Please Help! Agent married to inspector...

[KelleyG]

What is the name of your state? KY

Hi. Last year my sister moved here to KY from PA. The agent seemed nice and my sister isn't real bright.... The agent told my sister her hubby was an inspector and could take care of the inspection. Duh.

Anyhow, the inspector signed off that basically- all was ok.
After 3 months, the kitchen sink clogged up and neither the sink or dishwasher could be used. Ok- these things happen- but... The plumber came and we found out that the pipes under the crawl space were duct taped together! What a mess! The plumber told my sister he knows these people and that thios was not the first time hes seen this happen with them. He put it in writing and has no problem standing behind my sister.

My sister contacted the agent and they were supposed to refund her inspection fee of 200.00 which they still have not done.

Next, we had a leak from under the bonnet for the hot water in the shower. Ok- no biggie. Well, tiles had to be removed and there is a mess of mold/mildew all the way through the walling and into the beams! She was told the windows were new- it even states this in her paperwork- replaced within the previous 2 years. A window man came out and said "ma'am, these windows have been in since the house was built. Isn't any way they are even close to new". House is something like 35 years old- not old, old... but obviously old enough and not properly maintained.

I keep telling my sister that she should be able to do SOMETHING... Right?

She says she was told she didn't need to be present for the inspection and so being out of state she wasn't and that she signed all the papers so she seems to feel it's her fault.

Now- the bathroom... the tub may need to be removed, the floor, in addition to the tiles,
walling and possibly the beams.

Is there ANYthing she can do here? There are other things going on as well, as of right now they seem minor- but so did the kitchen and bathroom plumbing. What should I suggest she do? Who is responsible? The seller or the agent or the inspector??
Also, since it's been just over a year... Would she even be ABLE to do anything?

I admit my sister isn't the brightest bulb in the strand, but this is just so so wrong!
I told my sister she should never, ever have used an inspector that this agent suggested she use- especially since they're married!

This agent didn't even recommend a few different inspectors- just her husband. I cannot believe my sister agreed to it.

At any rate, my sister put faith in the wrong people and now is running into some major issues here.

Can anyone out there help?

Thanks so much for any input!
Kelley

[JETX]

Originally Posted by KelleyG

Anyhow, the inspector signed off that basically- all was ok.

What does 'basically' mean?? Sounds just like things were 'basically' NOT ok.

After 3 months, the kitchen sink clogged up and neither the sink or dishwasher could be used. Ok- these things happen- but... The plumber came and we found out that the pipes under the crawl space were duct taped together! What a mess!

The omission of the duct tape, depending on the FULL facts, could be a problem for the inspector as it would presumably have been 'noticed'. So, given that... the question is... was the clogging due to the duct tape?? If not, then it really isn't critical.

The plumber told my sister he knows these people and that thios was not the first time hes seen this happen with them. He put it in writing and has no problem standing behind my sister.

Okay.... might be of benefit if he testifies in a suit. Otherwise, worthless.

My sister contacted the agent and they were supposed to refund her inspection fee of 200.00 which they still have not done.

So what?? If your sister doesn't pursue it.... no problem.

Next, we had a leak from under the bonnet for the hot water in the shower. Ok- no biggie. Well, tiles had to be removed and there is a mess of mold/mildew all the way through the walling and into the beams!

The inspector is NOT required to remove tiles and is not liable for 'hidden' damage.

She was told the windows were new- it even states this in her paperwork- replaced within the previous 2 years. A window man came out and said "ma'am, these windows have been in since the house was built. Isn't any way they are even close to new".

And of course, unless the inspector's report shows new windows.... not relevant.

House is something like 35 years old- not old, old... but obviously old enough and not properly maintained.

Then why did she buy it??

I keep telling my sister that she should be able to do SOMETHING... Right?

Nope. Other then the failure to return the fee that was offered... sounds like your sister is being realistic and not looking for excuses like you are.

Now- the bathroom... the tub may need to be removed, the floor, in addition to the tiles, walling and possibly the beams.

So??

What should I suggest she do? Who is responsible? The seller or the agent or the inspector??

First, she needs to get facts... and not random ramblings and rantings.

[HomeGuru]

And I QUOTE JETX:

First, she needs to get facts... and not random ramblings and rantings.