to perform a visual inspection of the
home/building and to provide CLIENT with a written inspection report
identifying the defects that INSPECTOR both observed and deemed material.
INSPECTOR may offer comments as a courtesy, but these comments will not
comprise the bargained-for report. The report is only supplementary to the
seller’s disclosure.
2. Unless otherwise inconsistent with this Agreement or not
possible, INSPECTOR agrees to perform the inspection in accordance to the
current Standards of Practice of the National Association of Certified Home
Inspectors posted at http://www.nachi.org/sop.htm. CLIENT understands that
these standards contain certain limitations, exceptions, and exclusions.
3. The inspection and report are performed and prepared for
the use of CLIENT, who gives INSPECTOR permission to discuss observations with
real estate agents, owners, repairpersons, and other interested parties.
INSPECTOR accepts no responsibility for use or misinterpretation by third
parties. INSPECTOR’S inspection of the property and the accompanying report
are in no way intended to be a guarantee or warranty, express or implied,
regarding the future use, operability, habitability or suitability of the
home/building or its components. Any and all warranties, express or implied,
including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose,
are expressly excluded by this Agreement.
4. INSPECTOR assumes no liability for the cost of repair or
replacement of unreported defects or deficiencies either current or arising in
the future. CLIENT acknowledges that the liability of INSPECTOR, its agents,
employees, for claims or damages, costs of defense or suit, attorney’s fees
and expenses and payments arising out of or related to the INSPECTOR’S
negligence or breach of any obligation under this Agreement, including errors
and omissions in the inspection or the report, shall be limited to liquidated
damages in an amount equal to the fee paid to the INSPECTOR, and this
liability shall be exclusive. CLIENT waives any claim for consequential,
exemplary, special or incidental damages or for the loss of the use of the
home/building even if the CLIENT has been advised of the possibility of such
damages. The parties acknowledge that the liquidated damages are not intended
as a penalty but are intended (i) to reflect the fact that actual damages may
be difficult and impractical to ascertain; (ii) to allocate risk among the
INSPECTOR and CLIENT; and (iii) to enable the INSPECTOR to perform the
inspection at the stated fee.
5. INSPECTOR does not perform engineering, architectural,
plumbing, or any other job function requiring an occupational license in the
jurisdiction where the inspection is taking place, unless the inspector holds
a valid occupational license, in which case he/she may inform the CLIENT that
he/she is so licensed, and is therefore qualified to go beyond this basic home
inspection, and for additional fee, perform additional inspections beyond
those within the scope of the basic home inspection. Any agreement for such
additional inspections shall be in a separate writing or noted here:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
6. In the event of a claim against INSPECTOR, CLIENT agrees
to supply INSPECTOR with the following: (1) Written notification of adverse
conditions within 14 days of discovery, and (2) Access to the premises.
Failure to comply with the above conditions will release INSPECTOR and its
agents from any and all obligations or liability of any kind.
7. The parties agree that any litigation arising out of
this Agreement shall be filed only in the Court having jurisdiction in the
County in which the INSPECTOR has its principal place of business. In the
event that CLIENT fails to prove any adverse claims against INSPECTOR in a
court of law, CLIENT agrees to pay all legal costs, expenses and fees of
INSPECTOR in defending said claims.
8. If any court declares any provision of this Agreement
invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect. This
Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties. All prior
communications are merged into this Agreement, and there are no terms or
conditions other than those set forth herein. No statement or promise of
INSPECTOR or its agents shall be binding unless reduced to writing and signed
by INSPECTOR. No change or modification shall be enforceable against any party
unless such change or modification is in writing and signed by the parties.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and enforceable by the parties and their
heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assignees. CLIENT shall have
no cause of action against INSPECTOR after one year from the date of the
inspection.
9. Payment of the fee to INSPECTOR (less any deposit noted
above) is due upon completion of the on-site inspection. The CLIENT agrees to
pay all legal and time expenses incurred in collecting due payments, including
attorney’s fees, if any. If CLIENT is a corporation, LLC, or similar entity,
the person signing this Agreement on behalf of such entity does personally
guaranty payment of the fee by the entity.
CLIENT HAS CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING, AGREES TO IT, AND
ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT.