Buying a home? The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind,
but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time. This often
includes a writen report, check list, photographs and what the inspector himself says during the inspection. All this
combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself makes the experience even more overwhelming. What
should you do?
Relax, most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations and minor imperfections. These are nice to know
about, however, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:
1. Major defects. An example of this would be structural failure.
2. Things that lead to major defects. A small roof flashing leak for example.
3. Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home.
4. Safey hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electric panel.
Anything in these categories should be addressed. Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both
life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).
Most sellers are honest and are often suprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers
are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective.
Don't 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 sellers disclosure, or nit-picky items.
