Hey everyone! I recently had a home inspector check out the attic where our HVAC unit is located. They said the condensation drain pipe was installed correctly and didn't find any leaks. Fast forward a month and I noticed a wet spot in my bedroom. I had an HVAC company come out, and they confirmed that the condensation line was improperly installed and had been leaking for years. They even pointed out water damage that was previously covered up by paint. My question is: since the inspector stated there were no leaks and everything was in good shape, can I go after them for the costs of repairs? The leaks were in an obvious spot, so I feel this should have been noticed during the inspection.
5 Answers
You might get a partial refund, but inspectors usually have agreements that limit their liability. It really depends on your local laws, especially if you live in an area with strong consumer protections.
You can certainly try, but be aware that inspection agreements are often structured to protect the inspector and not the homeowner.
You probably won't find much success with the inspector unless you have solid proof of negligence. It's worth checking with a local expert on small claims law. In a similar case, I heard about an inspector who missed a major issue, and they ended up covering a big chunk of the repairs.
You might have more luck going after the previous owners who hid the problem rather than the inspector.
It's pretty unusual for a home inspector to say that something isn't leaking; generally, they focus on noting any problems they find. They should’ve documented any signs of leaks, especially since it's something a good inspector would check. It seems like they may have dropped the ball on this one.
Totally agree! There's a big difference between saying you saw no leaks vs. stating that there were absolutely no leaks.