TOPIC: Do you include a deferred cost items section in your report?

Do you include a list of deferred cost items in your reports?  I don't see a section for this in the template.

I'm curious to know what your opinions are on listing these items. 
For example the program I was using included a section in the summery for items DEFERRED COST ITEMS Items that have reached or are reaching their normal life expectancy or show indications that they may require repair or replacement anytime during the next five (5) years.

Roof that is 15+ years old, A/C that is 19 years old,  Water heater that is 11 years...

Thank you for you answers!

One perspective on this would be that the home inspection standards of practice says that you do not need to predict the life expectancy or the remaining expectancy of any component in the house. If the component is functioning (even though it's old) then it is acceptable and is not considered a significant deficiency which must be reported.

If you decide to add these deferred cost items to be a good old Joe, you are going beyond standards of practice which you are allowed to do.

If you happen to be wrong (such as saying the unit will last longer than it actually does) and the client decides to sue you, your insurance company and yourself cannot come back and say well I'm not required to determine life expectancy when in fact you put it in the report.

Another point of view is that if you have a first-time home buyer that is scraping every nickel and dime out of the cookie jar to buy the house, when something goes wrong they have to fork out a big chunk of change in a could put them in bankruptcy.

Personally I prefer to discuss these items outside of the home inspection report also outside earshot of the real estate agent!

It's all about meeting your clients expectations. If you meet their expectations are not going to sue you because they realize you're doing the best you can.

See must decide how you want to handle the situation.

Personally I feel there is no place for it in the inspection report.

You explained this very well David. 

One thing I would like to point out - I wouldn't be sued because if I'm wrong in saying the unit may need to be repair or replace within the next 5 year and it doesn't my clients would be happy that it lasted longer.  I never document this unless the unit is nearing the end of its useful life.  Say the water heater is 10 years old and starting to show signs of wear.  I would tell my client that the average water heater lasts about 12 years.  I document that the unit may need to be repaired or replaced within the next 5 years... 

I understand what you are saying and am considering not adding this. 
Thank you

The gas water heater is 12 years old.  It is currently past the average lifespan for this item according to the National Association of Home Builders.  It could work for years or it could fail tomorrow.  Budget accordingly.

Case in point.  My electric water heater is 23 years old.  No signs of leaking.  No issues.  And yet is is double the normal lifespan of 11 years old.

Give your clients the information.  Let them decide what to do with it.  I would not be giving anything close to a time frame for possible failure.

All of the really old water heaters I come across are electric.  I saw one 30 plus still working.

I usually tell them that their home inspector is past his prime and about to break down!! Damn I am a funny guy!!!