's impossible. I'd say the elctrictian/plumber damaged the tub when he "flipped the fuse" and then ran the tub. Becasue the "fuse" was flipped for a reason. I'd ask for my $150 dollars back.

[James E. Braun, CMI]

If the tub had no power, how can you damage the tub? You need to ask for a copy of the report from the service guy. Basically that Realtor is nuts! Good luck getting your $150.00 back.
Keep us informed.

[ejones2]

I called her earlier today to get more information..no callback from her...im going to email her tonight to see if that works better. What I love is she made me sound like I made the mistake to the clients.

[Curtis M. Vilt]

The breaker was off for a reason. IT WAS BROKEN before you got there.