If asked questions outside your scope, what is the best action?

The best course of action when faced with questions outside your scope is to suggest where the client may find an answer to that question. This approach is professional and responsible, as it respects the boundaries of your expertise while still guiding the client toward obtaining accurate information. Providing the client with resources or referrals helps them understand that their question is valid and important, while also ensuring that you do not inadvertently mislead them with information you are not fully trained to address.

By guiding clients to reliable sources or professionals, you reinforce the importance of accurate information, which helps to establish trust and credibility. It acknowledges the limits of your expertise while still demonstrating a commitment to their needs. This is preferable to offering vague answers or claiming that you haven't reached that part of the inspection, which may leave the client feeling unsatisfied or confused.