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Some thoughts and ideas worth reading

The Most Important Quality of a Home Inspection

1/3/2019

10 Comments

 
​It is very important for you to hire an inspector that knows all the technical stuff. They must be able to identify potential problems with all aspects of the house, but for most inspectors, that is the easy part!  Communicating that information to the client in a clear and accessible way is what makes an inspector stand out.  Here is what good communication looks like:
  • Verbal communication at the inspection:  A successful home inspection starts with the client taking an active part in the inspection, observing and asking questions.  Many issues that look serious to a new home buyer may not be a big deal.  An inspector with good verbal skills can clearly explain each issue and set the client’s mind at ease.  Conversely, if the inspector discovers a potentially serious problem, the implications and the solutions can be explained to the client right there at the inspection. 
  • Written communication in the report:  A well laid out report with plain language goes a long way to helping clients understand what they are buying.  A good report should include three things for each problem identified; a description of the problem, the implications of the problem, and a recommendation of how to address the problem.  If the clients have already walked with the inspector, they will have a deeper understanding of the problem.
  • Visual communication using photographs: The old adage is still true today: “A picture is worth a thousand words”, but only if it includes good annotation in the form of a caption, and arrows or circles clearly identifying the issue.  This is where organized and clear report formatting is key. 
Good communication enhances a home inspection experience, but poor communication can actually be damaging.  A home inspector’s code of ethics prohibits any recommendation to buy or not buy a house.  The inspector who overreacts to a problem and does not clearly communicate the implications of that problem to the client could potentially scare the client away from the sale.  Not a good thing.
Read an inspector’s reviews on Angie’s List or other sources.  Look at a sample report on the inspector’s website.  This research will help you identify and inspector who is skilled at good, clear communication which is by far the most important part of an effective home inspection.  
10 Comments
Bob link
1/29/2019 06:43:49 pm

I can see how having open communication with your home inspector says a lot about whether the inspector is high quality or not. If I had a home inspector that talked with me frequently, I would be a little more at ease when it came to having everything checked out. I'll have to make sure that I find quality home inspectors the next time I move.

Reply
Dutton Smith link
3/16/2020 12:06:57 pm

Hey Bob! Thanks for your comment. Clearly I need to do better at follow-up communication! Good luck with any future home buying plans.

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Bree Ward link
4/3/2019 09:58:43 pm

I agree with you when you said that it's important to hire a home inspector for them to identify potential problems that may possibly arise in a house. Thanks for highlighting the importance of clear communication in the process. If ever that I will buy a house, I will make sure that it's property inspected so that I know what to expect.

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Dutton Smith link
3/16/2020 12:09:11 pm

Thanks for posting on my blog, Bree. Clearly I need better follow-up communication! I am super attentive to that in the client-inspector communications but missed it here. Good luck with any home buying plans.

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Daisy James link
12/14/2022 02:39:09 pm

It was helpful when you said that they should have good communication in their written report. My brother was at my house yesterday afternoon for lunch, and he talked about how he and his wife want to hire a home inspection service for the house they want to move into next month. I'll pass this information along to him so he can know how to find a good home inspection service.

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Iris Smith link
2/7/2023 06:57:24 am

Thank you for mentioning that a good report should contain three items for each problem identified: a description of the problem, a discussion of its ramifications, and a suggestion for how to solve the problem. My mother is investing in a home. I'll advise her to obtain a home inspection that includes a report on the property.

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Best Neighbourhoods in Edmonton link
2/13/2023 05:27:13 am

The most important quality of a home inspection is thoroughness. A good home inspector should take the time to thoroughly inspect all areas of the home, from the roof to the foundation, and leave no stone unturned. This ensures that any potential issues are identified and addressed before they become costly problems down the road.

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Mia Evans link
2/22/2023 11:41:07 pm

It's interesting to know that home inspection services are not allowed to make a recommendation or to suggest whether you should buy a house or not. I never thought about that because I thought that they are going to help me decide if a property is worth buying, especially with our limited budget. With this in mind, I know what to expect once I hire their services this coming summer, since I have already decided to finally have my own please this year.

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Millie Hue link
3/1/2023 12:20:18 am

I appreciate when you said that there should be an annotation when it comes to the caption included in the picture in the home inspector's reports. I will look for that when I hire their services to check the property that I am interested to buy. It's my dream to move to Houston, Texas which is why I cannot wait to get the results and see if it is worth purchasing when inspectors create a report about that certain house.

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Thomas Clarence link
8/29/2023 03:17:20 pm

I like how you explained that good communication will enhance a home inspection experience. I would think that it would be a good idea to record the things an inspector is telling you on your phone so that you can review them later. Having the information to review later will make it so that you don't remember the things an inspector wants fixed.

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