I had my home inspected before purchase and both home inspector, agent and me thought there was a problem with a heat pump. Seller got the heat pump inspected with a licensed techinician and the latter issued "fine working condition" inspection report. Right after closing and moving in to the new place I realized that the heat pump was running all the time regardless of demand. I called the same technician who said this time that the compressor is gone and the whole thing needs to be replaced. I firmly believe that the compressor was a preexisting condition. There was like 40 days between the two reports. What should I do? Thanks.
2007-04-07 08:45:56 · 6 answers · asked by vedevdem 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Recently I was in the market for a new home and during the inspection there seemed to be something wrong with the heat pump. We followed up on that by getting the heat pump inspected by a licensed technician, who said that the unit was working fine. After I moved in I found out the unit was running all the time regardless of demand. Reinspection by the same guy shoed that the unit needs to be replaced. I would appreciate constructive responses on how to resolve it without incurring the full cost of a new heat pump. Thank you.
2007-04-07 12:24:23 · update #1
I know nothing about heat pumps and fully relied on the report of the technician. If it is merely an opinion and the tech is not liable, then what is the purpose of the report? I might as well come and look around myself. The tech further gave me an array of erratic opinions on how to fix it and eventually I said that I would not need his services any more. I think I have read that home inspection reports are contracts and depending on the state I may recover the cost of the repairs. Please let me know what you think.
2007-04-07 12:29:20 · update #2
Not much you can do now unfortunately.
I would'nt call the same tech though, that's one thing you can control.
Look at it as a lesson, if you're ever in a situation like that again, put your foot down & tell the homeowner that if he wants to sell his house he needs to get whatever the problem is corrected or he doesn't have a deal.
2007-04-07 10:10:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may have to bite the bullet on this one. Technicians can do a thorough, and very professional, inspection of a piece of equipment and have it fail fifteen minutes later. AN INSPECTION IS NOT A REPAIR. Techs do not have crystal balls. The components of any mechanical device (even brand new) are subject to fail without notice - which is why major equipment is under warranty for a specified period. When you payed for an inspection you did not buy a guarantee for your equipment. If that's what you expected, you should have told the tech that you wanted to purchase an extended warranty. Caveat emptor. It's a b****, but life is not fair..........
2007-04-07 19:50:59 · answer #2 · answered by Huero 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you thought there was a problem with the heat pump, it should have been included in the contract or included in the offer to buy that it would be replaced.
Ask your realtor and see what she says. Contact a lawyer and see about bringing a claim against the home inspector. In fact, I would file a complaint with the BBB regardingthe inspection. Good luck to you and Happy Easter.
2007-04-07 15:58:41 · answer #3 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you had any doubt you should have got a second opinion on your own. Or as suggested put the heat pump replacement as a part of the contract.
2007-04-07 18:19:33 · answer #4 · answered by ric_ozz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your attorney, but I believe you will be buying a new heat pump.
2007-04-07 15:49:48 · answer #5 · answered by khrome_wind 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You bought the place, you will pay for the repair. Inspections are merely opinions. Inspectors are not liable. They are just for advice. Buyer beware.
2007-04-07 16:27:40 · answer #6 · answered by morris 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋