UNDERSTANDING the REPORT
HOME SWEET HOME Inspections wants homebuyers to be knowledgeable of the function of the inspection report in a home sale.
After the services of a qualified home inspector have been retained, an inspection report will be issued describing and identifying in a written format the inspected systems, structures and components of the house. The report will also identify any material issues of concern. Most inspection reports contain recommendations regarding the conditions found along with recommendations for further evaluation by appropriate persons.
There is no standard format as to what an inspection report should look like; the format can vary from one inspection company to the next.
The report is the most important part of the inspection process.
Properly presented, it gives information about components of the house, it describes any component that may have an issue of concern, it describes the possible causes of the issue, and describes ways of handling the issue.
You may have noticed certain issues in the house when you first looked at it, but were not certain how to address these issues. The report can give you all the information you should need about the house you are interested in purchasing.
Remember, you may be investing many, many thousands of dollars in the house and a thorough report, complete with pictures showing the issues that may be in question, is the best way to become educated so that you may make an informed decision.
Once the inspection report is received, it should be read very thoroughly. The CLIENT is responsible for reading and understanding the information in the report. If there are questions about the report, the CLIENT should call the inspector as soon as possible for answers and clarification. Special attention should be given to any corrective advice or action language. There is a common term in the home inspection profession called the “3-D’s”, which stands for “Detect, Describe & Direct”. A quality inspector will usually provide guidance when documenting a condition of concern— such as, “We recommend consulting with a qualified roofing contractor for corrective options and costs associated with the conditions listed.” The CLIENT needs to be sure to look for these types of “action” statements within the report.
Neither the Inspection nor the Report enforce nor reference code. The inspection concerns safety, hazard and structural impact. It is merely a reflection of visible conditions that existed at the time of the inspection. At the end of the day, any information in this report is solely for use as an aid in making a decision, and any decision should be based on that information plus any other known factors, such as the “disclosure”.
Remember--this is going to be your new home, and you want it to be as comfortable and livable as is possible...
Your HOME SWEET HOME Inspection REPORT will be much like a "coffee-table" book--the Story of Your Home—bound, understandable, and easy to read.
The are a few pages of INTRODUCTION that will explain how to read and better understand the report, designed to help you make that all important decision with confidence.
The REPORT itself is twenty to twenty five pages of photos, information about each particular component, suggestions and recommendations about how to handle each issue covered.
The REPORT describes the inspector’s findings and explains why they may need attention, how the issues occurred, and what might happen it the issues are ignored.
The REPORT is followed by a three-page “pre-closing inspection form” used in the follow-up inspection that should be conducted the day before closing or moving in. The inspector will accompany you to be sure everything is the way it should be, and the check-list is a reminder of what needs to be noted.
You will also receive a booklet of maintenance tips—little “to-do-chores” that should be done during the year to help keep your home in top shape. There are pages about insects and pests, how to identify them, and how to keep them from invading your home.
And finally, there are pages that remind you how to keep the home safe.
You’ll be proud to display your “books” on the coffee table for all your friends to see.
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