Inspection – Pass or Fail

Sellers or Buyers Will Often Ask. Did The House “Pass or Fail The Inspection?

In reality there is not a grading system, such as “A”, “B”, “C” etc. or a “PASS” or “FAIL” designation. Many buyers would like to have such a way of grading a house or a way of telling them how well the house they’re buying did. It would help them get things into perspective.

What Does The Inspector Provide To The Buyer?

A home inspection report will provide the buyer with general information about the condition of the home and will recommend some form of action; such as repair, monitor or further investigation or review of what the inspector observed be done. The majority of reports are written and many will have photos of the inspector’s findings.

Specific Findings May Be Coded

Reported items or findings may be coded to indicate that they are a maintenance type of item or for example, a potentially hazardous issue. You might say an indication of importance or risk. However, the comment will generally relate to a specific finding or component, but not to the entire house as a whole.

A Little Like Going to the Doctor

A person may go to a doctor who is a “General Practitioner” for an overall physical checkup. In the process the doctor may listen to the patient’s heart. If he hears something that sounds unusual or not correct, then he will often recommend that the patient see a specialist like a Cardiologist. The Cardiologist may say, don’t worry, you will be fine; or we need to do further testing or special treatment of this condition.

Home inspectors may do the same thing. If they see something that is not correct or needs further review, then they will recommend a specialist; such as a plumber or electrician to correct or review their findings.

How To Get Additional Information As To The Condition Of The Home

• Ask the inspector if the home has more serious issues than most homes he inspects.
• Would he be afraid to live in the home?
• Are many of his findings common for him to see.
• Ask your agent for their “professional” opinion on the homes’ condition. At times, agents can be a good judge of a homes’ condition.
• Have a general contractor come over and walk around with you, reviewing the home inspection report with you.

In some cases the inspection reports are written to cover the worst of circumstances, and do not reflect what is common or typical for your area. Inspectors sometimes do this out of concern of being sued or being dragged into litigation.

Bottom Line

Home inspectors do not grade or rate the over-all condition of a home. Basically they provide an overall view of the condition of the home, with certain limitations. Every home has good qualities, along with some imperfections, just as people. Home inspection reports are not about all the good qualities.

It is left up to the buyer to decide the overall condition and desirability of the home.

David Jones - General Contractor, Home Inspector, Consultant

David has over 45 years’ experience as a general contractor, inspector and professional instructor. He writes articles for homeowners, new home buyers and Real Estate Agents. Read more