This report published on Saturday, January 4, 2025 9:13:47 AM EST
"No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Do not kill your deal over things that do not matter. It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller's disclosure or nit-picky items."
The above is an excerpt from Sell Your Home For More by Nick Gromicko.
Acceptance of this report and/or relying on the information within constitutes acceptance of the real estate inspection agreement limits for the client listed above even if the agreement is not signed. Reliance on a home inspection report that was originally performed for a different home buyer removes warranties. Home Inspections are not a pass/fail. The purpose is to identify the condition of the home as much as can be done at the time of the inspection. It is out of the scope of the home inspection to give estimates for repairs. We recommend that contractors be utilized prior to closing to provide repair estimates.
If you are not the person identified as the client above then you need to attain permission from the client above and you need to have your own home inspection completed.
It is not typical to request to remedy those items which are small maintenance items. Your real estate agent will be your best source to help determine which items (if any) are appropriate to request for correction or improvement
The following items are excluded from this inspection: Security system
1) Comment - The Basic Commercial Inspection was conducted according to International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties. The inspection, the Report, and its uses are strictly limited to the scope as described herein and as expressed in the agreement. The inspection is in no way intended to be a warranty or guarantee, express or implied, regarding the future use or operability of the building or its components.
2) Comment - The scope of service for this Basic Commercial Inspection includes the following: Walk-through survey to visually observe the subject property so as to obtain information on material systems and components for the purposes of providing a brief description and identifying physical deficiencies to the extent that they are easily visible and readily accessible. The focus is upon larger expense items, typically well above the $500-$1000 range
3) Comment - Photos are only a representative sample of conditions observed. There may be more than one area of concern not shown by photo
4) Comment - This is a reminder that inspections are not code inspections, zoning checks nor a check for permits. Most buildings more than only a few years old are not up to current codes due to codes changing over time. It is normal and expected for homes and buildings not to be "up to code". Codes themselves are subject to locations and interpretation.
Inspections are also not a pest/rodent inspection. It is not uncommon for critters to move into buildings when weather gets colder and/or there are food sources available. Keep food sources away and monitor always.
It is recommended that you get estimates for repairs prior to closing to fully understand the costs involved. Cost estimates are not part of the inspection. Our inspectors do not provide repairs so any estimate provided is very rough if given and should not be relied on due to large variations from contractors and materials.
Life expectancy of materials, appliances and systems is outside the scope of the inspection. Any information regarding this should not be relied upon due to variations of opinions from contractors and materials.
5) Comment - Issues that are considered cosmetic are not the goal of this report. For example, holes, stains, scratches, unevenness, not perfectly level or square, missing trim, paint and finish flaws or odors.
Inspections and inspection reports are not a guaranty of future performance or future functionality. The inspection company is not responsible for failure to properly maintain the property or damage that occurs or uncovered after taking possession.
6) Comment - Many walls, floor and/or ceiling surfaces were obscured by large amounts of machines, tools, carts, furniture and/or stored items. These areas could not be evaluated.
7) - The purpose of the Basic Commercial Inspection is to determine the current condition of the improvements located on a parcel of commercial real estate, by performing a walk-through survey and conducting research. The goal is to identify and communicate physical deficiencies to the user. The term physical deficiencies means the presence of conspicuous defects or material deferred maintenance of a subject property's material systems, components, or equipment as observed during the field observer's walk-through survey.
8) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The parking area had cracks and/or deterioration in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace driveway sections as necessary.
Photo 8-1 Photo 8-2
9) Repair/Replace - The perimeter grading sloped towards the structure in areas and was too flat in other areas. This is a common find. This can result in water accumulating around the structure's foundation, or in basements and crawl spaces if they exist. Accumulated water is a conducive condition to wood destroying insects and organisms. Wet soil may also cause the foundation to settle and possibly fail over time. Recommend grading soil so it slopes down and away from the structure. The grade should drop at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet. Correct any negative slope of brick/concrete areas as well to direct water away from structure. https://homeinspectionsinohio.com/negative-grading/
Where the site does not allow for the necessary fall away from the structure, drains or swales could be used.
Photo 9-1
10) Repair/Maintain, Evaluate - Observed 2 damaged foundation area2. Recommend evaluation and repair/replacement to help ensure proper function and to prevent further deterioration.
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11) Repair/Maintain, Evaluate - Siding was damaged and/or deteriorated in small areas. Recommend evaluation and correction as necessary to help prevent water intrusion. Inspector is unable to determine condition of underlying material.
13) Repair/Maintain - Bollard(s) were missing in areas that would benefit from the protection of them. Consider installing where needed.
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14) Maintain - Caulk was missing or deteriorated in some areas and should be replaced and/or applied where necessary. For more information on caulking, visit The Ins and Outs of Caulking.
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15) Comment - The following items are not included in this inspection: swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, water features and related equipment; playground, recreation or leisure equipment; landscape lighting; areas below exterior structures with less than three feet of vertical clearance; irrigation systems; invisible fencing; sea walls, docks and boathouses. Exterior buildings such as sheds, barns and garages are not included unless specifically requested. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not test or determine the adequacy of drainage systems for grounds, walkways, below-grade stairs and roof downspouts. The inspector does not provide an evaluation of geological conditions and/or site stability, compliance of pool or spa fencing with municipal requirements, or determination that deck, balcony and/or stair membranes are watertight. Inspector is unable to determine condition of underlying materials (see through solid objects) such as materials behind siding and facia positioned behind gutters or flashing for examples.
16) - The following items are not included in this inspection: below-grade foundation walls and footings, or those obscured by vegetation or building components; exterior building surfaces or components obscured by vegetation, stored items or debris. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Some amount of cracking is normal in concrete slabs and foundation walls due to shrinkage and drying. Note that the inspector does not determination the adequacy of sump pumps, seismic reinforcement, take measurements of plumbness, nor determine if support posts, columns, beams, joists, studs, trusses, etc. are of adequate size, spanning or spacing.
Primary service overload protection type: Circuit breakers
Service amperage (amps): 400
Service voltage (estimated): 3 phase, 4 wire, 120/208
Location of Main Service Switch: Utility room
Location of Sub panel: Utility Room
Location of main disconnect: Breaker at bottom of main service panel
Service entrance conductor material: Copper
System ground: Ground rod(s) in soil, Cold water supply pipes
Main disconnect rating (amps): 400
17) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - One electric receptacle had reverse-polarity wiring, where the hot and neutral wires are reversed. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of shock. An electrician should evaluate and make repairs as necessary.
identified with blue dot(s) with "H&N"
Lobby bathroom
18) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Loose conductors were found in the sub service panel had bare ends and were not connected to circuit breakers or fuses. This is a safety hazard due to the risk of fire if the bare conductors come into contact with other components in the panel. An electrician should evaluate and repair as necessary. For example, removing wires that aren't terminated or installing wire nuts.
Photo 18-1
19) Safety, Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Extension cords were being used as permanent wiring in one area. They should only be used for portable equipment on a temporary basis. Using extension cords as permanent wiring poses a fire and shock hazard, and is an indication that wiring is inadequate and should be updated, for example, install additional circuits and/or electric receptacles.
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Photo 19-3
20) Evaluate - Light fixtured were inoperable. Recommend further evaluation by replacing bulb(s) and/or consulting with the property owner(s). Repairs or replacement of the light fixture(s) may be necessary.
Photo 20-1 Photo 20-2
21) Serviceable, Comment - No observable concerns with the electric panel wiring.
Photo 21-1 Photo 21-2
22) Comment - The following items are not included in this inspection: generator systems, surge suppressors, inaccessible or concealed wiring condition or materials; underground utilities and systems; low voltage lighting or lighting on timers or sensors. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determine the adequacy of grounding or bonding, does not determine if this system has an adequate capacity for the client's specific needs, nor determine if this system has any reserve capacity for additions or expansion. The inspector does not operate circuit breakers as part of the inspection, install or change light bulbs, nor determine the operability of every wall switch or outlet. Inspectors do not remove outlet covers and are unable to determine the type of wiring inside walls or in concealed spaces. Inspection are not code inspections.
Note: National safety standards require electrical panels to be weatherproof, readily accessible, and have a minimum of thirty-six inches of clear space in front of them for service. Also, they should have a main disconnect, and each circuit within the panel should be clearly labeled. Industry standards only require us to test a representative number of accessible switches, receptacles, and light fixtures. However, we attempt to test every one that is unobstructed, but if a building is furnished we will obviously not be able to test each one.
Primary Air conditioning type: Split system, Package Unit
Distribution system: Sheet metal ducts
Manufacturer(s): Carrier
23) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - The cooling fins on air handler's evaporator coils are bent, damaged and/or deteriorated. This may result in reduced efficiency and higher energy costs. A qualified heating and cooling contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
Photo 23-1
24) Repair/Replace - The motor/fan for venting out the furnace exhaust was noisy. Recommend evaluation and repairs as needed to help ensure proper venting and continued operation.
Photo 24-1
25) Maintain, Comment - The estimated useful life for forced air furnaces is 15 to 20 years. This furnace was at this age or older and may need replacing at any time. Recommend budgeting for a replacement in the near future.
Periodic maintenance will help ensure continued operation.
26) Maintain - The filter(s) for the heating/cooling system should be checked monthly and replaced or washed as necessary.
Also be aware that heating and cooling systems should have regular maintenance on them yearly to help ensure long life spans.
27) Monitor, Comment - Stains observed on the exhaust vent. It appears that there may have been repairs such as sealing any gaps on the exterior. It is also possible that the stains can be caused by the exhaust fumes cooling and condensing. Monitor.
Photo 27-1
28) Monitor - Rust/stains observed in/on the furnace cabinet. Active leaking did not occur during time of inspection. Recommend monitoring for leaks from condensation.
If leaks do develop then get it evaluated and repaired to help prevent rusting/deterioration of the furnace.
Photo 28-1 Photo 28-2
29) Serviceable, Comment - The flames on the furnace looked good and the blower motor operated.
Photo 29-1
30) Comment - We check heating and cooling for basic function. Our inspection is not technically exhaustive. Our inspection of ducts is naturally limited to observable areas. Therefore large areas of ducts cannot be seen. Since dirt, dust, mold, even toys are commonly found in ducts we recommend that you have the ducts cleaned.
34) Safety, Repair/Maintain - Temperature-pressure relief valve drain line for the water heater was too short. This is a potential safety hazard due to the risk of scalding if someone is standing next to the water heater when the valve opens. Recommend extending the drain line to 6 inches from the floor, or route it so as to drain outside.
35) Safety, Minor Defect - The clothes dryer was equipped with a vinyl or foil, accordion-type, flexible exhaust duct. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission considers these types of ducts to be unsafe, and a fire hazard. These types of ducts can trap lint and are susceptible to kinks or crushing, which can greatly reduce the air flow. This duct should be replaced with a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most clothes dryer manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct.
36) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Pin holes and/or corrosion were visible on one area(s) of copper water supply pipes. Leaks may result because of this. Recommend evaluate and replace water supply components as necessary.
Was not actively leaking at time of inspection.
Photo 36-1
37) Repair/Maintain, Evaluate - The laundry/ sink discharge was routed so as to discharge in to a floor drain. This is not advised for the following reasons:
Washing machine and sink discharge water usually contains bleach and other chemicals. Most municipalities require discharge into the septic or waste system. Inspector was unable to determine where the floor drain leads to.
Recommend having a plumber evaluate and reconfigure this system as needed.
Photo 37-1
38) Repair/Maintain, Comment - The washing machine was installed over or next to a finished living space and had no catch pan or drain installed. These are recommended to prevent water damage to finished interior spaces below if or when the washing machine leaks, overflows or is drained. Recommend having a qualified contractor install both a catch pan and drain.
Photo 38-1
39) Repair/Maintain - Waste line clean out was not capped or was capped in a non standard manner. Recommend improving to help prevent sewer gases from escaping.
Photo 39-1
40) Serviceable - The electric water heater operated.
41) Comment - The following items are not included in this inspection: private wells and sewage disposal systems; main, side and lateral sewer lines; gray water systems; pressure boosting systems; incinerating or composting toilets; fire suppression sprinkler systems; water softeners, conditioners or filtering systems; plumbing materials / components concealed within the foundation or building structure, or in inaccessible areas such as below tubs; underground utilities and systems; overflow drains for tubs and sinks; backflow prevention devices. Any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only.
Note that the inspector is not required to operate water supply or shut-off valves due to the possibility of valves leaking or breaking when operated. The inspector does not test for lead in the water supply, the water pipes or solder, does not determine if plumbing and fuel lines are adequately sized, and does not determining the existence or condition of underground or above-ground fuel tanks.
42) Comment - "In accordance with industry standards, we do not normally test washing machines and their water connections and drainpipes if present. However, there are a few things of which you should be aware. The water supply to washing machines is usually left on, and their hoses can leak or burst under pressure and continue to flow. Therefore, we recommend replacing the rubber hose type with newer, braided, stainless steel ones that are much more dependable and that they be operated only during times you will be present. You should also be aware that the newer washing machines discharge a greater volume of water than many of the older drainpipes can handle, which causes the water to back up and overflow, and the only remedy would be to replace the standpipe and trap with one that is larger. Although not required, whenever structural damage may result from an overflow, we recommend a pan with a plumbed drain. An alternative is a flood or leak detection device that will terminate the water supply in a water pipe failure."
43) Comment - It is beyond the scope of the inspection to confirm if the structure uses a septic or a public sewer system. This includes determination or inspection of aerators designed for septic systems. Recommend confirming with seller if there is any questions regarding this. It is always a great idea to have the county health department inspect any septic system.
44) Comment - Image of water heater and data plate
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45) Comment - Neither the clothes washer nor dryer were operated or evaluated. They are excluded from this inspection.
46) Comment - Your water meter and main water shut off location.
Photo 46-1
47) Comment - Both hot and cold water flow was checked and each flowed in all sinks, tubs, toilets, and showers.
48) Monitor - Stains were found in walls and ceiling area(s). However, no elevated levels of moisture were found. The stain(s) may be due to past roof and/or plumbing leaks. Recommend asking the property owner(s) about this, and monitoring the stained area(s) in the future, especially after heavy or prolonged rain.
49) Repair/Replace - The garage vehicle door was damaged or deteriorated. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace the door as necessary.
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Photo 49-3
50) Minor Defect, Monitor, Comment - The garage vehicle door had some small areas of deterioration/dents. Still operational, monitor.
51) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Standing water was found on the flat roof. It should evaporate within 48 hours after it rains. If standing water remains after 48 hours, then the roof installation is likely substandard. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair if necessary to prevent prolonged standing water.
Photo 51-1
52) Repair/Replace, Evaluate - Flashings at parapet walls were deteriorated and/or substandard. These may result in leaks. A qualified roofing contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
Did not overlap as much as desired and was holding water in areas. Typical overlap is at least 4 inches.
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Photo 52-5
53) Repair/Maintain, Evaluate - Heavy sealant usage indicates possible past leaks or substandard flashing. Consider evaluation and improvement. At minimum maintain sealants periodically. Inspector is unable to determine condition of underlying material.
Photo 53-1
54) Repair/Maintain, Evaluate - Rust and/or corrosion is visible on small sections of metal roofing. A roofing contractor should evaluate and either replace or repaint panels as necessary.
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Photo 54-3
55) Repair/Maintain - One rubber boot flashing was installed incorrectly (inverted). Recommend repair/improvement to prevent leaks.
Photo 55-1
56) Comment - Be aware that lifting and or moving around insulation is beyond the scope of the inspection, therefore the areas directly buried and under insulation are not visible. Due to attic structures access to some areas are limited due to physical spaces and safety.
57) Comment - The following items or areas are not included in this inspection: areas that could not be traversed or viewed clearly due to lack of access; areas and components obscured by insulation; solar roofing components; any comments made regarding these items are as a courtesy only. Note that the inspector does not determination if rafters, trusses, joists, beams, etc. are of adequate size, spanning or spacing. The inspector does not provide an estimate of remaining roof surface life nor any guarantee of roofs age, does not determine that the roof has absolutely no leaks at the time of the inspection, and does not determine that the roof won't leak in the future. To absolutely determine than no leaks exist, complete access to all roof structure areas must be available during a wide variety of weather conditions, including prolonged heavy rain, high wind from varying directions, heavy accumulations of snow and/or ice, and melting snow and ice. We also recommend asking sellers for verification of roof covering age for all roof surfaces and/or checking building permits.
Insurance companies may or may not provide coverage due to a roofs age or other reasons of theirs. Recommend checking with your insurance provider regarding coverage. This is outside the scope for an inspector to know.
58) Comment - The plumbing vent type rubber boot(s) were in good condition.
Photo 58-1 Photo 58-2
59) Comment - Generally the roof covering was in useful condition. Be certain to have the concerns identified evaluated prior to closing
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60) Comment - Past repairs observed. Recommend asking for information. Common for when roofs age.
61) Safety, Repair/Maintain - Exposed gas piping should be identification by a yellow label marked "Gas" in black letters occurring at intervals of 5 feet or less. Recommend labeling.
62) Safety, Repair/Maintain - Portable extinguishers should be present and located in conspicuous and readily available locations immediately available for use and not obstructed or obscured from view.
Some were blocked from easy fast access
Photo 62-1 Photo 62-2
63) Comment - Recommend asking building owner and or the person in charge of maintenance for the records of health and safety inspections from the local jurisdiction.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONTINUES You should not regard this inspection and report as a guarantee or warranty of the property and its components. It is not. It is simply a report on the general condition of the property at a given point in time. Furthermore, as a homeowner, you should expect problems to occur; roofs will leak, drain pipes will become blocked, and components and systems will fail without warning. For these reasons, you should take into consideration the age of the house and its components and keep a comprehensive insurance policy current. If you have been provided with a home protection policy, read it carefully. Such policies usually only cover insignificant costs, such as that of rooter service, and the representatives of some insurance companies are very likely to charge you for a service call and then deny coverage on the grounds that a given condition was preexisting or not covered because of an alleged code violation or a manufacturers defect. Therefore, you should read such policies very carefully, and depend upon our company for any assistance and consultation that you may need. It is highly recommended that the suggested repairs, corrections, evaluations, etc be done prior to the end of your due diligence time period if possible or before closing. Evaluations and repairs can reveal issues not visible during a home inspection or beyond the scope of a home inspection.
It is beyond the scope of the inspection to confirm if the structure uses a septic or a public sewer system. Recommend confirming with seller.
Heating and Cooling systems Furnaces typically will last 15-20 years. With proper maintenance they can last longer. Air conditioners also have a typical life expectancy of 8-15 years. Heat pumps typically last 15-20 years. The estimated useful life for boiler system is 25-40 years. It is normal to have issues with systems as they age. Be sure to have regular maintenance done.
As of January 2006, air conditioning manufacturers are no longer allowed to manufacture products, or certain individual components (condensers, evaporator, compressors) for systems with less than a 13 SEER rating. As existing inventories of older efficiency style components are depleted, replacement of the A/C unit may be required in place of repairs.
Note: R22 has been the standard refrigerant used in air conditioners for many years. The problem with this refrigerant is that it is both less efficient and less environmentally friendly than R410a refrigerant. The government-mandated shift away from R22 refrigerant is an attempt to make homes more efficient and reduce the emissions of greenhouse gasses into the environment. As of 2010 R22 is no longer allowed to be used in newly-manufactured air conditioners. R-22 can not be added to current systems after Jan 2019. MO99 is a refrigerant that can be used to replace R-22. Identifying the type of refrigerant used in a system is not within the scope of the home inspection.
Crawl Spaces Crawl spaces should all be viewed periodically. Although not desirable it is common for moisture levels to be higher here than in other areas of the home. Recommend quarterly viewing so as to catch water intrusion and moisture related issues quickly.
Roof materials It is beyond the scope of the inspection to give the life expectation of roofing materials. There are many factors that effect the aging process such as color, angle, orientation, ventilation and type of material. Any mention of age is a rough estimate based upon experience and is in no way an guarantee of the actual age. We recommend asking seller if you want specific age information. It is also beyond the scope to determine if a roof has more than one layer of materials. lower layer can be concealed by drip edges and flashings.
Roofs are designed to shed water like an umbrella and are not “waterproof”. In events of wind driven rains, and periods of intense rain, water can sometimes blow into areas such as ridge vents, roof vents and valleys and present leaking conditions. This occurrence is rare, but can possibly happen in severe storm events. Unless it is raining at the time of inspection, some roof leaks may not be identified during the inspection process. As prescribed in the inspection authorization and agreement, this is a visual inspection only. Roofing life expectancies can vary depending on several factors. Any estimates of remaining life are approximations only.
Ceiling fans cannot be checked for proper mounting inside attic spaces where concealed by insulation.
The accuracy of breaker labeling is beyond the scope of the inspection.
Rodents Please be aware that inspecting for rodents is outside the scope of home inspections. If we see obvious indications of activity we will note it. If we note it that should not be taken that we conducted a pest inspection. It is also very common for mice and similar sized critters to enter all homes at sometime. Please do not be alarmed if you have such house guests at sometime.
What are Molds? Molds are simple, microscopic organisms, present virtually everywhere, indoors and outdoors. Molds, along with mushrooms and yeasts, are fungi and are needed to break down dead material and recycle nutrients in the environment. For molds to grow and reproduce, they need only a food source and any organic material, such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt and moisture. Because molds grow by digesting the organic material, they gradually destroy whatever they grow on. Sometimes, new molds grow on old mold colonies. Mold growth on surfaces can often be seen in the form of discoloration, frequently green, gray, brown, or black but also white and other colors. Molds release countless tiny, lightweight spores, which travel through the air. Everyone is exposed to some mold on a daily basis without evident harm. It is common to find mold spores in the air inside homes, and most of the airborne spores found indoors come from outdoor sources. Mold spores primarily cause health problems when they are present in large numbers and people inhale many of them. This occurs primarily when there is active mold growth within home, office or school where people live or work. People can also be exposed to mold by touching contaminated materials and by eating contaminated foods. Molds produce health effects through inflammation, allergy, or infection. Allergic reactions (often referred to as hay fever) are most common following mold exposure. Typical symptoms that mold-exposed persons report (alone or in combination) include: Respiratory problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath Nasal and sinus congestion, Eye irritation (burning, watery, or reddened eyes) Dry, hacking cough, Nose or throat irritation, Skin rashes or irritation Headaches, memory problems, mood swings, nosebleeds, body aches and pains, and fevers are occasionally reported in mold cases, but their cause is not understood. Molds will grow and multiply whenever conditions are right and sufficient moisture is available and organic material is present. Be on the lookout in your home for common sources of indoor moisture that may lead to mold problems: If you suspect that you may have mold, contact a specialist.
When Things Go Wrong There may come a time that you discover something wrong with the house, and you may be upset or disappointed with your home inspection.
Intermittent Or Concealed Problems. Some problems can only be discovered by living in a house. They cannot be discovered during the few hours of a home inspection. For example, some shower stalls leak when people are in the shower, but do not leak when you simply turn on the tap. Some roofs and basements only leak when specific conditions exist. Some problems will only be discovered when carpets were lifted, furniture is moved or finishes are removed.
No Clues. These problems may have existed at the time of the inspection but there were no clues as to their existence. Our inspections are based on the past performance of the house. If there are no clues of a past problem, it is unfair to assume we should foresee a future problem.
We Always Miss Some Minor Things Some might say we are inconsistent because our reports identify some minor problems but not others. The minor problems that are identified were discovered while looking for more significant problems. We note them simply as a courtesy. The intent of the inspection is not to find the $200 problems; it is to find the $2,000 problems. These are the things that affect people's decisions to purchase.
Contractors' Advice The main source of dissatisfaction with home inspectors comes from comments made by contractors. Contractors' opinions often differ from ours. Don't be surprised when three roofers all say the roof needs replacement when we said that, with some minor repairs, the roof will last a few more years.
Last Man In Theory While our advice represents the most prudent thing to do, many contractors are reluctant to undertake these repairs. This is because of the "Last Man In Theory". The contractor fears that if he is the last person to work on the roof, he will get blamed if the roof leaks, regardless of whether the roof leak is his fault or not. Consequently, he won't want to do a minor repair with high liability when he could re-roof the entire house for more money and reduce the likelihood of a callback. This is understandable.
Most Recent Advice Is Best There is more to the "Last Man In Theory". It suggests that it is human nature for homeowners to believe the last bit of "expert" advice they receive, even if it is contrary to previous advice. As home inspectors, we unfortunately find ourselves in the position of "First Man In" and consequently it is our advice that is often disbelieved.
Why Didn't We See It Contractors may say "I can't believe you had this house inspected, and they didn't find this problem". There are several reasons for these apparent oversights:
1. Conditions During Inspection It is difficult for homeowners to remember the circumstances in the house, at the time of the inspection. Homeowners seldom remember that it was snowing, there was storage everywhere in the basement or that the furnace could not be turned on because the air conditioning was operating, et cetera. It's impossible for contractors to know what the circumstances were when the inspection was performed. Contractors also rarely understand the standards home inspectors are to follow.
2. The Wisdom Of Hindsight When the problem manifests itself, it is very easy to have 20/20 hindsight. Anybody can say that the basement is wet when there is 2 inches of water on the floor. Predicting the problem is a different story.
3. A Long Look If we spent 1/2 an hour under the kitchen sink or 45 minutes disassembling the furnace, we'd find more problems too. Unfortunately, the inspection would take several days and would cost considerably more.
4. We're Generalists We are generalists; we are not specialists. The heating contractor may indeed have more heating expertise than we do.
5. An Invasive Look Problems often become apparent when carpets or plaster are removed, when fixtures or cabinets are pulled out, and so on. A home inspection is a visual examination. We don't perform any invasive or destructive tests.
6. Taking advantage of a situation Contractors may be desperate or eager for extra work. Is is too tempting for some to attempt to get work approval asap by telling the home owner that someone else will be paying for it.
Not Insurance In conclusion, a home inspection is designed to better your odds. It is not designed to eliminate all risk. For that reason, a home inspection should not be considered an insurance policy. The premium that an insurance company would have to charge for a policy with no deductible, no limit and an indefinite policy period would be considerably more than the fee we charge. It would also not include the value added by the inspection.