Important Items To Look For In A Home Inspection
Important Items to Look for In a Home Inspection
For Buyers and Sellers
Home inspections can vary from simple one page check lists to extensive multi-page documents. When evaluating written reports and/or selecting an inspector based on the report produced, there are several
important factors to consider:
- What is the scope of the inspection; what systems, fixtures, and components are inspected? Does the report include general information to improve the reader’s overall knowledge about the property in addition to reporting problems? How much of the property is inspected? Is there a systematic approach to the inspection? Knowing what is included in the inspection report is key to knowing if the inspection is thorough. Obtaining information about the status of all components (those in good condition as well as those needing attention) provides you with a benchmark of condition for ongoing maintenance.
- Is the report easy to read? Is the layout straightforward and is redundancy avoided? Is there a summary that supports the details? Are the items numbered and in categories that are easy to follow? A report that’s easy to read and identifies items by category and/or room as well as numbers makes communication with others regarding the findings easier.
- How detailed is the report? Does it include photographs of the findings? A picture paints a thousand words. Photographs make it easier to understand items included in the report.
- Is an electronic version of the report provided? Frequently the report needs to be distributed to others in order to work through negotiations and contractor evaluations. A report that’s easy to forward on to others streamlines those processes.
- How quickly will the report be provided? Often times there are tight time lines associated with negotiation of inspection related items. Prompt delivery of the inspection is an essential element of the inspection process.
- Does the report “package” include items of added value? Some inspectors provide coupons, home
maintenance checklists and simple home repair guides as added value to their reports. - Is the inspector available to answer questions after the fact? Being able to communicate with the inspector about the specifics of the report and clarification of findings helps simplify the corrective action process.
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