Home inspections are an important step in the process of purchasing real estate. A professional will assess the condition of the home you’re interested in and provide a clear picture of what repairs it might need, thus helping you negotiate with the seller. However, to clearly understand their findings, utilize the tips below. 

How to Make Sense of a Home Inspection Report

1. Ask Questions

If circumstances allow for it, accompany your inspector while they tour the house. While giving them space to perform their job comfortably, you can ask them questions about the notes they are writing down in the moment.

This will also give you a chance to become more familiar with the property you are hoping to purchase—since they will have to visit the breaker box, hot water tank, and out-of-the-way places like the attic to complete their evaluation.

2. Know Their Grading System

You will likely either receive a checklist report or a narrative report. The first option consists of a list of items examined accompanied by a rating: good, fair, or poor. 

You might be disappointed by an appliance rated “fair,” but in some cases that might just mean it has typical signs of wear. “Good” might be reserved for new or flawless elements of the house. If you’re concerned or confused, speak to your inspector about the meaning of each rating. 

A narrative report will be written more like an article with descriptions of what was inspected and what their conclusions are. While the prospect of more information sounds good, it might come with confusing terminology and descriptions. Ask your inspector about their process for arriving at ratings. 

3. Prioritize Certain Results Over Others

While your home inspection report will cover almost every part of your potential home, not all the findings will be of equal importance. Prioritizing certain aspects will make your reading less overwhelming and ensure you’re aware of the work your home might require.

Among the items to pay special attention to is the electrical system, which should be updated to handle modern loads. Plumbing is also essential—and pipes that are about to leak or burst could lead to expensive and inconvenient repairs. Ensure both interior and exterior pipes have been examined. Also, focus on any problems related to the foundation, roof, and chimney.

For a thorough report, go to A-Pro® Home Inspection in Denver, CO. They have over 25 years of experience helping customers avoid unanticipated costs when buying a home. In addition to home inspections, they offer HUD inspections, radon testing, and carbon monoxide testing. With their accuracy assurance guarantee, you’ll feel confident in counting on their services. Call (303) 875-7627 to get a free estimate. Learn more about their inspection process online.