A home inspection report can feel overwhelming at first, but knowing how to read and interpret it helps you make smart decisions as a buyer. Here’s a clear guide on how to read a home inspection report:
Ask your potential home inspector to see a sample report make sure it has 200 + pictures of the home & videos. If their work shows 9 pages a 9 pictures move on and call us
🔍 1. Start with the Summary Section
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Most reports have a summary or overview that highlights major concerns.
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Focus first on items marked as “Significant Deficiencies,” “Safety Issues,” or “Immediate Repairs Needed.”
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These are the issues most likely to affect your buying decision or negotiation.
🏷️ 2. Understand the Categories of Findings
Home inspectors usually group findings into these types:
Category Meaning Safety hazard Could pose a danger (e.g., electrical faults, mold, gas leaks). Major defect Expensive or urgent issues (e.g., foundation cracks, roof leaks). Minor defect Small repairs or maintenance items (e.g., loose handrail, leaky faucet). Deferred maintenance Wear-and-tear issues due to neglect (e.g., dirty filters, clogged gutters). Recommendation Items to monitor or improve (e.g., adding a handrail, sealing gaps).
📷 3. Pay Attention to Photos
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Inspectors often include photos and arrows/circles for problem areas.
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Use these visuals to understand exactly where the issue is and how serious it looks.
📌 4. Read the Inspector's Comments Carefully
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Don't just skim the checklist — read the narrative comments.
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Look for words like "recommend further evaluation by a licensed professional" (this means you'll likely need a specialist or may incur extra costs).
🛠️ 5. Look for Patterns
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Repeated issues in a single system (e.g., multiple electrical code violations) can signal poor workmanship or outdated systems.
🧾 6. Match Issues to Cost & Priority
Make a list of:
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Immediate deal-breakers (e.g., active water leaks, structural issues)
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Negotiation points (e.g., old HVAC system)
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Future to-dos (e.g., re-grading soil, replacing windows)
💬 7. Ask Questions
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Contact the inspector if something is unclear. Reputable inspectors will gladly clarify their findings.
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You can also ask your real estate agent or a contractor for help estimating repair costs.
⚖️ 8. Use It to Negotiate
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Use the report to:
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Ask the seller for repairs
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Request a credit or price reduction
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Decide to walk away if the issues are too severe
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