Managing Expectations of the Inspection Process

Since we started in 2010, we’ve found that many people might not fully understand what a home inspection includes and what it doesn’t. In managing expectations, it’s important that we communicate and make it clear what should be expected from our services, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the inspection process.

By explaining the responsibilities and limitations of a home inspection there can be realistic expectations about what will be included in the inspection report and what won’t be covered. This helps prevent misunderstandings and leads to smoother transactions.

Since the inspection process is regulated by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) they have already done the
work by outlining the expectations in the first two pages of the Property Inspection Report Form known as the Preamble. Our job is to explain this information clearly.

PURPOSE OF INSPECTION

A home inspection is a risk reduction tool that provides a general overview of the visible condition of the structure and the performance of the major systems and components of a property at the time of inspection. It is not intended to be a comprehensive investigation of every aspect of the home.

It’s important that you carefully read ALL of the findings and ask for clarification on any items or comments that are unclear.

The full TREC inspection definition can be found here: §535.227 Standards of Practice: General Provisions(a)Scope(3)

REPORT LIMITATIONS

This report is provided for the benefit of the named client and is based on observations made by the inspector on the date of inspection.
ONLY those items specifically noted as being inspected in the report were inspected.

The inspection IS NOT:

• Technically exhaustive and may not reveal all deficiencies – Home Inspectors are generalists and not required to use specialized equipment or procedures/Care must be taken not to use invasive procedures or damage the homeowner’s property/Consideration for inspector safety/The inspection only covers those items that are present, visible, and accessible at the time of inspection.
• A building code compliance inspection – While some of the SOPs may be based on current codes it’s an important reminder that it’s not a code inspection, and no action is required on any findings.
• An inspection to verify compliance with manufacturer installation instructions and DOES NOT imply insurability or warrantability of the structure or its components – Inspectors have general knowledge and are not trained in all aspects of the system and appliance installation of the different manufacturers.

Creating realistic expectations for your client

To set realistic expectations for the home inspection process, it’s important to understand that the inspection report only reflects the general condition of the home at the time of the inspection. It cannot predict future conditions and the inspector is not required to anticipate the future performance of any item.

Hopefully this information has provided a better understanding of what to expect from a home inspection. The inspection assesses numerous items across 6 major categories and 33 sub-categories, providing the information necessary to make informed decisions with confidence. And while it’s important to recognize its limitations and what it does not cover, it is even more important to recognize its value as a powerful risk reduction tool.

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Home Inspections: Managing Expectations