Home inspectors typically complete a written home inspection report after the inspecting of a property. These reports can be a valuable tool for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can use these reports to negotiate with the seller for repairs or credits on the purchase price of the home, while sellers can use them to address issues that might prevent a potential sale.
However, writing home inspection report is a skill that requires careful thought and attention to detail. Home inspectors may find themselves struggling to convey their thoughts and findings in a concise, clear way. This article will discuss some tips for writing home inspection reports that are both informative and easy to read.
The first section of a home inspection report usually includes general information about the property, such as its address, square footage and year built. It may also include the inspection company’s contact information and a definition or key of terms used in the report. The report may then be broken down into different sections depending on the types of components inspected, such as “ELECTRICAL,” “PLUMBING” and so on. Some home inspectors also choose to break down their reports by area of the house, such as “EXTERIOR,” “INTERIOR” and so on.
While there is no set standard for home inspection reports, most will include a summary page that lists any areas of concern. This is a good place to start reading the report, as it will give you a quick overview of the important aspects of the inspection. Then you can go back and read the rest of the report in more detail.
The report will also usually contain photographs of any major issues that are found in the property. This will help the client better understand the problem, and it can be a useful tool for negotiating with the seller. The photos can show things that aren’t easily explained in words, such as a loose shingle or moldy walls.
Some home inspectors will include a list of recommended actions or repairs in the report. These can range from simple suggestions to more extensive recommendations that may require professional assistance. Some recommendations may even be critical, such as a recommendation to evacuate the home due to an active radon or asbestos threat.
A good home inspection report should also note if certain parts of the property were inaccessible at the time of the inspection, such as attic hatches or crawl spaces. This will help the client decide whether to reschedule the inspection when access is possible or to take their chances and purchase the property as-is.
Almost no home is perfect, and most homes will have some issues that need to be addressed or that the clients should be aware of. Some of these issues are minor and can be fixed without too much difficulty. Other issues are more severe and can be a safety hazard, such as loose stairs or railings. In this case, it is often better for the clients to request that these items be fixed before closing. This can be done using a feature available in many home inspection software programs such as HomeGauge.