Understanding Your Home Inspection Report

When purchasing a home, one of the most important steps in the process is the home inspection. A thorough inspection provides insight into the condition of the property and can save you from some pretty expensive surprises down the line. However, understanding the home inspection report can sometimes be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. In this post, I’ll break down what you can expect to see in your home inspection report and how to interpret it.

A home inspection report is a comprehensive document that summarizes the findings of a professional home inspection. The report details the condition of the home’s major systems, structures, and components. It helps you identify both minor and significant issues that may require repairs or further investigation. Think of it as a guide to understanding the current state of the property.

A home inspection is not exhaustive. Inspectors cannot predict future failures or provide guarantees about a home’s systems. Only conditions that are visible at the time of the inspection will be included in the report. Some issues may be hidden or undetectable. Inspectors are not responsible for defects or damage that occur after the inspection or for problems concealed in areas such as behind furniture, within walls, beneath flooring, inside ceilings, or under insulation, for example.

Additionally, a basic inspection does not include specialized tests such as radon, mold, lead, or asbestos. Inspectors also do not assess the efficiency of HVAC systems or underground sewer lines. If concerns arise in these areas, further inspections by certified specialists may be recommended.

Knowing these limitations helps set realistic expectations and can point you toward any extra inspections you may need for a more complete evaluation – and peace of mind.

Your home inspection report will typically include the following sections:

• Introduction: This section explains the scope, standards, and limitations of the inspection, as well as the inspector’s responsibilities.
• General Overview: Basic information about the property, including the type of home, people present during, and weather conditions at the time of the inspection.
• Major Systems Checked: The inspector will evaluate key systems in the home such as:
  • Roof
  • Exterior and grounds
  • HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Foundation
  • Interior (including kitchen, bathroom(s), and other areas)
  • Attic and ventilation
  • Garage
  • Appliances and other functional features
• Detailed Observations: Issues found during the inspection, often accompanied by photos, and categorized by severity, with explanations provided for each.

Home inspection reports often use terms that may not be familiar to everyone. Here are some common terms you might see:

• As-is: Indicates that no repairs are needed or suggested; the item is functioning as it currently is.
• Biological growth: Mold, mildew, or similar organisms growing due to moisture or damp conditions.
• Deferred maintenance: Repairs or upkeep that have been delayed or neglected.
• Defect: An issue that requires attention or repair.
• Efflorescence: A white, powdery residue on masonry caused by water movement and salt deposits.
• Firewall: A fire-resistant barrier designed to slow or prevent the spread of fire between areas.
• Flue: A duct, pipe, or opening that vents exhaust gases from a furnace, boiler, water heater, or chimney.
• Functional flow/drainage: The ability of a plumbing system to deliver water and remove it without issues.
• Further evaluation: A recommendation for a specialist to assess an issue more thoroughly.
• Improper grading: When the ground slopes toward the house, potentially causing water to pool near the foundation.
• Material defect: A significant issue that could affect the property’s value or pose safety risks.
• Moisture intrusion or water infiltration: Water entering a building where it shouldn’t.
• Normal operating controls: Basic controls like thermostats that don’t require special tools or knowledge to use.
• Readily accessible: Areas or items that can be safely and easily inspected without special tools or removal of obstacles.
• Settlement: The natural shifting or sinking of a building over time, which can cause cracks or uneven floors.
• Spalling: The flaking or chipping of masonry, concrete, or brick, often due to moisture or freezing.
• Weep hole: A small opening (or series of openings) at the base of a wall or window to allow trapped water to drain out.
• WDO: Wood-destroying organisms, such as termites or carpenter ants.

The structure of your inspection report will typically be divided into sections based on the major systems and components of the home. Here’s how to make sense of it:

• Report Format: Reports are typically organized by the home’s different systems, such as roof, exterior, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc. Each section will provide an overview, followed by detailed findings. Some inspectors may organize the report by room instead.
• Prioritizing Issues: Not all issues are of equal importance. The report will usually highlight significant issues that require immediate attention and lower-priority issues that may be addressed over time. Focus on the most urgent matters, and plan to tackle smaller issues as time and budget allow.
• The Importance of Photos: Reports often include photos to show exactly what the inspector saw. They make it easier to understand the issues by giving you a clear visual of the problem areas.

Interpreting Recommendations and Severity Levels

In your report, you’ll notice that issues are categorized by severity. At Modern Insight Home Inspections, we use three levels to describe the severity of issues:

• Significant: Major issues that could affect the safety, structure, or functionality of the home. These require immediate attention and may involve costly repairs.
• Marginal: Less urgent issues that should be monitored. While they may not require immediate action, addressing them soon can prevent further deterioration.
• Minor: Typically cosmetic or small problems that don’t affect the home’s overall safety or functionality. These issues can usually be addressed over time.

Understanding the difference between maintenance and repair can help you prioritize these findings:

• Maintenance: Routine tasks to preserve the home’s condition, such as caulking windows, replacing HVAC filters, or cleaning the gutters. These are typically low-cost actions that prevent future problems.
• Repairs: Specific actions needed to fix an issue that affects safety, structure, or functionality. Examples include fixing a leaking roof or replacing damaged electrical wiring.

By categorizing the findings as either maintenance or repairs, you can focus your attention where it’s needed most – addressing significant repairs first while planning maintenance tasks for the future.

No house is perfect and all inspection reports will contain at least a few findings. Discovering issues during a home inspection is very common, and not all findings are cause for alarm. Once you’ve reviewed the report, here’s how to handle the information effectively:

• Assess the Severity: Prioritize significant issues that affect the home’s safety, structure, or functionality. Marginal and minor issues can often be addressed over time or factored into future maintenance.
• Discuss with Your Team: Consult with your real estate agent and attorney to determine the best course of action. They can help you decide whether to request repairs, ask for a credit, renegotiate the purchase price to account for the cost of addressing the issues yourself, or even do nothing if the issues are minor or if you’re worried about risking the deal.
• Get Repair Estimates: For significant issues, consider getting estimates from licensed contractors or specialists. This can give you a better idea of the cost to properly fix the problem, helping with negotiations or your decision-making process.

By approaching the findings with a clear plan, you can use the inspection report as a tool to protect your investment and ensure you’re making the right decisions.

After receiving your home inspection report, here’s a simple checklist to plan your next steps:

By following these steps, you’ll be in a great position to address any issues and move forward confidently with your purchase.

Understanding your home inspection report is crucial for making an informed decision about your potential new home. By familiarizing yourself with the format of the report and how to interpret the findings, you’ll be better equipped to handle any issues that are found.

If you have any questions or need assistance, contact me for more guidance on interpreting your inspection report. Schedule your inspection with Modern Insight Home Inspections to get a complete, reliable assessment, with an intuitive, detailed report. Getting insight into the condition of the home is key to making the right choice – don’t hesitate to reach out!

For more information on what to expect during the inspection process, visit our Complete Guide to Home Inspections on Long Island.