A Guide to Home Inspection Reports with Just Call Joe Inspections

At Joe Inspections, we strive to provide clear and informative reports that empower you to make informed decisions about your property. A key part of this is our comprehensive rating system, which categorizes the condition of each inspected item. Understanding these ratings will help you prioritize repairs, plan for future maintenance, and feel confident about your investment.

Here's a breakdown of our rating system:

• Functional: This indicates the item was working properly and in good condition for its age at the time of inspection. However, even functional items may require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly.

• Minor Defects/Maintenance Items/FYI: This category highlights three sub-points:

  • Minor Fixes: These are small repairs that should be addressed to prevent them from becoming bigger issues.

  • Routine Maintenance: These are tasks you should perform regularly to maintain the home, like cleaning gutters or replacing air filters.

  • Observations: These are items that may need attention in the future, but aren't urgent repairs.

• Upgrade Ideas: This section suggests improvements you could consider making to your home, even if they aren't essential repairs.

• Marginal: This rating signifies an item has a safety hazard, functional deficiency, or installation issue. While it might have been working during the inspection, its functionality could be compromised, or the defect could lead to future problems. We strongly recommend repairs or replacements for items in this category to ensure optimal performance, prevent future issues, and avoid potential safety hazards. These repairs typically require a qualified contractor or handyman.

• Not Present: This simply means the item wasn't present or visible during the inspection.

• Not Inspected: In some cases, safety concerns or limited access might prevent the inspector from examining an item thoroughly. We recommend following up on these items with the seller before closing.

• Defects: This indicates the item wasn't functioning properly or was in poor condition for its age. Repairs or replacements will likely be necessary. We recommend consulting a qualified specialist for further evaluation.

• Hazardous: This is the most serious rating, signifying an immediate danger to the occupants' safety or health. Do not use the item until the hazard is addressed.

• Aged: This signifies the item is nearing or past its expected lifespan, although it might still be functional to some extent. While not a defect itself, major repairs or replacements should be anticipated and budgeted for in the near future. Examples include HVAC systems, water heaters, or electrical panels.

• Inquire Follow Up: This indicates the item wasn't functioning as expected during normal operation. Further investigation by a qualified professional may be necessary.

• Proactive Safety: This category identifies items that don't pose immediate danger but could become safety hazards in the future. We recommend repairs or replacements to bring them up to current safety standards.

We understand that navigating a home inspection report can be overwhelming. If you have any questions about our rating system or specific findings in your report, don't hesitate to contact Joe Inspections. We're here to help you understand your home's condition and make informed decisions about your investment.