[Chuck Evans]

Thank you for supplying the photographs. While the terminology of the framing members comprising the pergola are a bit off, your description of the issue is spot on and needs to be repaired.

Following is an excerpt from the InterNACHI Standard of Practice (emphasis added)

3.2. Exterior

I. The inspector shall inspect:

A. the exterior wall-covering materials;
B. the eaves, soffits and fascia;
C. a representative number of windows;
D. all exterior doors;
E. flashing and trim;
F. adjacent walkways and driveways;
G. stairs, steps, stoops, stairways and ramps;
H. porches, patios, decks, balconies and carports;
I. railings, guards and handrails; and
J. vegetation, surface drainage, retaining walls and grading of the property, where they may adversely affect the structure due to moisture intrusion.

While pergolas are not specifically called out, they are close enough in context that in my opinion, if attached to the house, should be included in the scope. They certainly are not listed as exclusions.

In my opinion, if the report did not expressly state that the pergola structure was not inspected, you have every reason to expect that a competent inspection would have listed the connections as deficient.

[Brad Barbour]

The Inspector may be referring to this section:

2. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
III. The inspector is not required to: Q: inspect any system or component that is not included in these Standards.

[Larry Kage, CMI]

Originally Posted by bbarbour1

The Inspector may be referring to this section:

2. Limitations, Exceptions & Exclusions
III. The inspector is not required to: Q: inspect any system or component that is not included in these Standards.

In my opinion, that would be a poor excuse for not noting the defects in those pictures.

IMO, Chuck has a good point.

[Marc A. Goldenberg]

I have no further comment due to Larry-Chuck-Brad are all Inspectorsaurus!

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

The inspector is required to inspect the exterior siding and that looks like fiber cement. Fiber cement manufacturers, namely Hardi-Plank, prohibit the attachment of anything to their product. I would have said as much and something like this:

"The pergola was bolted to the house siding which is contrary to the siding manufacturer's installation instructions. Long-term deterioration of the siding may occur. A further evaluation and service as deemed necessary by a licensed and competent general contractor is recommended."

P.S. There is likely no footing for the posts. FYI.

In response to the last point, the posts are anchored to the concrete.

In addition to the middle post leaning away from the house:-

- beams are warped because of the middle post leaning outwards
- the lattice is not secured to any of the rafters and slap in the wind ie, they are lifted up by the wind and then drop down :(

What should I do from here? I have been left with quite a headache of an issue to deal with and all I got from the building inspector's company was citing of Nachi rules ie, it is not included in the inspection.

In addition to the above the inspector failed to tell me that there was a strong smell of cat urine at the back of the crawl space. I had the crawl space encapsulated as the plastic sheeting was degraded - the technician doing that work told me the urine was all up the back wall. Admittedly it was behind insulation but I believe he should have pointed that out. He can't say he has lost his sense of smell as he was teaching a fire fighter the same day as doing the inspection.

Thank you very much for all your input

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

...What should I do from here? I have been left with quite a headache of an issue to deal with and all I got from the building inspector's company was citing of Nachi rules ie, it is not included in the inspection.

You should read what I said above. The siding inspection is required and the siding has a defect in that there is a structure bolted directly to it. I'd ask for a refund at a minimum and consider hiring an attorney to fight for having the installation corrected.

[Larry Kage, CMI]

Originally Posted by badair

hire a competent carpenter familiar with your type siding, flashing, ledger and pergola member attachments

you & they should understand & include all associated requirements from the link
DCA 6 - Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide

do not allow any activities to occur under the pergola until these are completed; any further negligence places you responsible in the event of catastrophic failure

Barry's advice is spot on.