Dryer Vent Cleaning, Media PA 19063

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by jfarsetta

Material defect?

Our definition is inconsistent with this assertion.

"A material defect is a condition of a residential real property, or any portion of it, that would have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the real property, or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property."


An improperly vented dryer that could cause mold or fire is a material defect by our definition.

Last summer, I had a new construction with a laundry room in the center of it...with no dryer duct or vent at all. Even the use of the unsafe flexible foil duct would have nothing to connect to. The occupant would be required to vent the dryer into the room. Not a material defect?

I insist that this is a part of the SOP and if it is not...but an improperly vented bathroom fan is...home inspectors should have their own show on Comedy Central.

Maybe I can start a Mr. Bathroom Vent company, put my wife in charge, and market my...er...I mean, her business to my clients who I discover and report to have bathroom fans venting into the attic.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by jfarsetta

Beg to differ, my friend, but our SOP simply states we should inspect "mechanical ventilation systems".

One would be hard-pressed to make the jump between a dryer vent and a mechanical ventilation system. One would need to look at the intent of the inclusion, and what it means in a broader sense. The dryer includes a means to vent the heat and moisture, but we dont inspect dryers.

I dont think its included by inference.

Point noted, however.

I dont see a problem with the service.

Its a dryer vent cleaning and installation service. It is, in fact, a valuable service, as there are more dryer vent fires annually than chimney fires.

Joe, so are you saying that I should not have inspected, and reported upon this dryer vent from yesterdays inspection???

[Tim Spargo]

And who better to fix it.....?

[Joe Farsetta]

Jeff,

You reported it... but as a material defect?

We have opened up Pandora's Box here because someone opened up a dryer vent cleaning company.

Let's reign this back in.

Most of us LOOK at the dryer vent as a matter of course, and report if something is obviously wrong.

I can quantify almost ANYTHING as a logical follow-on to most things we see during an inspection. It doesnt make it a requirement, nor does it make the defects noted material defects, necessarily.

Following this to its logical conclusion, one could stretch it into anything one wants.

[Christopher Currins]

inspect the insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces, the ventilation of attics and foundation areas, and the mechanical ventilation systems in attics, kitchens, bathrooms and laundry;


A dryer vent is mechanically controlled by the dryer.

IMO any inspector that does not report the type and condition of the dryer vent pipe is not doing their job.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by jfarsetta

Jeff,

You reported it... but as a material defect?

We have opened up Pandora's Box here because someone opened up a dryer vent cleaning company.

Let's reign this back in.

Most of us LOOK at the dryer vent as a matter of course, and report if something is obviously wrong.

I can quantify almost ANYTHING as a logical follow-on to most things we see during an inspection. It doesnt make it a requirement, nor does it make the defects noted material defects, necessarily.

Following this to its logical conclusion, one could stretch it into anything one wants.

Not a stretch at all.

A dryer venting into a wall cavity (or in some other manner that could harm the structure or its air quality) is a material defect. Agreeing to fix it for a fee and having my client write the check to "my wife's" company violates the letter...as well as the intent...of the prohibitions for such acts by law (where applicable) and by ethical standards.

The fact that the actual step of inspecting a dryer vent is not required by the SOP...reporting upon any manner in which it could adversely affect the structural integrity of the building and/or the safety of its occupants certainly is and is thereby covered by it --- making it something that I could not use my inspection report to generate business for "my wife's" company.

In my opinion...the "stretch" is trying to make it a legitimate act.