Ethical decisions are made on a daily basis by most individuals. It seems to me, most ethical decisions are quite simple and we can use common sense or our gut reaction to make a quick, painless decisions. Although, I have been in several situations throughout the years which have required extensive thought and support from my own ethical theories, most of which have been naturally instilled throughout my 30 years of living and learning. My occupation as a Home Inspector does put me in ethical situations occasionally; normally its just bending of the rules to accommodate the purchase of a home, in these cases most party's are aware of the situation and have agreed to it's outcome. Also, being a husband and father of three, I run into ethical decisions on a nightly basis. As a matter of fact, right now, I should be reading to my children instead of selfishly typing on a computer, some people could construe this as an ethical decision I have made!
It's not the minor decisions I'm concerned about, most of my problems are business related. Just recently I had a "Roof Certification Inspection" where my good judgment was compromised. For government loans some properties require these quick inspections, I enjoy them because of their ease, so obviously I want to keep getting them. Well, I look at the roof in question and it's pretty much shot; The owner was there and I informed her of the problems with the roof. She then tells me the loan is to do the roof and some other maintenance around the property. I feel bad for her, after all she seems real nice, so I tell her I'll give her the extension on the roof, which requires two years life remaining for the lender. In turn she'll rant and rave about what a nice inspector I was and I'll get more "Roof certification inspections ...