The Inspection
You scheduled your home inspection with us. Hopefully, you were able to attend the inspection to familiarize yourself with the home, learn about any issues, and ask your inspector questions along the way. But, sometimes life gets in the way. So, whether you were able to attend or not, we’ve got you covered!
You’ve Just Received the Report!
You’ve just received the completed report. Now what? Open it!
This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many individuals simply attend the inspection, hear the summary from the inspector (or their agents if they couldn’t attend in person), and assume they have all the information they need to make an informed decision. And while our inspectors are fabulous at providing an overview, remember, that it is just that, an overview. They’ve just spent a few hours walking and literally crawling through the property, taking pictures, and identifying issues. Take advantage of it and review the report!
Report Sections
The report is broken down into 3 sections—“Full”, “Summary”, and “Safety Hazard”. Additionally, we color code our findings: “blue” for maintenance items; “orange” for repairs/upgrades; “red” for safety hazards . It’s tempting to skip straight to the Summary and Safety Hazard sections and leave it at that. But, you’ll be missing out on important details. The only way to have a complete understanding of the property is to open up the “Full” version of the report and read it word for word, page by page, section by section. It contains details and recommendations that the other sections do not.
Be sure to view it online initially, rather than as a PDF so you can view the report interactively. In the interactive mode, you can click on photos, see more detail, and gain more context about where the photo was taken. For instance, sometimes we call out a particular outlet or sink. From the close-up photo, it might not be obvious which one. By clicking on the photo, you can see other items or clues in the background that will help you identify where the photo was taken.
Do I Need to Worry About the Orange and Red items?
YES! Once you’ve read through the full report, take a look at the “Repair/Upgrade (orange)” and “Safety Hazard (red)” sections. (Note that the Summary contains the Safety Hazards as well).
We color-code the report to help you identify areas of concern and prioritize them.
It is essential that you take action on the recommendations in your inspection report. Should your report have a recommendation for further evaluation OR repair by a qualified professional, do it BEFORE the end of your contingency period. IF YOU DO NOT ACT BEFORE THE END OF YOUR CONTINGENCY PERIOD AND BUY THE HOUSE, YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST TO REPAIR THESE ITEMS WHICH MAY BE SUBSTANTIAL. An issue that exists in one location may exist in multiple locations.
Can You Provide Me With Estimates for Repairs?
We don’t provide estimates for repairs. Why? Per the California Business and Professions Code section 7196, Home inspectors in California are not permitted to provide estimates nor are we allowed to make repairs for any home that we’ve inspected within the last 12 months. We work closely with specialists in the field who do perform these repairs and providing estimates for services on their behalf creates a conflict of interest. Home inspectors are expected to be unbiased and impartial during their evaluations.
Who Should Perform the Repairs?
When it comes to repairs, ask for licensed professionals to do the repairs in your Request for Repairs to the seller! The licensed contractor will then be responsible for the repairs. If the home seller performs the repairs themselves, there is no guarantee. You can read more about this topic here https://imhomeinspections.com/why-reports-do-not-give-prices/
We’ve Been Here a Month and We Just Discovered “x”. Why Wasn’t That in My Report?
Remember, your inspection will not reveal every concern or issue that exists, but only those material defects that were observable on the day of the inspection. The inspection is intended to assist in the evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling only. The inspection is not a prediction of future conditions and conditions with the property are subject to change the moment we leave the premises.
Make an Informed Decision
You made a wise decision to have an inspection and we’re grateful you selected us. Don’t take any shortcuts. Read through the ENTIRE report. It’s the best way to ensure you have all the details about the property, whether you are looking to sell it or purchase it. Nobody likes to discover an issue months later only to re-read the report and discover that the issue was highlighted all along.
Our goal is to provide you with a detailed report so you can move forward confidently and make the most informed decision possible! Please reach out to us directly with any questions at 818-298-3405.
You can also book your next inspection online here.