Understanding Your Home Inspection Report: What It Really Tells You
Buying or selling a home can feel like a whirlwind. Once the home inspection is complete and the report hits your inbox, it might feel like information overload. Pages of notes, technical terms, and plenty of photos — it’s a lot. But don’t worry. In this post, Premier Home Inspection, LLC will walk you through what your home inspection report actually tells you, how to interpret it, and what steps to take next.
What Is a Home Inspection Report?
A home inspection report is a visual and non-invasive written evaluation of a property’s condition at the time of the inspection. It covers major systems and components, such as:
- Roof and attic
- Foundation and structure
- Plumbing and electrical
- HVAC systems
- Appliances
- Interior and exterior components
It includes photographs, notes, and recommendations from your licensed home inspector. The goal is not to “pass” or “fail” a home but to give you a clear understanding of its current condition on the day of inspection.
How to Read Your Home Inspection Report
Here are a few tips to help you navigate the document:
1. Start with the Summary Section
Most reports include a summary that outlines the most important findings. These are often categorized by severity: safety concerns, major defects, and recommended repairs.
2. Understand the Inspector’s Language
Inspectors use standardized terms to describe issues:
- Cosmetic: Paint chips, loose handles
- Deficient: Something isn’t working as intended
- Safety hazard: A condition that poses a risk of injury (e.g., exposed wiring)
- Recommend further evaluation: Further review by a specialist (e.g., a licensed electrician)
3. Don’t Get Stuck on the Length
A 40+ page report can be intimidating, but that doesn’t mean the home is falling apart. Many notations are preventive or informational.
4. Look at Photos in the Home Inspection Report
Photos help visualize the condition and location of the noted issues. If you’re not sure what you’re looking at, don’t hesitate to ask your inspector.
What’s Common vs. What’s Concerning?
Every home has quirks and maintenance needs — even new builds. The key is to differentiate between routine maintenance items and larger, more urgent repairs. Common issues found during an inspection are: water intrusion in the crawl space, roof deficiencies, insufficient or deteriorated flashing, unknown/hidden plumbing leaks, exposed and hazardous electrical connections, structural damage, and more. Just because it’s common doesn’t mean it needs to be over looked. Common things can lead to big issues. What may or may not be an issue is dependent upon you, your funds, and your timeline.
What Should You Do After Receiving Your Home Inspection Report?
1. READ IT, REREAD IT, and READ IT AGAIN
You’ve invested in a comprehensive inspection report to better understand the condition of your potential home — now it’s time to truly make the most of it. The very first step? Read your report — then read it again. We strongly recommend reviewing it on a desktop or printed copy rather than a mobile device, as formatting can shift and cause you to miss important details. Take your time to digest the information thoroughly. If questions come up, we’re always happy to assist. However, many of the answers you’re looking for are already in the report — so start there, and let it guide your next steps.
2. Confer with Your Real Estate Agent to Discuss Your Priorities
Once you’ve reviewed your inspection report, it’s important to determine what truly matters to you. Some start by focusing on the major systems — electrical, plumbing, roof, and foundation — as these directly affect the home’s safety, livability, and long-term value. If you’re a buyer, the report can be a valuable tool for negotiating repairs or price adjustments. If you’re selling, it can help you decide which repairs to address ahead of listing or what concessions might keep a deal on track. We recommend meeting with your licensed real estate agent to review the report together. Their expertise can help you prioritize next steps based on your timeline, budget, and goals.
3. Schedule Follow-Up Inspections or Repairs
If the inspector recommends further evaluation (for fungal growth, pests, chimney, roof, etc.), don’t delay. Premier Home Inspection, LLC offers add-on services and trusted referrals to help you get the answers you need. We recommend you schedule these inspections and repairs be evaluated before the close of escrow.
4. Keep the Report as a Homeowner’s Manual
Even after closing, your inspection report is a great tool for planning maintenance and budgeting for future upgrades. We also offer home maintenance inspections — a great option for homeowners who want a periodic check-in on their property’s condition. These inspections can help identify any changes or developing issues early, giving you peace of mind and helping you stay ahead of costly repairs.
Internal Links (Suggestions):
- Our Home Inspection Services
- Meet Our Inspectors
- Schedule a Radon or Mold Test
- What to Expect on Inspection Day
External Links (Suggestions):
Final Thoughts
Your home inspection report isn’t meant to scare you — it’s meant to inform you. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply staying proactive as a homeowner, it’s one of the most useful tools in your toolkit. And remember: you don’t have to navigate it alone. The team at Premier Home Inspection, LLC is always here to help.