Tips for reading your inspection report
Getting your home inspection report might be the most stressful part of the real estate transaction.
Deep breath – remember that no house is perfect and what you’re feeling is totally normal.
Here are a few tips and reminders as you read your home inspection report.
TIP 1: READ THE WHOLE REPORT
Reading the entire report is a great idea. Find a comfy seat with a cup of coffee and start looking at these items that have been pointed out. And while you’re looking and reading, start categorizing them in your brain into “buckets.” There are critical, needs done soon, and not a big deal for me right now buckets that you can begin to categorize the “deficiencies” into. As an example, an unsecured countertop might be a fix right away issue for you, while a rubbing door isn’t. It is completely up to you to decide what is an immediate need for your new home. And as you read and go through it, know that your inspector is always just a phone call away if you have questions.
Your real estate agent will also likely reach out to go over the report with you. This is fantastic. Your agent is the person who can help you prioritize and decide on next steps for the issues that came up in the inspection.
TIP 2: DECIDE WHAT PROFESSIONALS TO CALL IN
A lot of items on your report will recommend a professional for “further evaluation.”
A home inspection is a lot like going to your general practitioner for your health. They will get an overview of what’s going on, and then send you to specialists for further evaluation and help. That’s what the home inspector’s job is. We see what’s generally incorrect, then recommend that you see a professional, such as an electrician or a plumber, to get the job fixed correctly.
Look back to your buckets that we talked about earlier. What’s of immediate need? You can make some decisions on who to call or not call once you’ve organized the items for your own priorities.
TIP 3: THERE IS NO PERFECT HOUSE
Whether you’re buying a home from 1920 or a brand new construction, all homes have deficiencies.
And, often, all homes have a lot of the same deficiencies.
It’s your inspectors job to point out everything that was, is, and could be a problem in your home. That means there will be a lot of items present. As we said earlier, talk with your real estate agent to come up with a plan while you’re under contract. You can also talk with your home inspector anytime for questions about your report.
TIP 4: FOCUS ON THE SAFETY ITEMS FIRST
There will be some items on your report labeled as safety items. They’re in red.
It is definitely a great idea to make sure these items are addressed before moving into your home, or very soon thereafter.
TIP 5: YOU CAN DO THIS
Home inspections can be daunting. There can be upwards of 70-100 items listed on a report at times!
After you decide what you’re going to do with your home and move in, remember that you’ll have plenty of time to gradually upgrade and prioritize as you go.