How To Use a Home Inspection Report: Part 2

Welcome to our second installment of How To Use a Home Inspection Report!

Last week, we focused on the five major systems of the house. This week, we’re moving on to some of the details and the more in-depth areas to look at how you can use a home inspection report to gain knowledge about the house as you’re purchasing it, and later as a checklist for future projects and home maintenance.

Speaking of Insulation, I Have a Bridge I Can Sell You…

This homeowner probably should have checked the contractor’s work at the time… Or maybe they were just misremembering? Either way, they haven’t spent too much time in the attic because there is definitely not any foam insulation up there, or any kind of insulation, for that matter. That would certainly explain the home being drafty.

They did have it in the listing so, it’s a good thing somebody checked it out. The buyer might want to put insulation on their “to-do” list or negotiate that into the contract if possible since foam insulation was listed with the property.

Improper Installation

This water heater was installed improperly, without ventilation, resulting in a dangerous situation where backdrafting can occur, which means the exhaust fumes can re-enter the house.

The buyer would be well within their rights to request this be fixed before signing off on the contract. In an “As Is” situation where the seller isn’t agreeing to fix anything, the buyer would want to be sure to repair this right away.

Is it Mold?

When there is an obvious water leak, a home inspector will try to identify the source of the leak and any damage they can find without taking anything apart. They will then recommend the appropriate professionals you may need to consult.

We cannot positively identify mold: you’ll see “unidentified grey substance,” on the report. We’re not allowed to say “mold” and have it turn out to be something else. This was an obvious water leak on a re-inspection where the seller was supposed to have fixed the leak, but we returned and found that the spot was still wet and continuing to leak. A mold remediation expert was called and found mold in the walls and attic.

When this is the case, it’s up to the agents and insurance to negotiate. Hopefully, the seller’s home insurance will cover the repair. If not, you have to either negotiate with the seller to cover the repair out of pocket or decide if you want the home enough to cover the cost of repair.

New Construction Problems

Brand new homes have problems too, and it’s important to have a home inspection before you move in, so the builder can fix any issues that come up. In this case, we found a dangerous gas leak at the water heater. But we find any number of issues, from switches that don’t work, to missing mortar on the bricks, to reversed hot and cold in the plumbing — all of which should be covered by the builder.

Now that you’re thinking about how you can use a home inspection report, I hope you’ll dig out your last one and give it a look. I bet there are some items on there that you haven’t taken care of yet! What’s that? You didn’t keep it? You can always have a home maintenance inspection and get an up-to-date idea of the status of all the systems of your home.