How to Interpret a Home Inspection Report

You've done your due diligence by having a prospective home inspected for problems and necessary repairs. The inspector drops off his report, and you stare at it blankly, unsure what any of it means. Your home inspection report doesn't have any value until you can interpret it accurately, so use the following guide to understand every facet of this important document.

Health Hazards

The most important sections of a home inspection report are arguably those containing potential health hazards, such as lead paint or asbestos findings. These are the sections that you should read first, because they might make or break your decision about buying the house. If there are significant health hazards at work here, you might be better off looking elsewhere. You can look up the findings online to find out how substantial the hazards are.

Structural Damage

Next, look for the sections of your home inspection report that deal with structural soundness, such as your roof, your foundation and your walls. Check for any indications of faulty construction or corroding materials because these might mean expensive repairs just a few years down the road. You don't want to buy into thousands of dollars worth of damage without considering how this might impact your financial future.

Plumbing and Electricity

It is also important to look at the sections of your home inspection report that deal with plumbing and electricity. Problems with either one can mean costly repairs or even health hazards, so make sure everything is in working condition. Look for red flags, such as 'weak pipes', 'faulty breakers' or 'electrical shorts'. All of these things can indicate major problems that need to be fixed before you buy.

Inspector

A good inspector will be perfectly willing to go over his home inspection report with you, and to answer any questions you might have. Although he cannot advise you about whether or not you should by the house, he can tell you how likely it is for a small problem to become a larger one. He can also give you the names and numbers of contractors so you can get estimates for repairs to send to the seller.

Contractors