Inspection agreements are standard for the home inspection industry. They are a tool that establishes a clear understanding of the scope of the inspection for both the client and inspector. Customizing inspections means that there are a variety of agreements for a variety of inspections. It provides a process that clearly defines limitation inspectors have within industry standards and we want to ensure our inspections meets with client needs and expectations.
We always strive to exceed standards in order for our clients to receive the most detailed, comprehensive inspection possible. However, it is important to establish inspection scope in an agreement as a baseline. Below is a standard draft agreement template that we commonly use for our standard inspection. These can be easily sent to clients electronically and executed online with the check of a box.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime.
CPI#20351539 |
VISUAL INSPECTION AGREEMENT
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Client:
Property Address:
Total Inspection Fee:
This Inspection Agreement contains the terms and conditions of your (_______________________) (the Client) contract with DMC Residential Inspection Services Inc (the Company) for an Inspection of the Property at the above address. This Inspection Agreement contains limitations on the scope of the Inspection, remedies and liability. Please read it carefully. By signing below, Client represents and warrants that Client has secured all approvals necessary for the Company to conduct the Inspection of the Property. Client also warrants they will read the entire Inspection Report when received and shall promptly call with any questions or concerns client may have regarding the Inspection or Inspection Report. This Inspection is being performed for the exclusive use and benefit of the Client, and the Inspection, including the written Report, is not to be transferred to, utilized or relied upon by any other person or entity without prior written permission of the Company.
1. INSPECTION AND DUTIES
The Company agrees to perform a limited visual Inspection of the systems and components included in the inspection as they exist at the time of the inspection and for which the Client agrees to pay a fee. The Inspection will be performed in accordance with the Standards of Practice of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), and Canadian Standards Association CSA A770:16 Home Inspection, and is limited by the limitations, exceptions and exclusions so stated in the Standards of Practice, CSA A770:16 and this Agreement. You understand that InterNACHI’s SOP and CSA A770:16 contains limitations, exceptions, and exclusions. You understand that InterNACHI is not a party to this Agreement, has no control over, and does not employ or supervise DMC Residential Inspections Services Inc..
2. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
Client understands that the Inspection and Inspection Report do not, in any way, constitute a/an: (1) guarantee, (2) warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, (3) express or implied warranty, or (4) insurance policy. Additionally, neither the Inspection nor Inspection Report are substitutes for any real estate transfer disclosures which may be required by law.
3. NOTICE AND STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
Client agrees that any claim, for negligence, breach of contract or otherwise, be made in writing and reported to Company within ten (10) business days of discovery. Client further agrees to allow Inspector the opportunity to re-inspect the claimed discrepancy, with the exception of emergency conditions, before Client or Client's agents, employees or independent contractor’s repairs, replaces, alters or modifies the claimed discrepancy. Client understands and agrees that any failure to notify Inspector as stated above shall constitute a waiver of any and all claims Client may have against Inspector. Any legal action must be brought within one (1) year from the date of the Inspection, failure to bring said action within one (1) year of the date of the Inspection is a full and complete waiver of any rights, actions or causes of actions that may have arisen there from. Time is expressly of the essence herein. This time period may be shorter than otherwise provided for by law.
4. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES – LIMITED LIABILITY CLAUSE
Due to the nature of the Services we are providing, it is difficult to foresee or determine (at the time this Agreement is formed) potential damages in the event of negligence or breach of this Agreement by us. Thus, if we fail to perform the Services as provided herein or are careless or negligent in the performance of the Services and/or preparing the Report, our liability for any and all claims related thereto is limited to the fee paid for the Services (unless contrary to provincial law), and you release us from any and all additional liability, whether based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory. There will be no recovery for consequential damages. You understand that the performance of the Services without this limitation of liability would be more technically exhaustive, likely require specialties and would cost substantially more than the fee paid for this limited visual inspection. You understand that you are free to consult with another professional if you do not agree to this provision.
5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH ISSUES
The Client specifically acknowledges that a Property Inspection is NOT an Environmental Survey and is not intended to detect, identify, disclose or report on the presence of any actual or potential environmental concerns or hazards in the air, water, soil or building materials. Such environmental concerns and hazards include but are not limited to asbestos; radon; lead; urea formaldehyde; mould; mildew; fungus; odours; noise; toxic or flammable chemicals; water or air quality; PCB's or other toxins; electro-magnetic fields; underground storage tanks; proximity to toxic waste sites; carbon monoxide. You agree to hold the Company and Inspector harmless for any injury, health risk or damage caused or contributed to by these conditions.
6. LIMITATIONS, EXCEPTIONS AND EXCLUSIONS
The Inspection only includes those systems and components expressly and specifically identified in the Inspection Report. The Inspection limitations, exceptions and exclusions in the Standards of Practice are incorporated herein. In addition, any area which is not exposed to view, is concealed, is inaccessible because of soil, walls, floors, carpets, ceilings, furnishing or in any other fashion is excluded. The Inspection does not include any destructive testing or dismantling. The following systems and components and areas are among those NOT included in the Inspection or Inspection Report:
- Latent or concealed defects, compliance with code or zoning ordinances or permit research or system or component installation or recalls.
- Structural, geological, soil, wave action or hydrological stability, survey, engineering, analysis or testing.
- Termites or other wood destroying insects and or organisms, rodents or other pests, dry-rot or fungus; or damage from or relating to the preceding. This exclusion is deleted if the Client has the Company perform wood destroying organism inspection for an additional fee.
- Private water, sewage systems, water softeners or purifiers, radiant heat systems or solar heating systems.
- Pools, spas, hot tubs, saunas, steam baths, fountains or other types of or related systems and components.
- Repair cost estimates or building value appraisal.
- Thermostatic or time clock controls, radio-controlled devices, automatic gates or elevators, lifts, dumbwaiters.
- Free standing appliances and gas appliances such as fire pits, barbecues, heaters and lamps. Main gas shut off valve. Any gas leaks. Furnace heat exchangers.
- Seismic safety, security or fire safety systems or security bars and/or safety equipment.
- Any adverse condition that may affect the desirability of the property including but not limited to proximity to railroad tracks or airplane routes, boundaries, easements or rights of way, adjoining properties or neighbourhood. - Unique/technically complex systems or components, system or component life expectancy or adequacy or efficiency of any system or component.
7. GOVERNING LAW & SEVERABILITY
This Agreement shall be governed by Ontario law. If any portion of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable by any court or arbitrator the remaining terms shall remain in force between the parties. You agree that the exclusive venue for any litigation arising out of this Agreement shall be in the county where DMC Residential Inspection Services place of business is located Bruce County, Ontario. If you fail to prove any claim against us, you agree to pay all our legal costs, expenses and attorney’s fees incurred in defending that claim. You agree that the exclusive venue for any legal action against InterNACHI itself, allegedly arising out of this Agreement or our membership in InterNACHI, will be in Boulder County, Colorado. Before bringing any such action, you must provide InterNACHI with 30 days’ written notice of the nature of the claim, in sufficient detail and with sufficient supporting documents that InterNACHI can evaluate it. In any action against InterNACHI, you waive trial by jury.
8. RECEIPT OF REPORT
The Company’s agreement to perform the Inspection is contingent on Client’s agreement to the provisions, terms, conditions and limitations of this Agreement. If this Agreement is not signed by Client prior to or at the time the written Inspection Report is provided to the Client and Client objects to any of the terms of this Agreement, Client shall return the written Inspection Report to the Company within seven (7) days and any fee that has been paid will be refunded to the Client. Failure to return the written Inspection Report and payment of the fee shall constitute the full acceptance of all of the terms of this Agreement by Client.
9. OTHER SERVICES
The Company does not perform engineering, architectural, plumbing, or and other job function requjiring and occupational license in the jurisdiction where the inspection is taking place It is understood and agreed to by the parties hereto that all the provisions, limitations, exceptions and exclusions of this agreement shall apply to any optional services entered into by the parties.
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT, MODIFICATION & 3rd PARTIES
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties. The Company reserves the right to terminate the agreement at any time without penalty or cause. No oral agreements, understandings or representations shall change, modify or amend any part of this Agreement. No change or modification shall be enforceable against any party unless such changes or modification is in writing and signed by the parties and supported by valid consideration. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the parties hereto and their spouses, heirs, executors, administrators, successors, assigns and representatives of any kind whatsoever.
Signature of Client____________________________________________
Date___________________