What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Get the Most Out of Your Inspection Report
The reason I always walk through the report with you at the end of the inspection is because I want you to actually *use* it. This isn’t a technical manual. It’s a working document—a tool to help you make smart decisions about your next move.
Think of your home inspection like a visit to a general practitioner. I’m here to run a visual evaluation, check your vital signs, and flag anything that seems off. I’ll tell you when I think it’s time to call a plumber, roofer, electrician, or even a structural engineer. But I’m not the specialist. I’m the first step.
This Isn’t the End—It’s the Beginning
I know it can feel like once the inspection’s done, the work is over. But in reality, this is just where things get moving. You’ll want to review the report carefully and follow up on any flagged issues, especially the ones marked as safety hazards or “further evaluation recommended.”
Need an HVAC tech to scope a unit? A roofer to look at flashing? An electrician to confirm panel capacity? That’s the next step. I’ve pointed the flashlight in the right direction. Now it’s time to hand it off to the right person.
What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not
- ✅ I’m looking for: symptoms, visible damage, or evidence of failure—things I can observe and test within the scope of a general home inspection.
- ❌ I’m not looking for: permit violations, code compliance, trade-specific installation specs, or what your city might say if you start knocking down walls. That’s beyond my role—and yours, until you close.
Also, I’m not opening walls, removing access panels, or operating shutoff valves. That’s for liability, yes—but also for respect. This house still belongs to someone else, and I treat it like I would want mine treated by a stranger with a flashlight and tablet.
The Inspection Report Is a Compass—Not a Verdict
I’m not here to tell you whether to buy the house. That’s your call. My job is to give you clarity about what you’re walking into. If the water heater’s old, I’ll tell you. If the roof is missing flashing, I’ll show you. But whether that’s a dealbreaker or a DIY project? That’s up to you and your comfort level.
You might walk away from a house because the garage is cracked. Or you might buy it and fix it yourself with a $10 bag of concrete mix. Both are valid. My job is to give you the facts. Your job is to make the decision.
FAQs: How to Actually Use Your Inspection Report
Is the inspection report a pass/fail document?
Nope. There’s no score. I don’t “pass” or “fail” a house. I report what I see, flag issues, and recommend action steps. The report is a guide—not a yes/no answer.
What do I do after reading the report?
Review it carefully, and follow up on any items marked as safety concerns, major defects, or “further evaluation needed.” Bring in licensed tradespeople where required. Think of it like triage—handle the serious stuff first, then the cosmetic.
Are inspectors allowed to give repair estimates or do the work?
No. InterNACHI standards prohibit inspectors from quoting repairs or doing the work themselves. It’s a conflict of interest. My role is to observe and report—not to fix or profit from the findings.
Should I share this report with contractors or trades?
Yes, absolutely. Most specialists appreciate it. It helps them know what we saw and what we flagged. Just remember—they’ll still want to do their own diagnostic work before giving quotes or starting repairs.
→ Next up: Post 6: How to Get The Most Out Of Your Inspection Report
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