Sewer Scope - necessary?

Question

Hey all! I recently had an offer accepted on a property and the offer included the works: Appraisal, Inspection, and Financing contingencies. A couple of days later I was reminded on a podcast that a great due diligence step is to get the sewer scoped. I called a provider to get that done and they said the current owner needs to approve however, when my agent asked to owner she refused to approve the scope.

I have no reason to suspect there are any problems with the plumbing/sewer lines and neither does the current owner. Has anyone else run into this? Should I have written a scope into the offer?

Appreciate the feedback!

I have no reason to suspect there are any problems with the plumbing/sewer lines and neither does the current owner. Has anyone else run into this? Should I have written a scope into the offer?

Appreciate the feedback!

Dan Maciejewski · Answer

It's part of the inspections -- they don't have a choice unless they want to cancel the contract.  Unless you have a weird inspection contingency. . .

Just find another plumber that can do the scope.  The fact that you have a contract with an inspection contingency literally means you have the owner's authorization.

If the property was built in the 70's or prior, it's definitely worth it to get the scope.  Most pipes do not have an issue but if you do, the $500 to prevent thousands lost in damages

Chris Davidson · Answer

@Kyle Kalish just like @Dan Maciejewski said it is already part of the inspection period. The reason plumbers want authorization is if it is bad they could damage it, and want liability waived. Get your agent to push it to get it done.

Kyle Kalish · Answer

Thanks guys, great point! I didn't even consider that her authorization was already included under the inspection contingency. I will keep pushing on it then, thanks again!