e011101 Can an inspector help a client/property owner with preparing a product failure claim?

Identifier: e011101

Date: 03/28/2002

Question

Is it ethical to assist a property owner in processing a claim for product failure (hardboard siding) and to receive compensation for such work? The offer to assist would be made to client during or following a home inspection and the assistance would be provided after the purchase of property has been completed.

Response

Simply offering to assist with claim processing does not in itself conflict with the Code of Ethics. However, the inspector should take special care to avoid stating or implying any certainty or likelihood exists that payments or recovery will occur as a result of such processing. Such an implication may cause a potential buyer to disregard the significance of potential problems relating to the defect.

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