INSPECT YOUR CONTRACT
Presenter: Bob Mulloy, Allsafe Home Inspection Services, East Bridgewater, MA
Bob Mulloy, the former “report writing instructor” for home inspectors at Northeastern University, will offer words of wisdom to make you a better inspector and a better report writer. Bob is a 25-year veteran inspector, retired teacher, retired Editor in Chief of The Inspector, (monthly newsletter for the ASHI NE Chapter www.ashinewengland.org), current Chairman of the ASHI NE Chapter Education Committee, author of a book titled: Report Writing for Home Inspectors and author of a CD called the "Encyclopedia of Standard Paragraphs" (boiler-plated text).
A Massachusetts licensed home inspector is required to have a contract. Have you ever inspected your contract with the same due diligence used to inspect a house? In this seminar, Bob Mulloy will utilize a power point presentation that will explain the components of a “legal” contract, along with phrases, disclaimers and suggested language for risk reduction. Bob has spent months researching this topic and has prepared a seminar that will hold your attention and help you reduce your risk. As a home inspector, you have two lines of defense, “a good contract, and a good report.” This seminar will also review the most common claims against home inspector, and will promote valuable discussion for each participant.
This seminar has been presented successfully for the ASHI New England Chapter, and for Cape Cod Community College. Length of seminar: approximately 3 hours.
Observation: Home inspectors are exposed to many areas of potential liability during the practice of their profession, and claims are often filed that allege errors & omissions or negligence.
Analysis: In addition to a contract, home inspectors can reduce risk and insure against claims by preparing well-written reports that accurately communicate the inspector’s findings and that adhere to minimum Standards of Practice.
Recommendation: Every home inspector should consult an attorney and draft a contract that explains the scope of his or her services and sets realistic expectations for the client. Every home inspector should participate in continuing education for self-improvement in the skills of communication and should regularly review the Standards of Practice.
Bob Mulloy