Home Inspection Report Explained: What Inspectors Look For

Key Takeaways:

• A home inspection report is part of the homebuying process. It helps you identify safety issues, necessary repairs, and maintenance concerns that may change your mind about buying the property.
• Inspection reports use common terms to describe areas of the home and their condition. Understanding these terms is key to interpreting the report.
• Your post-inspection decisions will be guided by the results outlined in the inspection report

Ask anyone who’s ever purchased a home, and they’ll tell you: it can be a long and confusing process. Part of that process is the home inspection report. New England’s pros at Tiger Home Inspection are here to explain in plain terms how to read your report.

What is a Home Inspection Report?

When you’re thinking about purchasing a specific home, a professional inspector will perform a thorough, non-invasive visual assessment of the property’s physical structure and systems. They’ll identify safety issues, necessary repairs, and maintenance concerns that may not be apparent to the average person, especially if you’ve never owned a home before. Their report provides you with the information you need to negotiate repairs, plan upgrades, or walk away if necessary.

During the homebuying process, inspections will take place after the purchase agreement but before the property appraisal. The buyer typically pays for the inspection, though sellers may hire an inspector before they put their house on the market.

Common Home Inspection Report Terms

A typical home inspection report will include the following information:

• The date of the inspection
• The start and end times of the inspection
• The name of the buyer
• The name of the inspector
• Names of individuals present at the inspection
• Weather conditions, including outside temperature and ground conditions
• Whether the property was vacant or still in use
• Inspection type and cost
• Other services provided, such as radon, lead, or mold testing

There can be a lot of information to take in all at once, especially for such an enormous purchase. While the details may vary, here are the most common terms you should know to understand the report.

Condition Ratings

• A: Inspected item is functional, even with normal wear and tear.
• B: Inspected item is not functional at all. Maintenance, repair, or upgrade required.
• C: Inspected item is not functioning at the time of inspection. Maintenance, repair, or upgrade required.
• NR: Item not inspected. A reason will usually be given, such as inaccessibility.
• D: Further consultation with a licensed professional is required.

General Terms

When reading your home inspection report, pay close attention to the specific defects and safety concerns identified. These findings can directly impact your negotiations with the seller, especially in Massachusetts, where weather and older housing stock can contribute to hidden issues.

Use this section of the report to guide repair requests, negotiations, and next steps before finalizing your home purchase.

• Structural defects: These include issues with the house’s foundation, framing, or support systems, such as cracks, settling, or water intrusion, which may affect the home’s stability.
• Roofing problems: Visibly missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or aging materials that could lead to costly repairs or replacement.
• Plumbing concerns: Active leaks, corroded pipes, poor water pressure, or outdated systems that almost certainly require repair or upgrades.
• Electrical hazards: Exposed wiring, outdated panels, insufficient grounding, or overloaded circuits pose fire or safety risks.
• HVAC system issues: Heating or cooling systems that are not functioning properly or are nearing the end of their lifespan.
• Moisture and mold: Signs of water damage, poor ventilation, or mold growth, which are common in humid or coastal areas of Massachusetts.
• Radon and environmental risks (if included): Hazardous levels of radon or potential presence of lead paint or asbestos. These may be especially common in older Massachusetts homes.
• Fire and safety risks: Missing or non-functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors requiring immediate attention.
• Major vs. minor defects: Major issues affect safety or structure, while minor ones typically involve routine maintenance or cosmetic repairs.
• Further evaluation needed: Some findings may require follow-up from licensed specialists for a more in-depth assessment.

FAQs: Home Inspectors

Q: What are inspectors looking for in home inspections?

A: Home inspectors evaluate a property’s safety, structural integrity, and potential issues that could lead to costly repairs.

Q: What do I do after the home inspection?

A: If you’re the buyer, you can review the inspection report and decide whether you want to continue with the purchase of the home. If there is some damage, but you still want to buy the house, you can request that the seller make the necessary repairs or negotiate the cost of hiring a company to do them for you.

If you’re the seller, you can also review the inspection report and any requests from the potential buyer. You don’t have to make any repairs or enter negotiations with the buyer.

Q: Can my inspector fix anything they find wrong?

A: No. The inspector is there to point out the condition of certain aspects of the home and property. They cannot fix anything, nor can they recommend a specific company to fix it. Think of the inspector as merely an objective commentator.

Q: Who is responsible for fixing damages found during the inspection?

A: That’s between you and the seller. As the buyer, you can request that the seller use an approved professional to make the necessary repairs, cover the cost of hiring someone, or reduce the home’s selling price. However, the seller is under no obligation to comply with your requests. It’s then up to you whether to proceed with the purchase or walk away.

Q: Can I get more than one home inspection?

A: You may get a second inspection if you feel like there were problems with the initial report, but it’s not necessary. Most home buyers do a single inspection.

Trust Your Home Inspection Report to Tiger

Home buyers in Massachusetts have trusted the expert inspectors at Tiger Home Inspection since 1990. We are now the largest independent home inspection company in New England, with offices throughout Eastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

Contact us today to find out more about our trusted inspection services. We’re open seven days a week for your convenience!