What Does Your Home Inspection Report Mean

Any new first-time home buyer or homeowner may have many questions about the inspection process, particularly your home inspection report. As a result, you may need help deciphering the results and what you should do. Studies have demonstrated that 63% of homebuyers find that their home inspection was an important factor in their purchasing decision, so learning more about them will be beneficial.

At Divinity Inspection Service in Tampa Bay, Florida, we understand the challenges homeowners and homebuyers face navigating inspections and reports. To help you gain clarity and insight, we will break down the basics of inspections, what they mean, and the next steps.

The Home Inspection Process

The first step is a home inspection, which objectively examines a house’s physical structure and systems, from the roof to the foundation. The entire process takes approximately 2 to 4 hours to complete. However, depending on the home’s condition, it may be longer or shorter. 

Following the walkthrough, the inspector will provide a home inspection report. The standard home inspector’s report will include the following:

• Heating system
• Central AC system 
• Interior plumbing
• Electrical system
• The roof
• Attic
• Visible Insulation 
• Walls 
• Ceilings 
• Floors
• Windows and doors
• Foundation
• Basement 
• Structural components

Keep in mind that inspections are not technically exhaustive, nor do they check for concealed or latent defects. 

What Does a Home Inspection Report Include?

Home inspection reports often begin with an information section that gives general information about the home, such as the client’s name, the square footage, and the year the house was built. 

Listed outside the main body of the report, near the beginning or the end, are disclaimers or a copy of the inspection agreement and Standards of Practice. In addition, there’s often a page containing the inspector’s credentials, designations, affiliations, and memberships. There may be a section on report limitations (i.e., limitation of liability) explaining that the inspection provides only a snapshot of all key home issues and does not find every deficiency.

Then, a summary report listing major problems ensures the reader understands the main issues. This is done to inform the homeowner of safety issues or conditions that will be expensive to fix. To make it easier to decipher, some inspectors color-code report narratives. Following the summary are the main contents of the report, which demonstrate the details of every structure and system within the home and the inspector’s findings.

The reports will not include information regarding the home’s septic system, mold, pests, asbestos, or randon. Although some inspectors offer radon tests for an additional fee, it is not a requirement. 

To view a sample report, visit the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) resources.

Report Terminology

With inspection reports, most inspectors use similar terminology. It is important to note that the terminology differs slightly between reports and additional terms may be used. 

The following are key report terms that most inspectors use:

• SER-Appears Serviceable 
• MM-Marginal/Maintenance
• RR-Repair or Replace 
• SAF-Safety Concern
• NI -Not Inspected 

How to Read Your Home Inspection Report

If you want a successful home purchase, learning what to focus on in the inspection report is beneficial. 

Here are some tips to achieve the best outcome:

• Focus on the report summary, which will highlight the most important aspects to focus on as well as repairs suggested by the inspector.
• Read the report thoroughly to ensure nothing is missed. It’s also a good idea to let your Realtor take a look at it, since any serious damage may affect the home’s sale price.
• Ask the inspector questions. Often, the inspectors are only available on the day of the inspection.

What to Do After Receiving Your Report

Use Your Home Inspection Report as a Negotiation Tool

Although not every home sale can be negotiated, some can. Since 60% of inspections find significant defects, having at least one report of damage is likely. Sometimes, the concern may be substantial enough to be addressed before closing the home. Either way, the inspection report can be used as leverage for negotiation.

If you’re inexperienced with negotiations, lean on your real estate agent for advice. Remember that no matter what the report uncovers, you always have the option to back out of the sale or adjust the terms.

Print a Copy & Read all its Contents

Any experienced home inspector will tell you that the company will keep your inspection report in their records for up to a year or more. But you would be surprised at how quickly a year flies by, especially when you are busy settling into your new home. Print and keep a copy of the home inspection report for your records as soon as your report is available. There will likely be a time when you will need to refer back to the report.

If purchasing a newly constructed home, keep copies of code inspections. They also serve as a source of valuable information for repairs and negotiations.

Look at your report after you move into the home

We always tell our clients that their report is like a home to-do list. Some of the findings will need to be addressed immediately. Others you will want to address eventually – so, not quite as pressing but still important.

And lastly, some issues you will consider optional. Either you want to address it or you don’t, and either way it’s up to you. No matter what timeline you decide on, make it a point to look at your inspection report within six months after moving into your new home.

Most homeowners will completely forget about home inspection findings.

Use the report to create a list you can tackle in your own time.  Most homeowners will completely forget about home inspection findings they deemed important at the time. Use the report to create a home to-do list that you can tackle in your own time.

Reach Out to Divinity Inspection Service to Schedule Your Next Inspection!

Divinity Inspection Service in Tampa Bay, Florida, takes a slightly different approach to home inspections. We aim to educate you about the residential property you want to purchase in as much detail as possible. Not only do we take the time to perform thorough property inspections, but we also take the time to discuss the home inspection report with you in detail. This gives you the opportunity to ask for clarification on anything. 

With over 20 years of experience and 29 certifications, we are dedicated to providing quality inspections to all our customers. All of our inspectors are knowledgeable and educated in the field, allowing our company to ensure that our inspection reports are of the highest level. 

Before your next home purchase, contact us today to speak with one of our experts or to schedule an inspection!

Originally Published: Mar 13, 2019