Seven Key Things to Look for in a Home Inspection Report
No doubt, buying a home is a huge investment. And you can’t hand over your life-built fortune to a home that’s not worth it.
But how would you know if it’s worth your time and money—or not?
Of course, with the help of professional home inspections. Done to identify any structural issues, pest problems, leaky pipes, water damage, and whatnot. A home inspection reveals the physical and working condition of your home in the detailed inspection report.
Before you finalize a home and get into a legal contract. It’s better to spend a day on professional home inspections. That will save you plenty of days and bucks from spending over unexpected and costly repair needs in the long run.
But we are specifically here to discuss home inspection report essentials.
Once you are done with your inspection process, the next step is to understand what the inspectors found. Through the inspection report that comes handy.
Many home buyers don’t exactly know what to look for in inspection reports. That’s why The BrickKicker is here to guide you through the home inspection report essentials. We will discuss what key elements in home inspections are properly assessed. And mentioned in the inspection report with all the details.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started with;
Top 7 Home Inspection Report Essentials
Getting a handle on the inspection report is important to empower you. For what? So you can make the best decision before buying a home. And then move forward by knowing a property inside and out. Let’s go through the top seven home inspection report essentials.
Information of Property and Inspectors
Your home inspection report should contain a complete information section of both property and inspectors. The report should identify the address and basic details about your property. Including information like square footage, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, year built, etc. This confirms the inspector was at the correct location.
The report also mentions the details about the inspection company and inspector who conducted this evaluation. It includes their credentials, certifications, and contact information to verify their qualifications.
Scope of Inspection
A good inspection report outlines what was examined and what was not. For instance, cosmetic issues vs. functional systems. When you know the inspection scope, you can better understand inspectors’ findings and align their perspectives.
Pre-Inspection Agreement
Any pre-inspection contract signed by the client and inspection company is attached to the inspection report. This will outline the terms, limitations, and conditions on which both parties agreed before the inspection.
Property Description
What construction materials were used, and how well structured are the systems? This section describes your home’s true condition. The report enlists all these details and other basic features of every element of your home. That is relevant to the inspection findings. You know, details like house layout can explain why certain areas were or were not accessible.
Summary of Findings
The inspection report contains a summary or overview of the inspection results. Which includes any defects, recommended repairs, items needing replacement, or other issues needing further evaluation. These concise summaries deliver the key takeaways of the whole inspection process.
Images of Problematic Areas
Pictures are solid evidence of what’s wrong with your chosen property. The inspection report contains supporting images of all those problematic areas. To convey the issues like cracks, rot, leaks, or other defects through visual evidence. The report contains photos alongside detailed explanations of any findings that are concerning.
Conclusion and Signatures
The conclusion distills the most important points, while photos provide clarity and proof. A final signed statement by the inspector asserts that the report accurately accounts for the property’s condition. as assessed on the inspection date. Both inspector and client signatures on the report. And confirm their understanding and acceptance of the results.
What to Look for in Inspection Reports
When reviewing your home inspection report, there are several aspects you’ll want to pay close attention to. This may include the details of structural defects, the presence of water leaks, air quality in your home, and more. Let’s discuss these key elements in home inspections, documented in a detailed report.
Details of Structural Defects
The report should mention in detail what structural issues are found – if there are any. Like cracks in walls or foundations, sloping floors, or damage to load-bearing elements. These could indicate foundational problems.
Presence of Water Leaks
The report also mentions any and all water leaks. It describes any signs of current or prior water infiltration. Such as stained ceilings or peeling paint. You should never tolerate these water leaks because they lead to bigger troubles. Like mold, rot, and structural issues.
Air Quality in Home
If the inspectors do any additional testing for indoor air quality, the report will document those results. It may include testing for radon, carbon monoxide, asbestos, or other indoor air contaminants. Which may impact your family’s health.
State of Electrical and Heating Systems
You might not know when your electrical wiring or appliances can catch a fire. This happens due to faulty electrical and heating systems. Revealed by a thorough home inspection.
Pest Assessment
The inspection report also explains termites, carpenter ants, and other pests. That can severely damage your wooden structural elements. The inspectors report any signs of current or prior infestations.
The Bottom Line
Your home inspection report contains detailed information about the property’s condition, systems, and safety issues. While it may be lengthy and technical in parts, it’s worth your time and investment. We have broken down typical home inspection report essentials for your clear understanding. So you may have an idea of what to look for in inspection reports. We suggest you clearly understand what a home inspection report contains for you. Scroll through our blog section to learn more about inspections.