Notes

INSPECTION REPORTS - 10 Things to Keep in Mind During Your Inspection
In discussions with novice and experienced inspectors, exactly the same things come up over and over again. Here are ten things you should keep in mind because the inspection is conducted.

1. Have realistic expectations concerning the home.

A limited knowledge of aging in older homes can make stress in purchasers, who might expect a larger degree of perfection than would typically be possible.

Everyone knows that there surely is a difference between a 100 year old house and a more recent home. Older houses perform differently, and were built to different standards. Older homes age differently predicated on era of construction.

A perfect example of this is the basement that has been originally built of stone, then packed with mortar and parged to produce a more water-resistant area. Though it still leaks, that is an average 100 year old basement, which may not be considered acceptable in a 20 year old home. Or consider that an older septic bed or weeping tile system is more vunerable to problems than a newer one.

Even though you can find norms for aging in homes that make pretty good general guidelines, each house has its unique personality that you need to understand and respect.

2. Keep your emotions in balance.

You want to avoid feeling roller coaster highs and lows when major expense items are identified by the inspector. Keeping your emotions in check allows you to absorb more information also to avoid getting overwhelmed by "all the little things".

As a purchaser, you need to understand that your feelings on the building aren't relevant to the inspector's actual report. The inspector must report on every defect he finds, but the inspector should also put things into context for you.

Of course, an excellent inspector will not over-express his personal feelings and opinions in regards to a house, and what ought to be done with the house. The inspector shouldn't lose sight of what the homebuyer could be thinking or feeling so as to help his client make the best assessment. This enables the inspector to explain the things that need extra clarification.

3. There is no such thing as a defect-free home.

A fresh structure will have some items looking for correction, and the most immaculately kept home may also have some issues that might use some improvement. There is absolutely no home ever inspected that required no ink on the inspection report.

The inspector is wanting to educate you on each of the little things that need to be done, and he also has the overall goal of helping you identify major expense items. While it may seem like the inspector is picking on your own purchase decision, he could be really just trying to pack as much information as he is able to into the limited time frame that he must spend with you. Understand that you should keep things in context.

Inspectors desire to give their clients lots of useful and relevant info on the house, but sometimes, even though there aren't any major issues, it's possible that some inspectors may overload by individually describing all of the little things. It may only be a window screen here, and a door knob over there, but after a long descriptive analysis of several details, you might arrive at the conclusion that "My God! There are a great number of things wrong with this house!"

A good inspector won't waste everyone's time and emotional capacity discussing every doorknob and screen in the house. You need to be told verbally, and on paper, there are "one or more" or "some" or "several" minor repairs or improvements required on doorknobs or window screens, or whatever.

4. You need to understand the most crucial items now.

It is a good idea to differentiate between what you what is critical to learn now, and everything you can clarify once you move in.

For example, in the inspector's efforts to ensure that you successfully accomplish a maintenance activity on your new home, he might tell you how easy it really is and possibly explain how to do it. Take into account that he is telling you for information purposes, and that you will need additional guidance or instruction when actually carrying it out for yourself.

5. The inspection procedure may be the same every time.

The inspector follows a systematic approach to examining and reporting on items, so he'll lead you through the house and the method that you things in a particular order. This consistency of approach may be the method that he uses to cover each of the countless items that he must examine.

If you consistently ask questions about items that the inspector have not yet had to be able to discuss, then you will throw him off and he might forget to explain something of note.

This is not meant to dissuade you from asking pertinent questions to help clarify things in your thoughts. When you are wondering "What on earth is he discussing now?" then you have to ask the inspector to describe. When you can telephone your inspector anytime, you have an ideal opportunity to share his time now.

For example, if he is discussing basement dampness and you also ask about the electrical system, he should redirect your attention to the topic at hand, and discuss the electrical when the time comes.

6. Pay attention.

This sounds obvious, but every inspector has encountered a period if they have given their clients a large explanation about why something should be done, or not done, only to find out later they completely missed (or misinterpreted) an important factor. In case a homebuyer isn't listening, the message simply will not get through.

The inspection can be an important time, made to inform you and save you profit the short and longterm. When you are distracted by anything (children, relatives, friends, etc), you might not get some important info. Do not think about the inspection a good opportunity to show the home to important people in your life.

If there are way too many people saying way too many things all at once, avoid being shy to politely ask for some space to consult with your inspector. The inspector could also redirect your attention to the business at hand.

7. The inspector is really a generalist, not a specialist.

The inspector knows how exactly to diagnose problems, but the smart inspector will not offer solutions if he could be not completely conversant in the problem accessible. He should show you to consult a specialist if the matter involves a far more thorough analysis.

However, all inspectors have a specialty. If he is a licensed electrician, you then will get more info rmation on electrical issues than if he is an engineer.

8. The inspection is the only thing the inspector knows about.

Most of the issues involving a home purchase have nothing in connection with the inspection. Unless he could be being paid to pump a septic tank or test a well, you're probably a little off-track discussing it. In the event that you ask where in fact the boundary lines are or what the house value is, you ought to be told by the inspector he doesn't know. These discussions won't accomplish anything right now, and it's something you'd be better off discussing with your agent or lawyer.

Think about the big picture, keeping in mind that investing in a house is a big project, and the inspector is paid to be involved in one section of it.

9. Have fun.

It isn't every day that you get to get a home. Benefit from the process as best as possible. Lighten up. You will find a lot of work and angst involved with home inspections and real estate, and adding stress will need away from your effectiveness in understanding the inspection and making decisions.

10. Follow up.

If your inspector directs you to follow up on issues with another specialist, be it for termites, wood stoves, insurance or other issues, it is incumbent upon one to do so. This is simply not a case of the inspector passing the buck, but a case of making you aware of issues that require further investigation.

There are also going to be areas that are disclaimed due to restricted access. Concentrate on these once you can so that you could learn if anything was hidden from view.

If you are instructed to do some maintenance and fail to do so, there could be negative consequences. As an example, failing woefully to caulk the bathtub or re-grout the tiles could result in a simple case of rot, or plaster could fall with damage to furnishings or personal injury. The inspector might not warn you of most possible consequences, because he expects that you'll do your due diligence with respect to repairs or maintenance.

References:

OAHI's KRMG Educational Series, Part 5

Frank Gruszewski has been involved with construction since 1983, and contains renovated century homes, new homes and everything in between. He started his home inspection company in 1995, quickly became a Registered Home Inspector (RHI) with OAHI and today has multiple inspectors doing work for his clients. He's got a degree in computer science, is really a firefighter, and is married to an excellent woman. Four children keep him on his toes. Visit his website at http://www.torontohomeinspections.com
My Website: https://myclc.clcillinois.edu/web/jeff_test/ttttttutoring/-/message_boards/message/49488830