A common question we get is if Rolo Home Inspectors can fix or improve the properties we inspect. Below are 5 of the biggest reasons we choose to avoid the conflict of interest.
5 Reasons inspectors should not work on homes they inspect
- Impartiality: Home & Septic Inspectors should remain impartial and unbiased when assessing the condition of a property. If they are also involved in performing repairs or improvements, there may be a conflict of interest that can potentially compromise their objectivity.
- Trust and Credibility: Clients rely on Home Inspectors to provide an unbiased evaluation of a property’s condition. If the inspector is also a contractor bidding for repair work, it should raise concerns about the authenticity of their findings and recommendations.
- Professional Standards: Many industry associations and organizations have a code of ethics that discourages inspectors from performing repairs on properties they inspect. This is to ensure that inspectors adhere to professional standards and maintain integrity in their assessments.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: In New York State, there are laws that prohibit Home Inspectors from engaging in repair work for one (1) year on properties they have inspected. This is to prevent potential conflicts and to protect the consumer (buyer and/or seller).
- Transparency: It is essential for Home & Septic Inspectors to be transparent about their affiliations, including the relationship with those that recommend them, and potential conflicts of interest. Disclosing any involvement in repair work, and their personal relationship with those that recommend them can help maintain transparency and ensure that clients are aware of any potential biases.
Home and Septic Inspectors should uphold professional standards, maintain credibility, and provide clients with objective and trustworthy assessments of the properties they inspect.