Section 7508 - Home inspection reports

68 PA Cons Stat § 7508 (2019) (N/A)
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(a) Required contents.--A home inspection report must be in writing and shall include:

(1) A description of the scope of the inspection, including without limitation an identification of the structural elements, systems and subsystems covered by the report.

(2) A description of any material defects noted during the inspection, along with any recommendation that certain experts be retained to determine the extent of the defects and any corrective action that should be taken. A "material defect" as defined in section 7102 (relating to definitions) that poses an unreasonable risk to people on the property shall be conspicuously identified as such.

(3) The following statements, set forth conspicuously:

"A home inspection is intended to assist in evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of inspection."

"The results of this home inspection are not intended to make any representation regarding the presence or absence of latent or concealed defects that are not reasonably ascertainable in a competently performed home inspection. No warranty or guaranty is expressed or implied."

"If the person conducting your home inspection is not a licensed structural engineer or other professional whose license authorizes the rendering of an opinion as to the structural integrity of a building or its other component parts, you may be advised to seek a professional opinion as to any defects or concerns mentioned in the report."

"This home inspection report is not to be construed as an appraisal and may not be used as such for any purpose."

(b) Confidentiality.--Except as otherwise required by law, a home inspector shall not deliver a home inspection report to any person other than the client of the home inspector without the client's consent. The seller shall have the right, upon request, to receive without charge a copy of a home inspection report from the person for whom it was prepared.

(c) Repair estimates prohibited.--A home inspector shall not express either orally or in writing an estimate of the cost to repair any defect found during a home inspection, except that such an estimate may be included in a home inspection report if:

(1) the report identifies the source of the estimate;

(2) the estimate is stated as a range of costs; and

(3) the report states that the parties should consider obtaining an estimate from a contractor who performs the type of repair involved.

Cross References. Section 7508 is referred to in sections 7511, 7513 of this title.