So, your home inspection has been completed. So what is next? The next step is to review the report. It is important to take time reading over the report carefully. The information in a property’s inspection report can help you create a negotiation strategy, and/or be a crucial resource for years afterward. In this post we will go over how to read and interpret your inspection report as well as some common terminology. 

Common Terms:

There are a few basic terms that are important to know regarding any inspection report. These terms define the type of condition that a building consultant has discovered during an inspection. Items in a report can range from minor to major so it’s important to understand how each term is defined when interpreting the report. 

Defective (D) = This is problem with any residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant adverse impact on the value of the property or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system or subsystem is near, at or beyond the end of its normal life is not, by itself, a material defect. It is recommended that any items marked as “defect” and any components/systems related to these “defects” noted in the report be evaluated and repaired as needed by licensed contractors/professionals prior to the close of escrow. Further evaluation prior to the close of escrow is recommended so a properly licensed professional can evaluate the noted concerns further and inspect the remainder of the systems or components for additional concerns that may be outside our area of expertise or the scope of our inspection.

Attention/Maintenance Recommended (A) = Attention conditions highlight potential problems that may not be completely evident at the time of the inspection and a system or component needing further investigation and/or monitoring to determine if repairs are necessary. Attention may also denote specific items or information that are not necessarily problematic, but are considered valuable information to you as a courtesy i.e. “FYI”.  Maintenance Recommended conditions relay information on a component or system that is in need of normal maintenance, repair or adjustment in order to continue functioning properly. All corrections and evaluations should be made prior to purchasing the property.

Safety (S) = A condition that is judged to be a significant risk of bodily injury during normal, day-to-day use. The risk may be due to damage, deterioration, improper installation, or a change in accepted residential construction standards. You may choose to correct the condition or accept the risk. If you judge the risk to be “unreasonable”, consider it a material defect. (The inspection and report does not include a comprehensive list of unmet modern safety standards, and it is not a code inspection.) All corrections and evaluations should be made prior to purchasing the property.

The Summary

Many inspection companies will provide a summary in the report for reference. This portion provides a simplified list of the different defects, recommended maintenance items and safety hazards that have been found during an inspection. Just like the summary of a book or a movie, the report summary is a great way to find out the basics, or to quickly cite an item that may be several pages into the report. Our reports provide the summary at the beginning of the report in an easy-to-read format with more detail in the body of the report.

Read and Review

Getting and reading the report as soon as possible is a must. This gives you the maximum amount of time to compile a reply to the seller if you’re purchasing the home. It also lets you review the findings while your visit to the home is still fresh in your mind. 

If you’re working with a realtor that’s representing you in the sale, it’s good to discuss the report with them. This is the time where you can decide what items you may ask the seller to repair, or give a credit for. Working with your realtor to come up with a negotiation strategy you’re comfortable with is an important step, and one that your inspection report is an invaluable resource for.

Ask Questions

Unsure about the severity of something in a report? Maybe you just want clarification on the location of an outlet that’s mentioned. Either way, it’s always a good idea to call the building consultant who did the inspection if you have any questions. When you get a home inspection you’re paying for the benefit of a building consultant’s expertise. Asking questions on any items you want more clarity for will give you peace of mind, and a better understanding of the property itself.

Call Anchor Home Inspection

Anchor Home Inspection is always available by phone to answer questions regarding your home. If you would like to consult with a professional about a home inspection, call Anchor Home Inspection now to schedule a home inspection today.

Anchor Home Inspections is a quality Home Inspector to Connecticut. Contact us to schedule a home inspection or any of our other home inspection services.