Down Under Home Inspections LLC
GENERAL STANDARDS OF PRACTICE AND REPORT CONDITIONS
THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS A LIMIT OF LIABILITY AND ARBITRATION CLAUSE, PLEASE READ COMPLETELY.

   

DOWN UNDER HOME INSPECTIONS LLC proposes to conduct a generalist visual inspection of the property located at the address noted elsewhere in this report,  in accordance with the terms, conditions and limitations as detailed below.
If specifically requested and authorized elsewhere by the Client, this inspection will include the following additional service/s: Radon Air Sample;  Radon in Water test;   Well Water Quality samples taken for laboratory testing.

SCOPE OF INSPECTION SERVICES: (What we WILL inspect ): The Company will perform a limited visual inspection which is not technically exhaustive or invasive, designed to provide the CLIENT with a general understanding of the condition of the property as it exists ON THE DAY OF THE INSPECTION. The inspection will include the following items if present and accessible. These items are generally accepted as "standard" inspection components" required by most nationally recognized inspector associations and regulatory agencies: General Information: Persons present during the inspection; approximate age of the structure; construction type and style; weather and soil conditions; residence type; number of stories; approximate house orientation; general lot description. Grounds: Grade/drainage; yard drains; walks and driveways; landscaping; patio/slabs; outside lighting; trees/limbs; fences/gates; outside faucets; retaining walls. Exterior: General condition of the siding materials; siding cracks; shutters; trim rot; paint and caulking; fascia; soffit/eaves; porch, porch rails; stoop; stoop rails; deck; deck rails; doors; sliding door(s); garage; garage door opener; windows. Roof: Generally observed from the ground with binoculars and/or from accessible eaves by ladder: Roof materials: Roof style; flashing and roof penetrations; skylights; gutters; downspouts; splash blocks; roof framing; ceiling joists; roof decking; water penetration, whole house fan; ventilation; insulation; attic access. Fireplace: General condition; gas logs; damper; chimney condition; flue liner (if accessible and visible). Foundation - Basement: Accessible areas; moisture penetration; piers; foundation walls; floor joist and sills; girders; subfloor; floors/slabs; insulation; Crawlspace: Accessible areas; moisture penetration; sump pump; vapor barrier; piers; foundation walls; floor joist and sills; girders; subfloor; ventilation; insulation. Slab condition: Viewable components. Electrical: Service entrance; service wires; grounding equipment; main panel; sub panels; over current protection; ground fault protection; 110 volts and 220 volt circuits; receptacles; light fixtures and switches; safety concerns. HVAC - Heating: Unit manufacturer; model number; serial number; location; air temperature rise; general condition; heating unit description; energy source; system type; total capacity; approximate age. Cooling: Unit manufacturer; model number; serial number; air temperature drop; general condition; cooling unit description; energy, location; total capacity; approximate age. Plumbing: Water supply; well pump; water shut offs; water pressure; water pipes; water pipe support; water pipe insulation; water heater; waste water disposal; waste and vent pipes; waste pipe support; plumbing fixtures; kitchen sink; laundry connections; dryer exhaust; bath rooms. Interior: Rooms/floors; walls; smoke alarms; ceilings; stairs; doors. Appliances: -permanently installed only: Dishwasher; disposal; oven; range; trash compactor and microwave. Unless specifically stated, any observation in the inspection report pertaining to aforementioned items is to be considered general in nature and further professional evaluation/investigation of the system or component may be required.

INSPECTION LIMITATIONS (What we WILL NOT inspect ): The Inspection will be a limited visual inspection of the aforesaid items. The Inspection will not be invasive or technically exhaustive, (inspection of evaporator coils and heat exchangers on heating and cooling systems is specifically excluded) and cannot detect latent conditions or concealed defects such as sewer line back-up or hidden structural damage. Cooling systems cannot/will not be operated in ambient temperature conditions of 65 degree F. or less. Since the Inspection will be based upon visual observations made during a limited time period, the Company will not be responsible for any condition affecting any system or component which is intermittent and not detectable during the Inspection (for example - compromised insulation seals on windows). Please note. For reasons of personal safety and liability, the inspector is NOT required to walk on roof tops,  light pilot lights, activate the main water, gas or electrical systems, energize electrical circuits which are shut off or otherwise inoperable or operate any component which does not respond to normal operating controls.

 The Inspection will not include or address the following items: code compliance, durability, environmental concerns INCLUDING MOLD, compliance with any conservation or energy standard, efficiency, fitness for purpose, flood or seismic risks, underground plumbing, future life, future performance, especially that of foundations, insurability, merchantability, obsolescence, quality, safety of any item inspected, septic systems, wells, cisterns, private water supplies water quality or volume, central vacuum systems, solar systems whether active or inactive, security systems, soils systems, lead paint, asbestos, radon, toxic mold, flammable materials, refrigerators, freezers, remote overhead door transmitters/receivers, floor coverings, wall coverings, free standing kitchen appliances, laundry appliances, water conditioners , swimming pools, spas, tennis courts, playground equipment or other recreational or leisure appliances and self-cleaning or continuous-cleaning capabilities of ovens, wood destroying organisms or insects and non-wood infesting insects such as fleas, cockroaches, bees, mites, ticks, flies, etc. Unless specifically stated, any opinion in the inspection report pertaining to aforementioned items is to be considered partial and incomplete and further professional evaluation of the system or component may be required.

WRITTEN OR ELECTRONIC INSPECTION REPORT: The Company will render a written and or electronic inspection report outlining the condition of items inspected as they existed at the time of the Inspection (the "Report"). The Report will contain the opinions of the Inspector which opinions may change should conditions change which affect the items inspected. Although code compliance and engineering evaluation are specifically excluded from the Inspection, some codes may be used as a reference or basis for the opinion of the Inspector. The inspection services to be provided are defined and limited to the Report and attachments thereto. The Company will provide the Report to the Client, or Client's authorized representative (person(s) ordering inspection, submitting payment, or otherwise designated to represent the Client). Distribution of copies of the Report to other parties will be at Client's direction or as otherwise specified by law. The Report will not be released until a signed and dated copy of this agreement from the client/s has been received by this company, OR it’s acceptance is indicated by an electronic time/date stamp at the time of accessing the electronic report.

CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY: The Client is responsible for arranging access to the structure to be inspected and is responsible for ensuring all utilities are operational prior to the scheduled Inspection. The attendance of the Client during the Inspection is encouraged however the Client acknowledges that attendance at the inspection is at the Client's or any other attending party's own risk. No liability for injury, personal or otherwise to attending party/parties, or damage done to the property by person/s other than employees of the Company will be accepted by the Company.

GENERAL STATEMENTS AND AGREEMENTS THAT APPLY TO HOME INSPECTIONS: Before completing any contractual agreements on the Property, Client should obtain second opinions / estimates by specialists on items where performance may be reported as questionable, needing repair/ servicing or is unsafe. It is specifically agreed that the Company and Clients are bound only by the terms/conditions of this Agreement and have not relied on any other representations, oral or otherwise.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES / GUARANTEES - The company makes no guarantee or warranty as to any of the following:
1. That all repair needs and hazards have been discovered or disclosed in accessible or inaccessible areas.
2. That inspection company or the inspector will pay for the repair of undiscovered problems or conditions.
3. That any of the items inspected are designed or constructed in a good or workmanlike manner.
4. That any of the items inspected will continue to perform in the future as they are performing at the time of inspection.
5. That the building will not experience or contain wood destroying insect activity or damage.
6. No guaranty or warranty of merchantability or fitness of use of the condition of the property.

LIMITS OF LIABILITY: Home inspections are not insurance and do not provide protection against unexpected conditions or repair/replacement needs and costs. The Client acknowledges that there are risks involved in purchasing property, and while the ordering of a home inspection may reduce the risks, risk cannot be eliminated. Client acknowledges that the Company is not an insurer and does not insure against defects in the Property. Should a concern or dispute arise over the condition of an inspected item after the date of the inspection, Client agrees to notify the Company in writing within fourteen (14) days of the discovery of the condition and provide the Company with the opportunity to re-inspect the disputed item and document any concerns prior to the commencement of repair or replacement work. Notwithstanding the above, immediate repairs should be made regardless of whether or not the Company has been given the opportunity to re-inspect a condition should circumstances warrant immediate repair. However, Client's failure to give the Company notice and the opportunity to re-inspect an item where immediate repairs are not required to protect life or property shall preclude Client from pursuing a claim against the Company for that item. The maximum liability of the Company or its employees for errors and omissions in the inspection process shall be limited to the amount of the fee paid for the applicable inspection. Client agrees to pay all legal expenses and reasonable compensation for loss of time that may be incurred by any inspector, owner or employee of the Company as a result of any legal action brought by the Client where the Client does not prevail. Client understands that more comprehensive inspections may be available from other companies.

Arbitration Clause:  Any dispute concerning the interpretation of this agreement or arising from the Inspection and Report  shall be resolved by binding, non-appealable arbitration conducted by a mutually agreed upon professional arbitration service. Any legal act arising from the Inspection and report  must be commenced within 90 days of the date of the inspection.  If any portion of the agreement, inspection, and/or report is struck down, then all other clauses will remain valid and in force.

MISCELLANEOUS - Entire Agreement: This Agreement, and the Inspection Report issued by the Company, constitutes the sole Agreement between Client and the Company. Third Party Indemnification: All services are performed and the Report are prepared for the sole and exclusive use and benefit of the Client. The Report is not intended for the use or benefit of anyone other than the Client and no third party shall have any right arising from the Inspection or the Report. Reports are non-transferable and may not be relied upon by other parties without the written consent of both Client and Company, unless otherwise specified by law. In consideration of the Company furnishing Report, Client will indemnify and hold the Company harmless from claims, demands or costs as a result of any third party demand or claim arising out of the Inspection or the Report. Applicable law: This report shall be construed under the laws of the state in which the inspection was performed.

Seller's Disclosure: The Report will be supplemental to any real estate transfer or seller's disclosure statement and shall not be used as a substitute for such disclosure statements. Wherever there is a reference to the Client, the singular includes the plural and the masculine includes the feminine and the neuter.

BY SIGNING BELOW OR BY THE PRESENCE OF AN ELECTRONIC TIME/DATE STAMP INDICATING MY ACCEPTANCE ON THE ELECTRONIC REPORT,  I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, THAT I UNDERSTAND THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS HEREOF, THAT I TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROMPT PAYMENT OF THE PRESCRIBED FEE, AS AGREED UPON AND NOTED IN THIS INSPECTION AGREEMENT, REGARDLESS OF THE SUCCESSFUL CLOSING OF THE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION FOR WHICH THIS INSPECTION IS BEING CONDUCTED, OR OTHERWISE. The Client agrees to allow the Company to upload the client's inspection report to the Internet for data storage / backup and for confidential online distribution at the client's direction.

SIGNED: _____________________________________________________DATE:_______________________________
 
     
 

Down Under Home Inspections LLC

“Call us and we’ll hop right to it!”

 
     

 

 
Email Alan: downunderinspections@yahoo.com