When interviewing a home inspector, ask the inspector what type of report they will provide. There are many styles of reports used by property inspectors, including a checklist, computer generated inspections programs, and the narrative style. Some reports are delivered on site and some may take as long as a few days for delivery. All reporting systems have their respective pros and cons.
The most important facet of an inspection report is the descriptive content for each item or component. A report that indicates a condition as “Good,” Fair,” or “Poor” without a detailed explanation is vague and can be easily misinterpreted. Example: Kitchen Sink: Condition – Fair. This does not give the homeowner or buyer any real indication of what could be wrong with the kitchen sink. An example with descriptive content: Kitchen sink: Condition – minor wear and chips in enamel finish. Recommended re-sealing of sink on countertop and resurfacing of the basin.
Take time to become familiar with your report. Should the report have a legend, key, symbols, or icons, read and understand them thoroughly. The more information provided about the site and home, the easier to understand the overall condition.
At the end of the inspection, your inspector may provide a summary with a question and answer period. Use this opportunity to ask questions regarding terms or conditions that you may not be familiar with. A quality inspector should be able to explain the answers to your questions regarding terms or conditions that you may not be familiar with and should be able to explain the answers to your questions. If for some reason a question cannot be answered at the time of the inspection, the inspector should research the question and provide the answer to you within a reasonable amount of time.
We recommend that you accompany your inspector through the entire inspection if possible. This will ensure that you have a better understanding of both the condition of the home and the details of the report.
Read the report in its entirety and understand its contents about the home you are looking to purchase. After all, this is likely to be one of the largest investments you will ever make.
