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 need to keep in mind because the inspection is conducted.

1. Have realistic expectations concerning the home.

A limited understanding of aging in older homes can create stress in purchasers, who might expect a greater amount of perfection than would typically be possible.

Everyone knows that there 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 based on era of construction.

A perfect example of this can be a basement that has been originally built of stone, then filled with mortar and parged to make a more water-resistant area. Although it still leaks, that is the average 100 year old basement, which would not be looked at acceptable in a 20 year old home. Or consider an older septic bed or weeping tile system is more susceptible to problems when compared to a newer one.

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

2. Keep your emotions in check.

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

As a purchaser, you must remember that your feelings on the building are not highly relevant to the inspector's actual report. The inspector is required to report on every defect that he finds, but the inspector also needs to put things into context for you.

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

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

A fresh structure will have some items looking for correction, and probably the most immaculately kept home may also have some conditions that could use some improvement. There is 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 have to be done, and he also offers the overall goal of helping you identify major expense items. Although it may seem just like the inspector is picking on your purchase decision, he is really just attempting to pack just as much information as he is able to into the limited timeframe that he has to spend with you. Remember that it is important to keep things in context.

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

A good inspector will not waste everyone's time and emotional capacity discussing every doorknob and screen in the house. You need to be told verbally, and in writing, 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 important items now.

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

For example, in the inspector's efforts to make sure that you successfully accomplish a maintenance activity on your own new home, he may let you know how easy it is and possibly explain how to do it. Remember that he is telling you for information purposes, and that you will need additional guidance or instruction when actually doing it for yourself.

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

The inspector follows a systematic method of examining and reporting on items, so he will lead you through the home and how you things in a particular order. This consistency of approach is the method that he uses to cover all the countless items which he must examine.

In the event that you consistently ask questions about things that the inspector have not yet had a chance to discuss, you then will throw him off and he may forget to describe something of note.

This is not designed to dissuade you from asking pertinent questions to greatly help clarify things in your mind. In case you are wondering "What the heck is he talking about now?" you then need to ask the inspector to describe. While you can telephone your inspector at any time, you have an ideal opportunity to share his time now.

For example, if he could be discussing basement dampness and you also enquire 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 when they have given their clients a big explanation about why something should be done, or not done, only to find out later that they completely missed (or misinterpreted) a significant factor. If a homebuyer isn't listening, the message simply will not get through.

The inspection can be an important time, designed to inform you and save you profit the short and long term. 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 house to important people that you experienced.

If there are way too many people saying way too many things all at once, you shouldn't be shy to politely ask for some space to consult with your inspector. The inspector could also redirect your focus on the business accessible.

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

The inspector knows how to diagnose problems, however the smart inspector does not offer solutions if he could be not completely conversant in the problem accessible. He should guide you to consult a specialist if the problem involves a more thorough analysis.

However, all inspectors have a specialty. If he is a licensed electrician, then you will get more info 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 just a little off-track discussing it. If you ask where the boundary lines are or what the house value is, you need to be told by the inspector he doesn't know. These discussions won't accomplish anything at the moment, and it's something you would be better off discussing with your agent or lawyer.

Take into account the big picture, remember that buying a house is really a big project, and the inspector is only paid to be involved in one section of it.

9. Have fun.

It isn't each day that you get to buy a home. Benefit from the process as best as possible. Lighten up. You will find a large amount of work and angst involved with home inspections and home buying, 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 problems 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 an incident of the inspector passing the buck, but a case of making you aware of conditions that require further investigation.

There are also Additional info to be areas which are disclaimed due to restricted access. Concentrate on these as soon as you can so as to find out if anything was hidden from view.

If you are instructed to do some maintenance and neglect to do so, there could be negative consequences. As an example, failing woefully to caulk the bathtub or re-grout the tiles you could end up a simple case of rot, or plaster could fall with harm to furnishings or personal injury. The inspector may not warn you of all possible consequences, because he expects that you will 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 has 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 now has multiple inspectors doing work for his clients. He has a qualification in computer science, is a firefighter, and is married to a wonderful woman. Four children keep him on his toes. Visit his website at http://www.torontohomeinspections.com
Here's my website: https://ultimatesoftwareco.com/how-to-add-a-nostalgic-touch-to-your-home-with-vintage-decor/