s000531 The difference between reporting why a system is deficient, and determining cause of deficiency
Identifier: s000531
Date: 09/26/2000
Question
Explain the apparent conflict between 2.2.B.2, requiring reporting of a reason why a system is deficient, and 13.2.B.4, excluding an inspector from determining the cause of any condition or deficiency.
Interpretation by ASHI Standards Committee :
Section 2.2.B.2 states: "The inspector shall report a reason why, if not self-evident, the system or component is significantly deficient or near the end of its service life." The inspector is required to report an observed condition in a system or component that is judged to be significant deficiency and to report a system or component that is judgment to be near the end of its useful life. The inspector is also required to report the reason such a judgment was made.
According to Section 13.2.4, there is no obligation to make a determination as to the cause of the reported condition. The distinction that needs to be made is between the cause of the deficiency (not required) and the reason for the judgment of deficiency (required). The intent of the requirement is to encourage the inspector to report:
1) that a significant deficiency exists, in the judgment of the inspector, and
2) possible implications of the deficiency, again, in the judgment of the inspector.
At times the implications of a given defect is self-evident. For some defects, the implications may be more subtle. In these instances a reason is needed to explain why a system or component was judged to be deficient. The type of reason given can be, at a minimum, a comment using such terms as "unsafe" or "not functioning". Often the reason will include a description of the physical state of the system or component that has been judged significantly deficient. This reporting item does not require explaining every possible consequence or describing in detail what might happen. It requires only a simple explanation sufficient to indicate that the reported condition is a defect and to provide enough information to adequately cover safety risks or potentially costly repairs.
Finally, recommendations are required. Recommendations may be for: Monitoring, Correction, and Further evaluation. Remember, the purpose of a home inspection is "to provide the client with information regarding the systems and components of the home..."