| Understanding your Report |
Tips on Reading an Inspection Report
When interviewing a home inspector, ask the inspector what type of report
format he or she provides. There are many styles of reports used by
property inspectors, including the checklist, computer generated using
inspection programs, and the narrative style.
Some reports are delivered on site and some may take as long as 4 - 6
days for delivery. All reporting systems have pros and cons.
The most important issue with an inspection report is the descriptions
given for each item or component. A report that indicates the condition as
"Good", "Fair" or "Poor" without a detailed explanation is vague and can
be easily misinterpreted. An example of a vague condition would be:
Kitchen Sink: Condition - Good, Fair, or Poor.
None of these descriptions gives the homeowner an idea about what is
wrong. Does the sink have a cosmetic problem? Does the home have a
plumbing problem? A good report should supply you with descriptive
information on the condition of the site and home. An example of a
descriptive condition is:
Kitchen sink: Condition - Minor wear, heavy wear, damaged, rust stains,
or chips in enamel finish. Recommend sealing sink at counter top.
As you can see, this narrative description includes a recommendation for
repair. Narrative reports without recommendations for repairing deficient
items may be difficult to comprehend, should your knowledge of
construction be limited.
Take the time and 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 good
inspector 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 obtain the answer for you.
For instance, if the inspector's report states that the concrete foundation
has common cracks, be sure to ask, "Why are they common?" The
answer you should receive will be along these lines: common cracks are
usually due to normal concrete curing and or shrinkage. The inspector's
knowledge and experience is how the size and characteristics of the
cracking is determined.
We recommend that you accompany your inspector through the entire
inspection if possible. This helps you to understand the condition of the
home and the details of the report.
Read the report completely and understand the condition of the home you
are about to purchase. After all, it is most likely one of the largest
investments you will ever make.
When interviewing a home inspector, ask the inspector what type of report
format he or she provides. There are many styles of reports used by
property inspectors, including the checklist, computer generated using
inspection programs, and the narrative style.
Some reports are delivered on site and some may take as long as 4 - 6
days for delivery. All reporting systems have pros and cons.
The most important issue with an inspection report is the descriptions
given for each item or component. A report that indicates the condition as
"Good", "Fair" or "Poor" without a detailed explanation is vague and can
be easily misinterpreted. An example of a vague condition would be:
Kitchen Sink: Condition - Good, Fair, or Poor.
None of these descriptions gives the homeowner an idea about what is
wrong. Does the sink have a cosmetic problem? Does the home have a
plumbing problem? A good report should supply you with descriptive
information on the condition of the site and home. An example of a
descriptive condition is:
Kitchen sink: Condition - Minor wear, heavy wear, damaged, rust stains,
or chips in enamel finish. Recommend sealing sink at counter top.
As you can see, this narrative description includes a recommendation for
repair. Narrative reports without recommendations for repairing deficient
items may be difficult to comprehend, should your knowledge of
construction be limited.
Take the time and 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 good
inspector 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 obtain the answer for you.
For instance, if the inspector's report states that the concrete foundation
has common cracks, be sure to ask, "Why are they common?" The
answer you should receive will be along these lines: common cracks are
usually due to normal concrete curing and or shrinkage. The inspector's
knowledge and experience is how the size and characteristics of the
cracking is determined.
We recommend that you accompany your inspector through the entire
inspection if possible. This helps you to understand the condition of the
home and the details of the report.
Read the report completely and understand the condition of the home you
are about to purchase. After all, it is most likely one of the largest
investments you will ever make.
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