subject: The Pitfalls Of Having special Knowledge [print this page] Having special knowledge can actually be considered a pitfall. For instance, an inspector who also carries a pesticide applicators license may find himself/herself in a bind someday for failing to report conditions conducive to wood destroying insect infestation, even though he was not contracted to perform a WDI inspection.
Why you ask? Well, it is entirely possible that the argument could be made that the inspector had specific knowledge or expertise in a specific licensed area and that an obligation existed to inspect anyway. The concept of special knowledge is nothing new and has affected the conduct of Realtors for quite a while.
This concept may also apply to inspectors who are becoming code certified. In these cases, where the inspector has special training and certification with regard to building codes affecting a minimum safety standard, the ramifications can be great. Remember, the home inspector is supposed to be a generalist. The inspector is not the authority having jurisdiction. This is why the general rule of thumb is for the inspector to refrain from citing code violations. Special knowledge can come back to haunt you every time. Home inspections are not code inspections.
A code inspection is an inspection for compliance to minimal acceptable safety standards. A home inspection is not. While we make recommendations based on the code, we are not experts and should never extend ourselves as such. Codes are open to interpretation. Special knowledge and the way one markets their business and performs an inspection, where special knowledge is involved, are best discussed with competent counsel.
