Inspection Reports: Language Barriers

Providing an inspection report to a client in a language not understood by that client can pose liability problems for both the inspector and the client. Providing an inspection report to a client in a language not understood by the inspector can pose similar problems. This obstacle may be overcome through the use of translation software or a human translator.

The Problem of Interpretation

The most obvious problem is one of interpretation. Even when the inspector and client speak the same language, a client reading an inspection report must interpret the idea represented by a narrative, according the ability of the inspector to put it into writing.

In other words, when reading the inspection report, the clients is not seeing the actual condition, such as, say, an inoperable GFCI outlet next to the kitchen sink. The client may not understand how electricity works, the degree of danger the condition represents, or what a GFCI outlet does.

In order to explain a problem, the inspector must be able to express it clearly in writing, so the client is dependent on the writing ability of the inspector. The better the inspector’s writing skills and vocabulary, the greater the chance that the client will interpret the narrative as the inspector meant it to be interpreted.

Many conditions are difficult to explain in the first place. Misunderstandings are common between inspectors and clients who speak the same language. With the addition of a language barrier, correctly interpreting a narrative becomes much more difficult. In creating a report that tries to bridge this language barrier, an inspector is called upon to paraphrase his narratives using a vocabulary he doesn’t have.

There are similar problems with trying to convert information into a different language through a third person. First, there is the assumption that the translator correctly interprets what the inspector has written or said.

Second, there’s the assumption that the translator has the ability to present the information to the client in a way that will ensure that the client has a clear grasp of the inspector's intent. Inspectors should not make such assumptions.

Translation software is notorious for needing correction once the initial translation is complete, so software is not necessarily a viable option.

Each opportunity for misunderstanding increases the inspector's level of exposure to liability, as well as client's physical or financial risk.

And the complications don’t end with the problem of interpreting report narratives accurately.

Contract Problems

The validity of the inspection agreement between inspector and client may be jeopardized by a language barrier.  They could, therefore, be deemed invalid. Depending on the severity of the misinterpretation due to language differences, inspection contracts may not hold up in court.