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What Are The Definitions Used For A Home Inspection?

check-it-out-home-inspections-What Are The Definitions Used For A Home Inspection

Our Sample Home Inspection Report contains the status of inspected areas and systems. Each area or system has a dedicated chapter in the report. These areas/systems include; Grounds, Exterior, Roof, Attic, Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry Room, Bedroom, Interior, Fireplace/Wood Stove, Heating System, Crawl Space, Plumbing, Basement, Garage, Structure, and Electrical. We use ten primary definitions for the status of an inspected area or inspected system.

10 Condition Definitions in a Home Inspection Report

 

  • Serviceable: Functional with no obvious signs of defect. The item is capable of being used.
  • Maintenance Repair: This condition warrants additional attention and Maintenance repairs.
  • Fair Condition: Item is functional but in the upper range of typical service life for this component. May require repair or replacement at any time.
  • Poor Condition: The general maintenance and upkeep on this component is poor. Recommend further evaluation and repairs by a qualified contractor, familiar with this system. Recommend budget considerations for repair/ replacement.
  • Not Present: Item not present or not found.
  • Not Inspected: Item was unable to be inspected for safety reasons or due to lack of power, inaccessible, or disconnected at time of inspection.
  • Defective Item: needs immediate repair or replacement. It is unable to perform its intended function.
  • Safety Hazard: Correction of this condition is needed.
  • Safety Upgrade: Upgrades are recommended for safety enhancement. This building may have been built before the era of current standards.
  • Structural Geotech: Condition needs further review by a qualified structural engineer/geotechnical engineer.

 

Some Inspected Items Fall Into Multiple Definitions

In our sample home inspection report, some items or areas use multiple definitions to describe the condition. Take page 7 in the Grounds report we mention wooden stairs that fall into three definition categories; Maintenance Repair, fair Condition and Safety Hazard with an image included (see below).

 

trip hazard

 

This would mean that the condition of these stairs warrants additional attention and maintenance repairs, while it is still functional, it is in the upper range of typical service life for this component and is a current safety hazard, and correction of this condition is needed.

Recommendations, Too!

Our Home inspection reports do not only provide the condition of each area and system but often come with recommendations as well. Using the example above you can find this additional information and recommendation:

Rise and run on steps create a trip hazard. Worn finish. Earth to wood contact. Recommend monitoring for moisture damage.

Click to read one of our sample home inspection reports. It is a great way to preview the results you can expect from our Home Inspection services.

Full-Service Home Inspection Services

At Check It Out Home Inspection Services, we offer all the home inspection services you would expect, for example electrical, plumbing, roof, structure, interior, exterior, garage, and grounds, etc. (Go to the Check it Out Home Inspection homepage for a full list of home inspection services). We also offer One-Stop Shopping Home Inspection Services so you can schedule sewer scoping, radon testing, and oil tank searches 24/7 with a single click or call.

Check It Out Home Inspection provides service to the Greater Portland and Vancouver areas.

 

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