Selling or buying a new home is a huge project. While it is usually a time of excitement and new beginnings, it can be a stressful time as well. One part of a home purchase that can be particularly daunting is the home inspection report.
It’s nerve-wracking enough wondering what will be in the report, but if you’re trying to read a traditional 80-page pdf report, it may be the last straw to push you over the edge. Fortunately, modern inspection reports make the process simpler.
Electronic inspection reports are designed with the user in mind. You may be wondering just how to read your home inspection report, so we’ve developed this handy guide.
Summary
When you open up your electronic home inspection report, you’ll be relieved to find an easy-to-use menu for your convenience. On the main tabs, you’ll see “full report,” “summary,” or “safety hazard.”
By selecting summary, you will be taken immediately to a summary listing of all the issues that were found in the inspection report. When you are not in summary view, you will see a full report which includes many more details.
For example, if you were looking at the roof section in full report view, you would see a chart that included three tabs. Each tab serves as a mini-page. They are titled overview, information, and standards.
Once you scroll past the chart, you get to the summary of the issue with the image (more on images later). Some people prefer to view a quick summary first so they know what they are looking at in terms of repair.
Filters
On the main screen, you can filter your search in two ways. You can select to view just a summary of every issue found in the report, as mentioned above, or you can select only the safety hazards.
When you select either of these tabs, the filter is on and you see only those particular items. However, you can take the filter off by selecting “remove filter” from the left-hand sidebar menu at the bottom.
Images
Each issue, no matter what view you select, shows a box with an image of the problem. The problems that are non-safety issues are outlined in orange and the safety hazards are outlined in red. This allows you to glance and instantly see which ones are problematic.
The images are high-quality and in full-color. Sometimes there is more than one picture displayed so you get a better perspective of the problem. Right below the image, within the box, is a brief explanation of the issue as well as what type of professional is necessary to correct it.
If the project is a DIY one, it will be indicated and some even have links to videos or directions on how to accomplish the task. This saves you valuable time.
Information/FYI Items
When you are in full report view, you will see a chart with three sections. One of these is information. When you click on this, you will be able to see extra information about the selected category.
For example, if you are looking at the heating section and click on “information,” you will see the equipment brand, distribution systems, the energy source, and heat source. In addition, you will see the inspector’s notes about the situation and even recommendations for future maintenance.
Home inspections aren’t as frightening if you work with a modern inspection report. No need to lug around an 80-page book when you can simply log on and see everything you need with a few clicks of the computer. At FXC Inspections, we take the hard work out of reading your report. Contact us today for more information.
