When purchasing a home, one of the most critical steps is completing a home inspection. The inspection report can reveal significant defects or issues that require attention before finalizing the purchase. It can be overwhelming to receive a report with a laundry list of necessary repairs, but addressing these issues is essential to protecting your investment. In this three-part article, we’ll cover what to do when you receive a home inspection report with significant defects noted. Part 1 will discuss how to prioritize the issues and decide which repairs need immediate attention. Part 2 will focus on collecting multiple quotes from vendors and researching their reputation and experience. Finally, in Part 3, we’ll cover overseeing the repairs, including ensuring that all work is fully permitted and up to the current Building Code, and having your home inspector reinspect the property to ensure that the repairs were done correctly. By following these steps, you can protect your investment, ensure that your property is safe, and have peace of mind knowing that your home is in good condition.

If you’re in the process of buying a home, you will most likely have a home inspection as part of the process. A home inspection is a thorough examination of the property’s condition, including its structure, mechanical systems, and overall safety. The goal of a home inspection is to identify any significant defects or issues that could affect the value or safety of the property.

After the inspection is complete, you will receive a home inspection report, which outlines the inspector’s findings. This report is a critical document that will help you make an informed decision about whether to move forward with the purchase, negotiate repairs, or walk away from the deal.

It’s important to understand that no home is perfect, and it’s common for inspectors to find issues during their inspection. However, if the report notes significant defects or issues, you may need to take action to protect yourself and your investment.

Here are some of the most common significant defects you might find in a home inspection report:

1. Structural issues: These can include problems with the foundation, walls, roof, or framing.
2. Electrical issues: This can include outdated or unsafe wiring, faulty electrical panels, or improper grounding.
3. Plumbing issues: This can include leaks, outdated or inadequate piping, or improper venting.
4. HVAC issues: This can include problems with the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning systems, which can affect the home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
5. Safety issues: This can include hazards such as mold, lead, radon, or asbestos.

If your home inspection report notes any significant defects or issues, it’s important to take them seriously. In part 2 of this series, we will discuss what steps you can take to address these issues and protect your investment.  You likely have a narrow window to conduct inspections, so an up-front assessment of the defect must occur.  Reach back out to your home inspector and ask for clarity on which issues constitute a significant concern, or may be costly to mitigate.  Some defects may warrant bringing in a trade-professional to evaluate the component or system at hand.  Your Real Estate Agent and Home Inspector are the two strongest advisors to help you navigate these waters.  Develop a plan and strategy for what needs to be addressed, and proceed to Part II of this series to understand how to Oversee Repairs of the defects noted.