Decoding a Home Inspection Report: What’s Included and What to Look For
What is a Home Inspection Report?
A home inspection report is a detailed summary prepared by a licensed home inspector after a thorough examination of the home. It provides an overview of the home’s physical structure and internal system. It is just like a snapshot of your existing or future home.
The home inspection is just like a full check-up of a home, in which potential issues are revealed. If unattended, these issues can cost thousands to get fixed.
What’s Typically Included in a Home Inspection Report?
A home inspection report includes information regarding each component of the home. According to the home inspection standards of practice, a report includes information about:
- Structural Components
- Foundation cognition
- Visible signs of shifting, cracks, or sagging
- Walls, ceilings, floors, and roof framing
- Roofing
- Shingle or tile condition
- Flashing and roof penetrations
- Gutters and downspouts
- Signs of leaks or water stains
- Exterior
- Siding, grading, and trim
- Driveways and sidewalks
- Windows and doors for proper sealing
- Interior
- Window and door operations
- Stair railings and safety components
- Flooring and ceiling condition
- Functionality of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Plumbing System
- Pipe material and visible condition
- Water pressure testing
- Signs of corrosion
- Signs of leakage
- Electrical System
- Main panel and circuit breakers
- Outlet testing and GFCI protection
- Signs of outdated or unsafe wiring
- HVAC System
- Age and efficiency of the HVAC system
- Ductwork and airflow
- Filter cleanliness and maintenance
- Insulation and Ventilation
- Attic and crawl space insulation levels
- Adequacy of ventilation in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry
- Presence of mold or mildew
- Major Appliances
- Kitchen appliances like ovens, cooktops, and dishwashers
- Laundry machine (if built-in)
- General functionality of installed appliances
What to Look for in a Home Inspection Report
A home inspection report can be 40 to 60 pages long. That’s a lot to read and digest. If you want to navigate like a pro, you should look for the following things in a home inspection report:
- Executive Summary
Our certified inspectors understand your situation and provide an executive summary of most important or urgent issues. Going through it can save a lot of your time. Moreover, the pictorial evidence in the home inspection report can also help to understand the problem.
- Look for Safety Concerns
You must check for things that can have an impact on the safety concerns. For example, faulty wiring, loose railings, and missing smoke detectors. Such things are to be addressed as a priority.
- Identify High-Cost Repairs
Focus on the big ticket items like roof replacement, foundation repair, HVAC systems, or old electrical panels. Such things, if in poor condition, can cost you a lot of money.
- Spot Patterns of Neglect
Check if there are multiple minor issues like leaky faucets, missing screens, or dirty filters. These things indicate a poor overall maintenance of the home. It means you might have to pay a lot to get all the things repaired.
- Use it as Leverage
Many buyers use the inspection report to renegotiate the deal. That means asking for repairs, requesting seller credits, or adjusting the purchase price.
Common Red Flags to Look For
Every home has its problems. But some issues can be serious warning signs. You need to check if the following issues are highlighted in your home inspection report:
- Foundation movement or large cracks
- Active water leaks or water stains
- Roof damage or age nearing the end of its life
- Mold, mildew, or persistent odors
- Outdated or unsafe electrical wiring
- Signs of pest infestation
If any of these signs or red flags are present in the inspection report, you need to get a cost estimate before moving ahead.
Our Home Inspectors Can Help You Out
Understanding your need, we have trained our inspectors to explain the report on the client’s call. You can ask our inspectors the following questions:
- Which items are urgent and which are cosmetic?
- What needs to be fixed before moving in?
- Can you estimate the life expectancy of the roof or water heater?
- Should I bring in a specialist for certain concerns?
Our professional inspectors will guide you through the inspection report and will answer your queries.
Concluding About Home Inspection Reports
A home inspection report might feel overwhelming, but it is your best friend who tells you the actual condition and helps you to make the right decision. We all know that no home is flawless. So, it is always recommended to get a home inspection before buying or selling a home.
The rest is about the home inspection report, which can be briefed upon your request. Our professional inspectors make sure that you have a better understanding of the issues and know everything mentioned in the report.