What to look for in your inspection report

What’s on the list

1. 1

   Read the whole report, not the summary. The expensive stuff tends to be buried in the body.

2. 2

   Roof: age, number of layers, leaks, remaining life. In Florida the roof age decides your insurance too.

3. 3

   Electrical: the panel and its brand, aluminum wiring, and GFCI outlets in the kitchen, the bathrooms and outside.

4. 4

   Plumbing: pipe material, water pressure, leaks under the sinks, and how old the water heater is.

5. 5

   Air conditioning: age of the equipment, condition of the ducts, condensate drainage, and whether every room actually cools.

6. 6

   Moisture and mold: ceiling stains, that smell in the closets, and the base of the walls behind the furniture.

7. 7

   Structure: cracks in walls and floors, doors that won’t latch, floors that feel off when you walk them.

8. 8

   Windows and doors: impact-rated or not, whether the manufacturer label is still on there, and whether the permit was ever closed.

9. 9

   Termites and pests. In Florida that’s a separate report, and it’s worth every dollar.

10. 10

    Open permits with the county or the city. An unclosed permit follows you home after closing — verify it with the municipality yourself.

11. 11

    Sort everything into three columns: safety, big-ticket, cosmetic. Only negotiate the first two.

12. 12

    Get real contractor quotes before you ask for a repair or a credit. A number with backup persuades. An opinion doesn’t.

13. 13

    If something big turns up, bring in a specialist inside the inspection period your contract gives you. Count the days from day one.

Your situation doesn’t fit a checklist? Message Jordan or book 15 minutes.