Managing Risk Claim 1: Water Damage
Of all the allegations we receive at InspectorPro Insurance, claims of water damage are the most common claims against home inspectors.
Why is water damage so common?
“Water intrusion is the Number 1 enemy because it attacks from all potential angles of the home, from the roof down to the foundation,” explained Hank Spinnler, owner of Harmony Inspection Services in Georgia. “It degrades materials like sheetrock and drywall, it rots wood and it can lead to microbial growth.”
Todd Miller, owner of HomeSpec Certified Inspections, Inc., in Florida, agrees. According to Miller, inspecting for water damage goes beyond fulfilling a home inspector’s requirements because it’s one of the most common types of damage uncovered in inspections. Miller estimates that eight of every 10 homes he inspects have water intrusion or water damage issues.
“It’s water, water, water all the time, so to keep the house safe and secure, you have to inspect for it. You have to try to find it as best you can within your SOP and certainly report on it,” Miller said.
Where is water damage common?
Finding where water intrusion may have started (or where it has already left its mark) begins with knowing where to look. Here are just a few of the common problem areas:
Leaky or Burst Pipes: Homeowners who don’t maintain their pipes can run into trouble. Aged pipes and hoses may rust, crack or deteriorate, making room for water leaks. “You’re going to find leaks underneath sinks. You’re going to find leaks in attics—especially in the south” – Miller said.
Malfunctioning Appliances: As household appliances (for example, washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters and dishwashers) age, so do their pipes and hoses. And even if homeowners keep up with pipe and hose maintenance, insecurely connected fittings and improper seals alone can lead to leaks.
In addition, homeowners who avoid regular service dates may find that their seemingly operational appliances were malfunctioning out of sight. (Think moisture buildup within an air-conditioning unit damaging drywall.)
Poor Planning: Although many water intrusion issues result from neglect or age, others result from poor planning. Here are some examples:
- If lawn sprinklers are angled in such a way that they spray the property every morning, the sprinklers may damage the exterior and then the interior of the home.
- Indoor plants with uncovered holes at the bottom of the pot can damage floors.
- Recent construction may give water new ways to enter and damage the home.
What Inspectors Can Do
As with all types of claims prevention, it’s important to have a thorough pre-inspection agreement and inspection report (that includes photographs). In addition, there are some specific ways to avoid water damage claims.
Here are some methods that fellow home inspectors recommend:
- When trying to spot a leak, think like water.
- Look to the places you’d expect water intrusion and leaks to occur (for example, beneath dishwashers, under jetted tubs, beneath shower pans and under the kitchen sink).
- Note any areas that look discolored, stained, swollen or moist.
- Pay special attention to basements and attics because these are common areas where water intrusion can start. Careful inspection of these areas also can reveal signs of water damage faster than by looking at the exterior of the house.
- Be sure to look for signs of water intrusion outside of the house.
In addition, you may want to consider using technology, such as an infrared camera and a moisture meter, to augment your ability to spot water damage.
Claims Protection
After you’ve established that there’s a water intrusion issue or water damage in a home, it’s important that you communicate your findings clearly to your client. Experienced inspectors recommend emphasizing the limitations of an inspection and explaining your findings in terms that clients can understand.
Even if you do everything right, you can still get a water damage claim. That’s why it’s essential to carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance for defense and payout help. Contact your InspectorPro broker or submit an application to receive a quote from InspectorPro Insurance at no obligation.
Up next month: Roofing claims
InspectorPro Insurance is ASHI’s one and only Premier Insurance Partnership. Through risk management education, pre-claims assistance and straightforward coverage, InspectorPro gives you peace of mind and unparalleled protection. Learn more and apply for a quote at inspectorproinsurance.com
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