Attic Ventilation SOP Requirement

[Richard A. Hetzel]

According to Res. SOP
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation

I. The inspector shall inspect
B. the ventilation of the attic spaces
C. mechanical ventilation systems;

II. However, the inspector is not required to:

F. activate thermostatically operated fans.

With that simple change, I believe the SOP is made more clear and precise. Of course, I don't know how it applies to Items A through G...and I'm only an old architect trying to help.

[John Cahill]

Originally Posted by jbushart

How can it be "confusing" when it specifically states that the inspector is not required to activate thermostatically operated fans?

I agree with James. The SoP are written in two parts. The requirement is modified by the limitation. I think it would easily hold up in a debate because writting SoP like this is an industry standard be it NAHI, ASHI, et al.

The purpose of splitting the limitations into their own section is because one limitation may apply to many requirements.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

According to Res. SOP
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation

I. The inspector shall inspect
B. the ventilation of the attic spaces
C. mechanical ventilation systems;

II. The inspector is not required to:

F. activate thermostatically operated fans.

So, if II.F. is a limitation to the inspection requirements. Then the SOP requires ACTIVATING the mechanical ventilation systems. Yes?
The use of "activate" in the limitation implies that the requirement of "inspecting" includes "activating."

II.F. limits activating a certain type of fan; it is not limiting the action of the inspector.

Agreed?

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

Agreed?

Sorry but no

[Bruce M. Graham, III]

Confusing, so the average Joe somo consumer can go back to the dealership and claim they were confused and did not know they were supposed to change the oil or were confused on which hole to pour it in, and now want to know when their new engine will be installed?

I think this one may be getting over thought. JMHO

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

According to Res. SOP
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation

I. The inspector shall inspect
B. the ventilation of the attic spaces
C. mechanical ventilation systems;

II. The inspector is not required to:

F. activate thermostatically operated fans.

So, if II.F. is a limitation to the inspection requirements. Then the SOP requires ACTIVATING the mechanical ventilation systems. Yes?
The use of "activate" in the limitation implies that the requirement of "inspecting" includes "activating."

II.F. limits activating a certain type of fan; it is not limiting the action of the inspector.

Agreed?

No. The SOP does not require activation, but inspection.

Likewise, on a 30 degree day...I can inspect the cooling system but will not activate it, either.

Nice stretch....but....without the language that you have invented and inserted to make your point...the language that exists is quite clear.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

According to Res. SOP
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation I. The inspector shall inspect
B. the ventilation of the attic spaces
C. mechanical ventilation systems;

II. The inspector is not required to:
F. activate thermostatically operated fans.

Inspecting includes using normal operating controls. Inspectors are required by SOP to activate mechanical ventilation systems, not thermostatically operated fans.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by bgraham

Confusing, so the average Joe somo consumer can go back to the dealership and claim they were confused and did not know they were supposed to change the oil or were confused on which hole to pour it in, and now want to know when their new engine will be installed?

I think this one may be getting over thought. JMHO

I disagree.
Ever hear of the case of the home inspector, who put ICC credentials in his marketing, was assumed by a client to be inspecting code violations? The client was confused as to what the inspector was required and not required to do. Judge ruled in favor of client. “Statements contained in an advertisement or on a website may form the basis for subsequent claims of misrepresentation by customers who did not understand the inspector’s role.”

The SOP is supposed to make things clear. If the client doesn't understand what we're doing, the ruling favors the consumer.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

I disagree.
Ever hear of the case of the home inspector, who put ICC credentials in his marketing, was assumed by a client to be inspecting code violations? The client was confused as to what the inspector was required and not required to do. Judge ruled in favor of client. “Statements contained in an advertisement or on a website may form the basis for subsequent claims of misrepresentation by customers who did not understand the inspector’s role.”

The SOP is supposed to make things clear. If the client doesn't understand what we're doing, the ruling favors the consumer.

What does advertising have to do with the SOP?

Sure, you can mislead with advertising...such as "I meet or exceed the NACHI SOP". That is confusing and misleading and can get you in trouble. We all know that.

But the SOP, itself, is not advertising.

It specifically states that I will not activate the attic fan. Period. Because you suspect otherwise from some stretched and creative misinterpretation of the word "inspect" does not mean that I am obligated to do what I specifically stated I would not do.

You are mixing apples and oranges in an attempt to make a point, Ben.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by jbushart

It specifically states that I will not activate the attic fan. Period.

Nope.
Read...
According to Res. SOP
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation
I. The inspector shall inspect
B. the ventilation of the attic spaces
C. mechanical ventilation systems;

II. The inspector is not required to:
F. activate thermostatically operated fans.

You shall inspect the mechanical ventilation system (twist the SOP and call it an attic fan if you wish).

[James H. Bushart]

Okay. I am not required to activate "thermostatically operated fans". I stand corrected. The SOP is clear.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

According to Res. SOP
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation
I. The inspector shall inspect
B. the ventilation of the attic spaces
C. mechanical ventilation systems;

II. The inspector is not required to:
F. activate thermostatically operated fans.

What if the "fan" is on a humidity control?
SOP apparently requires inspectors to "activate" mechanical ventilation fans that have HUMIDISTATs.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by bgromicko

According to Res. SOP
2.9. Attic, Ventilation & Insulation
I. The inspector shall inspect
B. the ventilation of the attic spaces
C. mechanical ventilation systems;

II. The inspector is not required to:
F. activate thermostatically operated fans.

What if the "fan" is on a humidity control?
SOP apparently requires inspectors to "activate" mechanical ventilation fans that have HUMIDISTATs.

Attachment 32426

Your argument relies upon adding the words "apparently", "implies", and "might".

Mine depends on nothing more than an understanding of the words in the SOP as they are written.

I think you need to look for another argument.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Originally Posted by jbushart

Your argument relies upon adding the words "apparently", "implies", and "might".

Mine depends on nothing more than an understanding of the words in the SOP as they are written.

I think you need to look for another argument.

Funny how you think a discussion is always an argument.

Does the SOP require inspectors to activate mechanical ventilation fans that have HUMIDISTATs?

[Rick Maday]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Sorry but no

Ditto. you're reaching for something that isn't there.