Reading an Inspection Report

The most important component of an inspection report are the descriptions given for each item or component.

A report that indicates the condition as "Satisfactory", "Marginal" or "Poor" without a detailed explanation is vague and can be easily misinterpreted. An example of a vague condition would be:

Kitchen Sink: Condition - Satisfactory, Marginal, or Poor.

None of these descriptions provides the homeowner an idea about what is wrong.

• Does the sink have a cosmetic problem?
• Does the home have a plumbing problem?

A good report should supply you with descriptive information on the condition of the site and home. An example of a descriptive condition is:

Kitchen sink: Condition - Heavy wear, damaged, rust stains, or chips in enamel finish. Recommend sealing sink at counter top.

At the end of the inspection your inspector may provide a summary with a question and answer period. Use this opportunity to ask questions regarding terms or conditions that you may not be familiar with. A good inspector should be able to explain the answers to your questions.

We recommend that you accompany your inspector through the entire inspection if possible. This helps you to understand the condition of the home and the details of the report.

Read the report completely and understand the condition of the home you are about to purchase. After all, it is most likely one of the largest investments you will ever make.