Hello,

 

First, please find attached, three example home inspection reports. These properties were actual inspections performed by us in the past but client information and addresses have been changed for contractual and privacy purposes. 

 

Next, You can use these reports to discover some level of detail, consistency, similarity & dissimilarities across several properties. Each home is different, however, we inspect each property in the same regard, i.e:

***starting at the exterior, then upstairs working our way down to the lowest level while inspecting clockwise (left to right).***

This type of methodical and consistent approach minimizes the potential for oversight as well as ascertaining where a particular defect was or is located when reading or going over the report. A real-world example of a defect and its location would read as follows:

"Broken glass was noted at the 3rd window in bedroom #1". A way to map out or locate this defect would literally mean, (begin at the top level stair landing -- dependent on construction type, go left till you reach the 1st bedroom, then start at the bedroom door and count the windows from the left until you reach window # 3). Voila. 

This could be conveyed to a contractor for repairs in an easy and convenient way without being present. This will also allow our inspectors to read a report and locate what's in question even if 10 years have passed by since the inspection, assuming no renovation has occurred.

 

Moreover,

Here are some ideas of what's to be inspected during a residential home inspection. I've included this as additional information.

 

1. Framing (structure)
2. Structural Systems
3. Foundation
4. Interior
5. Electrical system
6. Plumbing system
7. Heating and air conditioning systems
8. Exterior Systems
9. Bathrooms
10. Roof and attic

 

Note: Condos are inspected in a similar fashion, however, many areas are not included due to ownership &/or maintenance by a condo association, i.e, hydronic hvac systems, exterior areas, common areas, roofing, etc. This will most likely be further stated in your final condo-inspection report.

 

A Home Inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of a residential dwelling, performed for a fee, which is designed to identify observed material defects within specific components of said dwelling. Components may include any combination of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, or other essential systems or portions of the home, as identified and agreed to by the Client and Inspector, prior to the inspection process.

A Home Inspection is intended to assist in the evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. The inspection is based on visual observation of the visible and apparent condition of the structure and its components on the date of the inspection, and not the prediction of future conditions.

A Home Inspection will not reveal every concern that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the date and time of the inspection.

A Material Defect is a condition of a residential real property or any portion of it that would have a significant, adverse impact on the value of the real property, or that involves an unreasonable risk to people on the property. The fact that a structural element, system, or subsystem is near, at, or beyond the end of the normal useful life of such a structural element, system, or subsystem is not by itself a material defect.

Home Inspections Are Not Warranties A warranty is a policy sold to the buyer that warrants that specific items in the home are in sound condition and will remain in sound condition for a specified period of time. Typically, the warranty company never inspects the home. The warranty company uses actuarial tables to determine the expected life of the warranted items and charges the customer a fee for the warranty that will hopefully cover any projected loss and make a profit for the warranty seller. It is essentially an insurance policy.  The service that we will have provided you is a visual inspection. We make no warranties whatsoever of this property. If you desire warranty coverage, please see your real estate agent for details about any warranty plan to which their firm may have access to providing you.

An Inspection Report shall describe and identify, in written format, the inspected systems, structures, and components of the dwelling, and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports may contain recommendations regarding conditions reported or recommendations for correction, monitoring, or further evaluation by professionals, but this is not required.

In order to prepare the report, an inspector must conduct a visual inspection of the house. The inspection process typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete. This of course may vary, according to the size and condition of the home. We strongly encourage you to accompany the inspector during the inspection. This will give you a chance to ask questions and become familiar with the various systems of the home.

 

 

In conclusion,

This should give you some insight as to what's to be inspected at a property and help you make a sound decision before purchasing or as for a seller to determine if a pre-listing inspection is worth it to you which can help minimize some of the potential defects a home inspector can potentially uncover for the buyer. Defects found during the inspection are presented to the (listing agent for the seller) from a (buying agent for the buyer) as an "inspection contingency addendum" The inspection contingency addendum allows the buyer of real estate to opt-out of a purchase agreement if they should find material defects in the property. The buyer may also waive any objections that are found in the event that the seller chooses not to renegotiate the terms of the transaction. It will behoove a seller to try to mitigate any known major issues that require a seller to disclose to a buyer and assist a buyer in deciding what repairs are in or out of budget. For sellers, being well prepared for the sale of your property can garner a better position at the bargaining table securing more, all, or even exceeding the asking price due to competitive offers from other potential buyers, and for buyers, eliminating buyers remorse, retaining more of the savings and budget as well as avoiding unseen & costly repairs from latent defects.

 

Disclosure:

Any information in regards to the procedures and legal formality dealing in the sale or purchase of properties in the residential real estate market is beyond our expertise as we are not licensed real estate professionals. Recommend consulting with a local real estate agent/agency for professional guidance.

 

I hope this was informative to you. Feel free to call if you have any questions and let me know if you have any questions regarding these reports.