Your Home Inspection Report and You!

Congratulations you’ve taken one of the first steps and maybe the most important, in becoming a new homeowner. You have an ENC Inspection Services Home Inspection Report!

Woo-Hoo!! Now what? Let me answer that for you. The second most important thing… Read it!

(Wow, huh) Yeah!
(What is it good for?) Absolutely everything, uhuh
(Wow, huh) Yeah!
(What is it good for?) Absolutely everything
Say it again, y’all!
(Wow, huh) Lookout!
(What is it good for?) Absolutely everything
Listen to me, awwwww!

Good ole Edwin Starr, he knew where it was at!   ENC Inspection Services Home Inspection Report

 

 

 

The definition of a home inspection, what it is, what it does, and how it should be used.

Definitions and Scope of your Home Inspection (What it is)

1.1.  A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of the accessible areas of a residential property, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify defects within specific systems and components defined by specific Standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector.  The Client and Inspector may modify the scope of work prior to the inspection process.

1. The home inspection is based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions.
2. The home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.

1.2.  A material defect is a specific issue with a system or component of a residential property that may have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people.  The fact that a system or component is near, at, or beyond the end of its normal, useful life is not, in itself, a material defect.

1.3.  A home inspection report shall identify, in written format, defects within specific systems and components defined by specific Standards that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector.  Inspection reports may include additional comments and recommendations. (What it does)

Now that you have it, How Do You Use It?

The absolute best way to utilize your home inspection report is as a to-do list for your new home.  This will help you to understand and prioritize,  A. things that you’ll want to do (or have repaired prior to purchase in some cases) immediately. Such as issues identified in your report as safety hazards or material defects.  B. Things that you’ll want to think about doing in the next year or so like minor roof repairs or utilities (HVAC, electrical, hot water tank) that may be at or near their end of manufacturer’s serviceable life or require an upgrade, and  C. Things that you want to do within the next 5 years for example, landscaping and drainage, cosmetics, upgrades, etc.

What Does A Sample Home Inspection Report Look Like?

Many modern home inspectors will deliver you a report in a digital and PDF format, within 24hrs, that is viewable on any computer or smart device and includes a printable version. The home inspection report should be highly visual and easy to navigate with a table of contents and summary.

Some things to note about your home inspection report.

A long inspection report doesn’t necessarily indicate serious issues. As an inspector we must list every item we find wrong with the house—whether it is a significant issue or not. We take a lot of photos throughout the inspection and include them in our reports. This adds to the bulk of its length and provides you an accurate depiction of the home on the day of inspection.

Often items included may note a missing window screen or overgrown vegetation and include photos. Small items like this can often make up the majority of the report. It’s important not to focus on the number of issues, but rather the severity of them.

Five items that typically require attention when problems are found.

1. Roof
2. HVAC systems
3. Electrical systems
4. Plumbing systems
5. Foundation

These are the issues that can present the most significant repair costs if they have defects present. Points that fall within these categories are the ones buyers typically push to have repaired before closing or negotiate price and correct the items themselves after closing.