Extra protection for the home buyer:

I think it is safe to say that just about everyone in the market for an older house sees only the surficial qualities of the home, such as style, location, amenities, etc. Once the decision to purchase is made, the buyer relies on professionals to inspect the house in the areas that are important to protecting the buyer's investment. Having the home inspected by a licensed home inspector is top priority on everyone's list. A termite inspection is usually second on the list. And, other professionals may be called in to investigate possible problem areas, especially at the recommendation of the home inspector.

How many home buyers think to call someone familiar with the issues of underground storage tanks (USTs)?

Answer: not many.

How many home owners regret not having their property investigated for the presence of a UST before they bought the property?

Answer: too many.

Too many home owners are finding out, when they decide to sell, that savvy buyers are requiring the property to be free of USTs, as well as above ground tanks and soil contamination. If only their home inspector had identified the possibility that a UST existed on the property, the owner may have been able to avoid assuming any environmental liability.

A home inspector who knows what to look for in identifying the past or current presence of a UST can offer his clients an added measure of protection. In today's business world, the home inspector that can point out more existing problem areas is the inspector who will save his clients more money and, more importantly to the inspector, receive the greatest number of referrals.