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Home Inspections

Tips on Reading an Inspection Report
Before you order a home inspection, ask the inspector what type of report format he or she provides in a report form. There are many different reports used by property inspectors, including the checklist, computer generated, or many other inspection programs and carbon papers. Some reports are delivered on site before the inspector leaves and some may take a few days before you receive the report. Some companies vary on this, so ask up front.

The most important thing about an inspection report is the descriptions for each item inspected, such as the pluming, heat and air, and so on. Some may not provide a sufficient explanation as to the condition. "Good", "Fair" or "Poor" may be used to describe the item without providing a detailed explanation. This is very vague and can be easily misinterpreted and could cause problems in the future. An example of a vague condition would be your Furnace: Good, Fair, Poor. Let's say the condition is marked fair, What does fair mean? This does not explain whether there are necessary repairs or issues.

None of these descriptions give the buyer or homeowner an idea what is wrong. This could cause you to lose a sale. Does the sink have a cosmetic problem? Does the home have a plumbing problem? What about the electric? A good report should supply you with detailed information on the condition of the site and home. Always ask the inspector to explain and ask your agent for help.

A good example of a detailed condition is:
Kitchen sink: Condition - Minor wear, heavy wear, damaged, leaking rust stains, or chips in enamel finish. Recommend sealing sink at counter top and replace leaky elbow where the leak is present. May want a plumber to inspect for further issues.

This detailed description includes a recommendation for repair or further inspecting from a licensed repairman. Detailed reports without recommendations for repairing items may be difficult to comprehend, depending on your knowledge of the items being inspected. Not everyone knows how to fix a furnace, plumbing, or even electrical issues.

Take the time to read the report and make sure you understand what the report is telling you. The report may have a legend, symbols, or icons. The more information provided on the report, the better understanding you will have about the condition of the home and any issues that may be at hand. Be most concerned with structural and mechanical issues, not so much cosmetic. Any house will have some cosmetic issues.

When the inspection is over, you should have a summary from the inspector listing what he or she has found. Use this time to ask questions regarding the report, and find out what steps need to be taken to correct any issues or if the inspector recommends further inspections by a licensed professional in a particular field.

Email: Chris@ChrisSchlager.com

"My Dedication Makes Your Dreams A Reality!"

For information regarding residential homes, land or farm listings, and current real estate market conditions in the South End, Valley Station, PRP, (Pleasure Ridge Park), Shively, Auburndale, Fairdale, Iroquois Park, Buechel, Highview, Okolona, Fern Creek, Hikes Point, Bullitt County, Hillview and Spencer County, Taylorsville Lake area, Mt. Washington Kentucky, (Ky) state, I can also help you negotiate with *For Sale by Owner-FSBO's to get you the best deals on the residential market.

*Keep in mind that with For Sale by Owners-FSBOs homes, Kentucky State law does not require seller disclosures forms to be used. They are definitely considered "Buyers Beware Properties."

W. Tom Huber Realtors, LLC
3400 Historic Drive
Louisville, KY 40299
Office: (502) 551-6386
Direct Line to Chris: (502) 777-9027