Investigating Forensic Inspecting According to inspector Joey Caballero, the best thing about “forensic inspecting” is the challenge. “It’s not like a typical report. These cases make you concentrate more and work harder. They make you a better inspector.” Caballero, inspecting 12 years, has handled 15-20 cases over the years where he’s been called in to…
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Editor’s Note: Many appraisers and inspectors see red when their insurance company settles a claim they feel is frivolous. Here’s the story of one inspector who had his day in court – and won. Having Your Day in Court: And Winning! By Todd F. Stevens A few months ago I defended a home inspector in...…
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Risk Management Loss Prevention Checklist The following steps have proven effective at avoiding complaints and lowering the liability of home inspectors. Two points emerge: First, according to risk management experts, loss prevention is as much about communication as it is about understanding the systems of a building. They stress that expert knowledge is vital but…
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Risk Management Strategies for Avoiding Complaints By Alan Carson Good home inspectors don’t get complaints. We thought we might catch your attention with that opening sentence! Actually, we believe that all home inspectors get complaints eventually. Why? There are several reasons but part of the answer may lie in our definition of a home inspection,...…
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Understanding Arbitration Douglas A. Glass, Esq. & Kris P. Thompson, Esq. It’s mid-afternoon on a typical Thursday. There is a knock at your office door. You are not expecting anyone so you are slightly surprised as you walk to the door and open it. A young man stands in front of you, somewhat out of...…
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Avoiding Complaints Are You Doing All You Can? The following is excerpted from the Liability Reporter, a risk management e-newsletter for real estate home inspectors and appraisers published by the Organization of Real Estate Professionals (www.OREP.org). Home Inspector Checklist* 1. Do you always obtain a signed pre-inspection agreement from the client? 2. Does your pre-inspection…
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Editor’s Note: Here is the second in an ongoing series of risk management strategies from Alan Carson designed to help inspectors insulate themselves from liability. This installment examines the value of a good contract and the importance of establishing realistic expectations in the mind of your client. Inspecting Your Contract By Alan Carson Many believe...…
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Loss Prevention – Nine Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make By Douglas A. Glass, Esq. I’ve spent the last 17 years defending home inspectors in civil lawsuits. Along the way I’ve seen a number of mistakes that often cause inspectors to wind up in litigation. Here are a few suggestions for staying out of trouble. Defer to...…
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Editors Note: Client complaints are a fact of life for home inspectors. But complaints do not have to turn into lawsuits. In fact, if handled properly, complaints are actually a golden opportunity. Here is the first in an ongoing series of risk management strategies from Alan Carson designed to help inspectors insulate themselves from liability....…
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Editor’s Note: The following questions are from OREP insureds and inspectors nationwide. The answers, provided by David Brauner, Senior Broker at OREP, may be helpful when shopping for your E&O insurance. If you have specific questions about your coverage, ask your agent. Inspectors Errors and Omissions Insurance Q&A By David Brauner, Senior Broker at OREP.org…
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