Each home inspection report from CLASS Home Inspection includes detailed photos and descriptions of every potential issue that we identify. The interactive report can be viewed from any device, and includes a printed PDF for your permanent records.

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Scott provided a wealth of knowledge about our home purchase, and saved us from major repair bills. We couldn’t be happier with his inspection!

Jason G.

CLASS is the only company I trust when I am buying properties. Years of experience and never afraid to be honest with me about issues he finds.

Charlie L.

Scott at CLASS Home Inspection helped me understand exactly what I needed to do to get my aging home to be a happy place to live

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Call any time to get professional advice & to schedule your ASHI approved inspection.

View a Sample Home Inspection Report

CLASS Home Inspection is here for you!

We work with your schedule to make your home inspection easy & painless. Our experience will help us to identify problem areas, and give you the information that you need to make an informed real estate transaction.

We’re happy to explain or show you any issues that we find, and our detailed interactive reports include photos of all trouble areas. Plus, we can answer any questions that you have about your inspection or the property.

CLASS Home Inspection serves the North East Ohio area, and we come to you – on your schedule!

We serve Cleveland, Ashtabula, Perry, Conneaut, Geneva, Madison, Jefferson, Andover, Mentor, Willoughby, and more.

Schedule your inspection today – or call Scott at (440) 812-3051 now to learn more about our services.

According to a survey of home buyers who had a recent inspection, 86% of them learned of at least one problem with the home. When you find a home you like, it’s disappointing to find an issue.

There’s a silver lining though—nearly half of the people from the above survey used the inspection results to negotiate a lower price.

If you’re in the market for a new home, you can’t afford not to hire a home inspector. That doesn’t mean you don’t have questions.

For example, what tools does a home inspector need to look for potential issues in a home?

Read on to learn what’s in a home inspector toolkit. You’ll know what to expect when your inspector shows up and gain a better appreciation of the profession.

What Tools Does a Home Inspector Need? An Overview

A general home inspector is a certified professional who will evaluate the inside and outside of the house as well as all of the systems inside.

They’ll check the electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems. They will also evaluate the overall structure of the house including the roof, basement, and foundation, as well as the walls, ceilings, and floors throughout the house. 

If the home inspector thinks there’s an issue with the roof or the foundation, they’ll refer you to a specialist. A home inspector looks for general issues, whereas a specialist is qualified to identify the specific problem with a roof or foundation. 

High-Powered Flashlight

A home inspector has to investigate dark places of your home like your attic, basement, crawlspace, and chimney. That’s why a good flashlight is critical.

A flashlight also makes it easier to spot signs of water damage like water stains or patches in drywall. It’s also a useful way to spot wood rot or termite damage. 

Many inspectors carry multiple flashlights for different uses. For example, a headlight makes it easy to navigate attics and a very bright handheld flashlight makes it easier to check the wiring in the breaker box. 

Electric GFCI Outlet Tester

All home inspectors will carry some type of outlet tester. They use these testers to check the safety of every outlet in the home. 

Inspectors look for potential electrical issues like ungrounded outlets or reversed wiring, which can be fire or shock hazards. Homes built before the 1960s often have ungrounded outlets, but they’re not necessarily unsafe. 

Outlets near water, like the ones in kitchens and bathrooms, should also have GFCI capability. These outlets are supposed to trip when they’re overloaded to prevent shock. Your inspector will use an outlet tester with GFCI capability to make sure that the outlet is working properly. 

Screwdriver

A screwdriver is a multipurpose tool that your inspector might carry with them. They may need to remove an electrical outlet cover or pry something open. 

It’s also a great tool to check for wood rot. If your inspector suspects rot, they might poke the screwdriver into a wood trim or a window ledge.

If it gives way, they’ll know there’s rot. Plus, it’s also a helpful measurement when photographing wood rot. It’s clear how much damage there is based on how deep the screwdriver went into the wood.  

Moisture Meter

Some inspectors carry moisture meters to detect active water leaks. Even if there is no active water, it can point to a risk of mold growth. 

Most models offer a percentage of water from 0 to 100%. This device will help the inspector evaluate the water leak without ripping into the drywall. A 30% moisture reading would be bad, but not as serious as an 80% reading. 

Protective Face Mask or Respirator

A good face mask or respirator should be a part of any home inspector tool kit. They may choose an N95 or a respirator depending on their personal preference. 

The attic, basement, crawlspace, or garage could be home to dangerous substances. For example, spray polyurethane foam insulation and asbestos can both pose health risks if you disturb them. 

You may or may not have these substances in the home you want to buy, but your inspector will still take these precautions. If you have an asbestos problem, you may be able to negotiate a lower price since it can be expensive to get rid of. 

Gloves, Safety Glasses, and Shoe Covers

Many inspectors also bring along protective gear like gloves, shoe covers, and safety glasses. 

They’ll need to check potentially dirty areas like the fireplace or inside the furnace. The gloves will protect their hands and also keep them from transferring that dirt to other places in the home. The safety glasses protect their eyes from falling debris. 

Disposable or rubber shoe covers come in handy as they investigate crawl spaces or walk on the roof. It protects their shoes and prevents them from tracking dirt through the house. 

Tape Measure and Level

Your inspector may need to record the dimensions of a door or a window for their report, so a tape measure will come in handy. They might also measure things like stair height if they think it looks unsafe. 

A tape measure is also useful for when they photograph problems since it provides scale. 

Some inspectors use a level to check for bowed ceilings or sloped floors. If the floor slopes, it may point to a foundation issue. 

Ladder

A professional home inspector should always bring a ladder. There’s a good chance the home you want to buy doesn’t have a ladder to the attic.

Checking the attic is an important part of the process so it’s important for your inspector to have a reliable ladder.  

They also may need to get a closer look at the ceiling, check the gutters, or get onto the roof.

Schedule a Home Inspection Today

If this will be your first experience with a home inspector you might wonder, “What tools does a home inspector need?”. Now that you know what sort of tools an inspector uses, you’ll know what to expect from an inspection. 

If you’re in the process of buying a home in the northeast Ohio area, schedule an inspection with us today.

Are you preparing for a home inspection? 

Home inspections can be stressful. You want to “put your best foot forward” for the inspector, but it’s not always easy to determine what they’re looking for, or what home inspection problems you already have in your home. 

It’s common to go “blind” to issues within the home if you’re too used to them. Do you still notice cracks in the walls? Have you gone nose-blind to the musty smell in the basement that could be an indicator of mold? 

Home inspections aren’t “pass or fail” per se, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t fail them. While you’ll get marks based on where your home needs improvement, failing refers to what happens when your problems are so large that you need to fix them in order to sell (or cut down your price). 

We’re here to explain. Keep reading to learn more. 

What Does It Mean to Fail? 

“Failing” a home inspection isn’t really a thing. It’s more like taking a test in school. While “failing” may mean that you’ve fallen below a certain set of parameters, you’re basing the inspection on points that may or may not be important to the potential buyers or the inspector. 

What’s considered “passing” for some people may be “failing” for others, depending on what they value in a new home or what they’re willing to negotiate on. 

With that in mind, it’s best to make your house as acceptable as possible before your home inspection. While you can’t fail, per se, you still want to check off as many boxes as possible. 

In other words, in this case, failing or passing is up to the buyer most of the time. 

That said, there are a few reasons that you may “fail” automatically, regardless of whether or not your home is otherwise perfect. If your home is uninhabitable or if it requires extensive repairs, it may be considered a failure. 

What Happens When I Have a Bad Home Inspection?

You don’t have to stress out too much over “failing” an inspection. The fate of your home is in the hands of the buyers, and enthusiastic buyers may be more than happy to buy a home that needs some extra work done. 

Both you and the buyers will receive a report of what was and wasn’t acceptable in your home. If you have something dangerous, like asbestos, you may be encouraged to fix it as soon as possible. 

Keep in mind that you can’t trick the inspector. Large issues are going to be obvious to them, even if you think that you’ve covered them up. 

What Could Cause Me to Fail? 

Again, different buyers are going to have different tolerances for home inspection issues. That said, there are a few consistent dealbreakers that cause buyers to pull out or negotiate. Because they’re so expensive and time-consuming, buyers aren’t willing to pay full price for your home (or pay for it at all). 

Here are a few things that tend to be “make-or-break” for your home inspection.

Foundation Problems

Foundation problems are critical regarding a home inspection. Cracks or dips in the foundation become structural issues, and they’re expensive to fix. 

There are plenty of reasons that your foundation could be compromised. Natural disasters, like earthquakes or tornadoes, may leave your house visibly unchanged but structurally damaged. 

The ground beneath and around your home can rise and fall over time, meaning that your home is no longer on equal and flat land. This can cause the base of your house to crack.

If your home doesn’t have proper drainage, water can pool around your foundation. It can seep through and cause rotting within your home, or it can shift the foundation itself. 

Leaks and Related Problems

Speaking of water and moisture, leaks are another red flag for home inspectors and buyers alike.

Small leaks that haven’t been around for a long time tend to be inconsequential. Leaky pipes are normal, and as long as they haven’t caused any damage, they’re easy to fix.

When you have leaks that have persisted for a long time, though, you may have enough related problems that the home becomes unattractive to buyers.

Leaking can lead to mold or mildew. Mold is dangerous and difficult to get rid of, so many buyers won’t be willing to go through the effort. Your leak could also lead to rotted wood.  

Termites

Termites are terrible for the structural integrity of the home. They often go undetected, meaning that your home could fall victim to them before you even notice a single bug. 

Buyers don’t want to deal with the damage that comes from termites, and getting rid of them doesn’t always solve the problem if there’s already enough damage to cause problems. 

Can I Try Again? 

So what happens if you “fail” the inspection anyway?

Whether or not you can “try again,” so to speak, depends on the buyers. Some buyers may decide that they want you to fix the problems before they commit to the purchase, while others will walk away in search of a more acceptable home.

You could get a second opinion if you don’t agree with the inspector’s report, though some buyers may be dubious of this.

Home Inspections: Will You Pass or Fail? 

While you can’t pass or fail a home inspection in any kind of official way, you may discover that the problems with your home are too extensive for your potential buyers to commit to the sale. 

This isn’t the end of the world. You can negotiate with them if they’re up to it, and if not, you can fix your home inspection issues so you’re ready for your next potential buyers.

If you’re getting ready for a home inspection, look for the “failing” problems first to save yourself some anxiety.

Are you in need of a great home inspection company for your next inspection? Our experienced inspectors want to meet you. Schedule an inspection today. 

Homes in the United States spend an average of 65 to 93 days on the market when selling. 

Getting the homes ready, finding a new place, and packing can be a lot to manage in this short time. 

Unfortunately, while taking care of other details, you may notice some issues in the home after closing. 

Continue reading to discover some of the most common house issues after closing that people experience. 

1. Pest Damage

A typical maintenance problem that new home buyers may experience is termite and pest infestation. 

If you moved into the house and noticed that areas weren’t properly taken care of, you may have also seen damage from pests. You must get an inspector that will check the home for any damage while you are selling.  

The inspector should check for wood damage from termites and carpenter ants to help you avoid future headaches. The worst thing that could happen is that you discover termites and pests in your new home. 

People that discover this issue often decide to abandon the property. They typically leave it for the lender to deal with. You can also work with the seller to see if they will pay for fixing or replacing the damage. 

2. One Party Gets Cold Feet

One of the most common house issues after closing is a party backing out because of cold feet. 

The most important thing that you must do is focus on your home inspection checklist to get your end of the deal taken care of. Most of the time, deals go through and people don’t back out on them. 

Most contracts will have details about appropriate reasons for backing out without penalty. 

When the seller backs out because of cold feet, you are legally able to collect damages from them. When this happens, it is out of your control and you weren’t the one to break the contract. Talk with a professional for 

If you are the one getting cold feet and considering another home, you may lose money. In the time that the house was off of the market for your deal, the seller lost chances for serious considerations. This is why you will likely owe them compensation. 

3. Low Appraisals

Appraisals can be boring or exciting, especially if your house appraisal comes in high.

But what happens when it is a low appraisal?

Appraisers typically work with banks and evaluate a home for taxation purposes. They are used to help get financing and to sell homes. Depending on the current market, they can decide on the value of the property.

When this value is lower than expected, you may want to get a second opinion. If the appraisal is too low, you may have to pay cash for a selling price difference. Appraisals help protect the interest of the home and should be done thoroughly. 

They help the buyer and lender from overspending. You can talk with the seller and figure out how to handle your situation, based on your circumstances. 

4. Your Home Is Flood Zone

Having your inspector check for water damage can give you a lot of insight into the home.

With this information, you may discover that the house is in a lower area that is prone to flooding. Searching online or talking to local neighbors and businesses about the common issues in the neighborhood can help. 

Water damage can pass initial inspections when it is covered with fresh coatings of paint or covered by carpet. Your inspector should check the internal parts of your home to verify that there is no water damage and that flooding isn’t an issue. 

Depending on the lender, you may have to buy hazard or flood insurance to keep your belongings safe. Unfortunately, this can become expensive. Talking with as many people as you can will give you the best insight into solutions and cheaper insurance if you have to buy it. 

5. You Can’t Get Insurance

Did you recently move into a home and try to get insurance with no luck? 

When past homeowners make large insurance claims, it can affect you getting coverage. The large claim with show up on the home insurance records and it may be viewed as too big of a risk to cover. 

Most of the time these claims come from mold and water damage. 

Unless you bought a home with cash, you shouldn’t be able to move in without insurance. Typically you must have insurance coverage before being able to live there and you will need it even after the mortgage is paid. 

Although you can still buy a house without insurance when you pay cash, it is not a recommended way of buying your next place. A home without insurance can lead to a loss of valuable items that you won’t be able to get back or replace. 

Avoid These House Issues After Closing With Our Help 

Getting a new house is an exciting step into the future.

Unfortunately, for some people, they are surprised by unwanted things. Utilizing this guide can help you prepare for house issues after closing to have a smooth transition. 

Unfortunately, things go wrong and they are out of your control. With the help of home inspectors, you can avoid paying extra money for insurance and fixing the damage. In some cases, you may be able to work with the seller to get them to cover expenses.

It is important to pay attention to the details after moving into a new home to avoid unfortunate discoveries along the way.  

Be sure to schedule an inspection with our team today, we can help protect your investments in real estate! 

Buying a new home? Congrats!

By now you know that there’s a long list of things to do. One of the things you certainly need is a home inspection.  It’s a fundamental part of the buying process.

Don’t confuse it with an appraisal. An appraisal is normally carried out by your loan company while a home inspection offers a more detailed examination of the property.

Not sure why you need a home inspection? Take a look at these five reasons you should hire one.

Home Inspection 101

A home inspection is generally a report on the home’s overall condition. As a buyer, it provides you with details on the structure, foundation, plumbing and other amenities inside the house you’re planning to buy.

It’s good to get a home inspection done as it lets you know before purchasing a property, the repairs that are going to be needed. You can then use this as a negotiation tactic during purchase.

These are some of the areas that will be inspected by your home inspector.

• Attic
• Ceilings
• Walls
• Floors
• Doors
• Foundation

However, water testing is not included. Even if you were on the fence before, undoubtedly you can now clearly see why a home inspection is so important.

You Need a Home Inspection to Gain Confidence in Your Decision

Maybe buying your own home has been a lifelong dream. Like many others, one of the reasons you’re purchasing your home is to feel peaceful, comfortable and secure.

A home inspection prepares you for the future by reducing the stress that can come with a future discovery of problems with your home. It gives you confidence that you are making the right choice and that the home is for you.

Informs You of Pending Repairs

Remember a home inspection is a thorough investigation of the home you’re planning to purchase. If there are issues a good inspector is going to uncover the problem.

Some of the issues found by the inspector will be quite common. These include faulty plumbing, ceilings, broken windows, and improper wiring.

The goal of your home inspection is to rule out any major safety concerns. It’s not necessarily to help you find a perfect home.

Uncover Structural Problems

One main reason for a home inspection is to uncover any existing structural issues with the home. Structural issues are very costly, up to thousands of dollars can be spent. A  home inspection is one way to not only uncover but to avoid such expenses.

A good home inspector will be able to discover structural damages. Some of the things they’ll definitely notice are huge ceiling and wall cracks, along with more finer details that might not be readily noticed.

Future Expenses Outlined Beforehand

Buying a home is costly enough, let alone having to spend money on repairs and associated expenses. However, a home inspection can help you budget. It is a great map of where to start budgeting for future expenses.

With the information you get from a home inspection, you can go ahead and prepare a budget for replacement or upgrading expenses. Some common things that you may have to look at in your replacement and upgrading budget are plumbing, roofing and electrical.

A Way Out

Real estate agents often fear the home inspection process as it can be a decisive factor in whether someone buys a house or not.  It’s a challenge for them in the sense that many home purchase transactions face a hitch when a report is full of negatives.

Both buyer and seller will often be unable to reach an agreement on the repairs requested. In some circumstances, despite the concessions and repairs that the seller offers, a buyer just doesn’t feel confident in the home following the home inspection. So they use the home inspection as a way out.

Indeed, a home inspection that reduces your confidence in buying the home is a way out of any further negotiations on the property, if you so desire. However, it can be the launching pad for negotiations.

Home Inspection and Negotiation

While a home inspection is not contingent on you getting a better price for the home, some buyers use it as a negotiation tactic. Real estate agents and sellers find it frustrating.

The truth is if major problems are discovered during the home inspection process then it’s fine to renegotiate the original offer. The findings of the home inspection may warrant a reduction or a concession.

You can also use the findings to request that the homeowner carry out repairs. The homeowner can agree or disagree but at least a home inspection opens up this window of opportunity.

The Essentials

Here are some questions to ask prospective home inspectors when you call them in order to select the right one for you:

• Are you the holder of any special certification?
• Are you registered?
• Is it possible for me to be there during the home inspection?
• May I please have your references and testimonials?
• What does your inspection entail?
• What are your fees?
• Is it possible to obtain a copy of your report?

Decide if all or only some of these questions need to be answered in order for you to feel comfortable hiring someone. Once you know what you are looking for it will be easier for you to make the right decision.

A Necessity!

As a potential homeowner, you might feel that you don’t need a home inspection but you certainly do! It’s must be on your to-do list when buying a home.

The thorough report it provides is great for informing you of any repairs or structural damages that are present in your home. It’s excellent for starting negotiations or even backing out of an offer. It certainly grants you peace of mind about your choice.

Also, remember to ask the essential question outlined above before you choose a home inspector. If you would like a home inspection, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Before you buy or sell your home, are you sure you know everything about its condition?

A common reason for homebuying remorse is buyers over or underestimating the necessary repairs needed for the home. This can be avoided if you set up a home inspection before purchase.

It’s helpful to know how the home inspection process works, along with what you can do beforehand to ensure the inspection goes smoothly.

Keep reading for our ultimate guide to getting your home ready for inspection. With some advance preparation, your home inspection will go perfectly.

Clean Thoroughly Before the Home Inspection Process

When preparing for your home inspection day, the first step is to make sure your home is as clean as possible. The home inspector needs to be able to see as much of the home as they can, so make it as easy as possible by keeping the house tidy.

Move boxes out of the basement, throw away clutter, and clean out the garage so all of the drywall and fixtures are visible.

It might be easier to schedule the inspection after you’ve moved out the furniture, but if not, just make sure the inspector can easily access all of the home, including the attic and basement.

Tidy the Lawn

The home inspector will check out not only the interior of your home, but also the outside. Make sure you’re aware of exactly where the perimeters of your property end and begin, so they know where they should be inspecting.

They will also need access to your deck, patio, and your HVAC unit. To help prepare, trim any tall branches or trees that might be blocking access to any part of the home’s exterior.

If there are any areas of the lawn you’re concerned with, such as ground that might be sagging or areas where grass doesn’t grow, make a mental note so you can point them out on the day.

Replace Any Light Bulbs

Go through your home, including the basement, and replace any light bulbs that are no longer working.

Why? Your home inspector will check all of your light switches. If any aren’t working, they may not immediately know if this is due to an electrical failure or a dead lightbulb.

Save them the guesswork by eliminating any old lightbulbs. If you notice a light still isn’t working after you replace the bulb, let the home inspector know.

Or, if you have any concerns about flickering lights, faulty power outlets, or if your home has previously had problems with its electrical system, let the home inspector know.

Allow for Easy Access to All Areas of the Home

A home inspector will need access to all parts of your home, including crawl spaces, the attic and basement, under your deck or patio, and into the garage.

The inspector will also need access to your plumbing system, hot water heater, air conditioning unit, and electricity meter.

Make sure all large furniture is out of their way so they can move freely. However, you may be surprised to learn that some home appliances actually are included in the inspection.

Generally, this will include your dishwasher, range, and garbage disposal.

Check for Leaks or Slow Drains

Take time to inspect your bathrooms, kitchen drains, and pipes before the inspection. Are sinks and baths draining easily? Have you noticed any leaks when running water or flushing the toilets?

If anything seems off, such as strange smells, low water pressure, or brown stains from water leaks— let the inspector know. You’ll probably need to call a plumber to look at those issues.

Are Toilets Working Properly?

Check the toilets in your home to see if they’re flushing properly. Not only that, but check to see if they are secure. Often, toilets can become loose over time, which is an issue to note for the home inspection.

Frequent blockages or continuous running water after flushing are also signs of a problem.

Make Notes of Any Concerns

As you’re preparing your home, write down any concerns that you’d like to let the inspector know about.

This could be peeling paint on a wall, signs of mold, strange smells, or anything unusual that you’ve noticed lately. Remember to consider not only the house itself, but any exterior structures like a sewage system, oil tank, or the backyard deck.

While they might be nothing, it’s worth letting the inspector know, just in case.

Once the inspection starts, it’s easy to forget what you wanted to say, so make notes to ensure all of your major concerns are addressed.

Take the Kids and Pets out for the Day

During the inspection, it can be helpful to arrange for your kids and pets to have an afternoon out. As great as they are, it will be easier to conduct the inspection if the home is quiet and free from distractions.

That way, you’ll be free to focus all of your attention on the inspection without anything else getting in the way.

Book Your Home Inspection

By preparing in advance for the home inspection process, you’ll have a better understanding of what your concerns are. Plus, you’ll also make things easier for the inspector.

A home inspection is the best way to know what’s really going with your home, so make sure to contact us to schedule an inspection before buying or selling a home.

We are experienced home inspectors based in the Northeast Ohio region. Our expert team can provide a complete inspection of your property, inside and out. We then provide you with a home report, outlining the condition of your home.

Book your inspection today to make sure you’re aware of the condition of your home, allowing you to then make any necessary repairs.

We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with all of your home inspection needs.

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An inspection is essential for making sure that a homebuyer is getting the best deal at closing.

No homebuyer wants to spend thousands on a home just to learn that they need to replace the roof! Buying a home is a huge investment and a home inspection is needed to ensure that this investment doesn’t come with problems.

If you’re buying or selling a home, you’ll have to pass inspection before moving forward to the appraisal or closing.

So, what can cause a home to fail inspection? Keep reading to learn more!

What Does It Mean to Pass a Home Inspection?

If you’ve ever bought a home before, then you know that there is a huge process that goes into it.

If you haven’t bought a home before, then it’s important to know that there’s an inspection before the buyers can close. Many buyers will hire their own inspector to learn the condition of the home.

This is important for buyers in case the home has an expensive underlying problem that needs to be fixed. When an inspector comes to perform the inspection, they will spend a few days walking around and taking note of the condition of the home.

They’ll look on the inside as well as the outside thoroughly.

The inspection can be worrisome to the seller as well as the buyer. This is because the inspection plays a huge part in moving forward with the deal.

When we talk about “passing” the inspection, we’re mostly talking about big problems that can impact the value of the home. An inspector has a list of around 30 items they’re going to inspect, all of which impact the home’s value.

This list contains both small and large problems. Small problems like standing water around the home are noted. Large problems like flaws in the foundation are also noted.

You can basically consider an inspection passed when the home is free of large, expensive issues. Small issues are usually quick and inexpensive to fix. They also don’t have a large impact on the ability to close the deal.

What Factors Will Cause the Home to Fail Inspection?

As the inspection is conducted, there are certain problems that the inspector is on the lookout for.

When problems are found, the inspector must point them out. Upon learning the problems, it’s up to you to decide if the home has passed or failed inspection.

When the home fails inspection, it’s on the seller to fix the problems before moving forward with closing.

Here are some common reasons for failing an inspection.

Water Damage

While water damage is a pretty common problem for homes to have, it’s also an expensive one to fix.

If water is leaking into the walls or the basement, mold or mildew can accumulate. This is not only taking away from the value of the home, but these things aren’t safe to breathe in.

If water damage or mold and mildew are present during the inspection, the owner must fix this problem before selling the home. Stopping the leakage as well as cleaning up the water damage is an owner’s responsibility to fix.

Foundation Problems

Problems with the foundation are the most expensive problems to fix, with a cost of $10,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage.

Not only are foundational problems expensive to fix, but they’re time-consuming as well. If a foundational problem appears during the inspection, this may push back the closing date by months.

Foundational problems include:

• Unsafe roof
• Sagging or uneven floors
• Fractures or cracks in the wall or floor
• Gaps around windows and door frames
• Counters or cabinets separating from the wall

Foundation problems must be fixed before a buyer purchases the home. The problems in the foundation will only get worse over time if not addressed. This creates an unsafe home, as well as increased investment in repair costs.

Wiring or Electrical Problems

The wiring or electrical setup in a home must be up-to-date to pass inspection.

In many older homes, the wiring in the home can be outdated and considered unsafe. This is often the result of an owner trying to create electrical systems on their own without proper knowledge.

Or, the wiring may have been done before the latest fire codes were released.

Deciding What Makes a Home Pass Inspection

As the homebuyer, you’re ultimately in charge of whether the inspection has passed or failed.

Most homeowners only consider the inspection failed if large problems are addressed. The factors listed previously are usually too expensive for a homeowner to fix on their own right after purchasing the home.

Plus, these factors make the home unsafe to live in.

If small insignificant problems are addressed, this isn’t typically enough for a homebuyer to walk away. For example, chipped cabinets, damaged carpet, or dead grass are considered small problems.

These problems are fairly cheap to fix and aren’t projects that take months to complete. When these problems are present, a homebuyer may take it upon themselves to fix the problems over time.

That being said, it’s your choice whether you want to be responsible for fixing these problems. If you’re looking for an immaculate home, you may push to have the seller pay for these problems.

If the seller refuses to take care of the issues, you have the option to walk if the offer was contingent on the inspection results.

On the other hand, many homebuyers plan to buy fixer-uppers for a low price so they have creative control over the renovations. While an inspector has the ability to deem a home passed or failed, you reserve that right as the buyer as well.

Schedule Your Home Inspection Today

If you’re looking to sell or buy a home, an inspector is a must-have.

For a home to pass inspection and be move-in ready, an inspection must be done. The sooner you schedule an inspection, the sooner you can close on the house. Plus, if problems are discovered, you can get them fixed more quickly.

Reach out today to schedule your inspection!

Would you ever buy a used car without an inspection? Obviously not, right? Everyone knows that. Why then, are so many people willing to skip a home inspection?

Realtors see as many as 60 percent of buyers skip home inspections. People don’t think inspections are worth the time, money, and effort. What’s more, even the people who do demand an inspection don’t know how to interpret the results.

That leads to a real problem; people getting home inspections don’t know what they’re worth. Naive home buyers are leaving themselves open to potential problems that could not only become a financial disaster but a safety concern as well.

Interpreting your home inspecting is equivalent to opening a carton of eggs before you buy them. You wouldn’t want to take home cracked eggs, and you don’t want to buy a home with a cracked foundation.

So today, we want to help you with understanding the different parts of your home inspection report. Let’s get started.

First Thing’s First: Meet Your Inspector

Shadowing your inspector is the best way to understand a house inspection report. Watch what they’re inspecting, ask questions, and write down anything you want to research on your own.

Home inspectors are usually happy to tell you what they’re inspecting. This holds especially true if the inspector is working on your behalf.

Reading the Home Inspection Report

Reading your home inspection report depends on the report format. Inspectors commonly use two different formats, each with benefits and drawbacks.

Narrative

Narrative inspection reports look like a book report. They’re long-winded reports that are often broken down into sections based on what the inspector is inspecting.

These reports are nice in that they’re detailed. You’ll get an entire synopsis of each thing inspected. This means detailed descriptions about the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, etc.

However, narrative reports are often unorganized and rely on the inspector’s writing skills. Sometimes inspection details aren’t clear.

Sections

Sectioned-off home inspection reports are written in, you guessed it, sections. Each section contains details about each specific inspection topic. You’ll have one section for the roof, one for the foundations, etc.

Each section uses short, to the point deceptions of what the inspector finds and any recommendations. Inspectors often include pictures to highlight problems they find.

You’ll get fewer details than the narrative reports, but sectioned reports are easier to skim and usually offer a visual component.

Things to Focus On

Regardless of which type of report you’re reading, you’ll want to focus on the important parts of your home inspection. While the fact you need new windows is important, it’s more important to check…

Plumbing

Bad plumbing can cause serious damage to your home. Leaks, drips, and other water-related hazards can cause not only wet basements but structural problems as well.

Plumbing repairs are also expensive. You don’t want to end up responsible for problems that the previous owner created.

Electrical Systems

Like plumbing, faulty electrical wiring can cause catastrophe. Faulty wiring can cause shorts, and shorts can cause fires. Both old and faulty wiring are a leading cause of house fires.

Always check the inspection report for things like exposed wires, old wiring, or any indication that the last homeowner played amateur electrician.

Beyond fires, you’ll also want to check your potential home’s electrical capacity. Older wiring can’t handle heavy electrical loads. Make sure to find out if plugging in your toaster, microwave, dryer, smart plugs, etc., won’t constantly trip the breaker.

Roof and Chimney

Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. And roofs age, just like anything else. Read through the report and look for the roof’s age and the roofing materials. Different types of shingles last longer than others.

Also pay close attention to ensure the report doesn’t mention roof leaking, blistering, curling, crimping, listing, splitting, cracking, rotting or anything else that might indicate damage.

Worn roofs make for costly repairs.

Drainage

The inspection report will include information the details how your home drains. First, look through the report to ensure the gutters and roof are properly pitched. The correct pitch helps water drain from your roof and eaves.

Next, look for the lot grade. Lots without the proper grade might allow water to pool around your foundation. Water seeping under the foundation can cause foundation cracks, pitches, and other damage.

Foundation

Your foundation it quite literally what keeps your house from collapsing. Always check the inspection report to ensure the foundation is sound. Large cracks or even small amount of shifting can call for costly repairs.

Mold and Mildew

The inspection report should contain a mold information section. Mold and mildew often grow unnoticed in the basement or in the walls. Certain kinds of mold can cause serious health effects.

Choosing Your Home Inspector

Choosing your home inspector can seem intimidating. Realtors have their favorite companies and often push for you to use their friends. You need to ensure you’re using a trustworthy inspector who’s looking out for your best interests on your home inspection report. 

That’s where we come in. Our home inspectors want to ensure the home of your dreams doesn’t become the home of your nightmares.

You need trustworthy professionals who genuinely care about protecting your assets. We believe that we are those people, but don’t take our word for it. We’re more than happy to discuss your questions and concerns.

Let us help you protect yourself from health hazards, expensive repairs, and more.

The United States home values grew by a record $1.95 trillion between 2018 and 2019 to stand at a whopping $ 31.8 trillion. This growth represents 1.5 times the current Gross Product in the U.S. Homeowners have something to smile about now with the rapid expansion of the housing market. 

If you intend to list your home soon, there couldn’t be a better time to consider this decision. However, before advertising a home unit to potential buyers, most home sellers grapple with one crucial step. This phase is the pre-listing home inspection. 

If you’ve sold a home in the past, or are considering selling one soon, the question of inspection shouldn’t escape your minds. Are you wondering why to get a home inspection? Here we explain the merits of pre-listing home inspection.  

Why Does Pre-Listing Home Inspection Matter?

Unless you intended to sell your home as-is, you must consider comprehensive repairs in every part of the house before marketing it. This move enhances the curb appeal and increases the value of your home.  It’s impossible to conclude that your home meets the safety and quality standards needed before the transfer of ownership unless a qualified inspection occurs. 

Most experienced realtors will tell you that pre-sale inspection can make or break the deal.  No buyer will put in their hard-earned money into the purchase of a house without a clean bill of health from a certified inspector. As such, pre-listing inspection is a no-brainer when selling your home. 

Getting a pre-listing home inspector to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your home presents some advantages most sellers are unaware of. Let’s delve deeper into why inspection should be top of your to-do list.  

You’ll Get a Clear Picture of the Condition Your Home Is In

Most homeowners fear this necessary reality.  Imagine a scenario where a potential buyer hires an independent home inspector, and specific issues about the home emerge just before sealing a lucrative deal. Well, this is a likely outcome if you fail to involve a reliable inspector before listing your home. 

The home inspection phase is where most home sales fall apart. Before you allow potential clients to view or assess your home, you’d better have a fully-fledged inspection to point out any concerns. This is a sure way of avoiding disappointments. 

Once the home undergoes inspection, you can then proceed with comprehensive repairs. Taking this approach minimizes the risk of clients pulling out at the last minute due to inherent concerns.

Valuing Your Home Is Much Easier

Home valuation is the most critical phase when selling your house. You want to ensure that you factor in every nitty-gritty before putting a final price tag to the unit. But how can you achieve this without an understanding of all the underlying repair and maintenance costs?

Having a pre-listing home inspection before selling your home makes settling on a realistic price easy. If, after review, your home has minimal pointers of concern, you can set a price that’s commensurate with the repairs. Without an accurate inspection, setting the price might miss-out on the most critical factors that should determine the actual pricing.

Helps You Do the Necessary Repairs in Advance 

A pre-listing inspection helps you discover any inherent concerns in the home beforehand. This creates ample time for you to undertake repairs by hiring your own trusted contractors. With this option, you can determine the cost and the time frame for repairs. 

The outcome is different when the buyer orders for an independent inspection. When a buyer incurs the cost of the pre-sale inspection, it’s likely that they will contract independent companies to undertake the repairs. This can potentially increase the cost of selling your home and impact on the final value of the house.   

With a home inspector, you have personally sanctioned, it’s easy for you to conduct any needed repairs in advance. This ensures that you remain in control of the entire process. 

Inspection Helps You Keep Focus on the Deal-Breakers

There are items that, if not well inspected, could potentially put your home sale in jeopardy. If this is your first home sale, you shouldn’t be focusing so much on other less critical details such as lawns or exteriors. 

A pre-listing home inspector often focuses on every part of your home that matters the most during a home sale. With an experienced inspector, you can be sure that nothing will be left to chance. This allows you to undertake the necessary repairs in any part of the home that can be a deal-breaker when selling. 

Inspection Minimizes Negotiations 

As soon as an inspection report is out, you have the opportunity to undertake all the necessary repairs. This guarantees that the price you set as the actual value of your home won’t be subject to further negotiations. Negotiations can be emotive, especially where the potential buyer tries to take advantage of your desperate need to sell. 

With a clean bill of health that your home has met all the required repairs, you can stand firm with the value of the home you settle for. 

Inspection Enhances Credibility 

Credibility has to be the main reason any seller should consider paying for a pre-listing inspection. You want to gain rapport with all potential buyers. The best way to ensure that you sell your home fast would be to consider a pre-listing inspection. 

Once the potential buyers are sure that you have considered the necessary inspection procedures and repairs, they’ll develop unmatched trust in you and the property. You’ll also have the confidence that in case of any third-party inspection, you won’t anticipate any surprise outcomes. 

Inspection Is a Necessary Phase in the Sale Process

Selling your home requires both patience and objectivity. You must be willing to consider every factor that can help improve your home’s curb appeal and ensure faster sales and a reasonable price for your home. This is why a pre-listing home inspection is fundamental in the sale process. 

Working with Class Home Inspection will guarantee you an accurate and comprehensive evaluation of every corner of your home. With our team of experts, you can sell your home confidently, knowing that every issue of concern is covered. 

Are you looking for a reliable pre-listing inspector for your home? Visit our page for more information.