Steps to Take After a Home Inspection

1. Review the Inspection Report

• Carefully read the report provided by the inspector. Pay attention to the summary, which highlights major issues, and review detailed findings for a complete picture of the property's condition.

• Note any terms or issues you don’t understand and ask your inspector for clarification.

2. Prioritize Repairs and Issues

• Categorize issues as critical (health, safety, or structural concerns), necessary (functional repairs), or cosmetic (non-essential updates).

• Focus on major concerns like roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, or foundation problems.

3. Get Estimates for Repairs

• Contact licensed contractors for estimates on repairing significant issues. This will help you understand the costs involved and can be useful for negotiation.

4. Decide on Next Steps

• If you’re the buyer:

  • Negotiate with the seller to either fix major issues, reduce the sale price, or provide a credit toward repairs.

  • If the issues are too extensive or costly, you may consider walking away from the deal, depending on your contract contingencies.

• If you’re the seller:

  • Decide whether to address the identified issues before proceeding with the sale or adjust the price to account for needed repairs.

5. Re-Inspect, If Needed

• If the seller agrees to make repairs, schedule a follow-up inspection to confirm the work was completed correctly and meets standards.

6. Plan for Future Maintenance

• Use the inspection report to create a maintenance plan for the property. Address minor issues proactively to avoid larger problems in the future.

• Keep the report as a reference for routine checkups or future upgrades.

7. Communicate with Relevant Parties

• Share findings with your real estate agent, lawyer, or lender if necessary. They can help guide you through renegotiations or contract updates.

8. Evaluate the Home’s Value

• Consider whether the inspection results impact your perception of the property’s value. Does it still meet your needs and budget after factoring in potential repairs?

9. Finalize the Decision

• Once all issues are addressed and resolved, you can confidently move forward with the purchase, renegotiate terms, or decide not to proceed.

10. Celebrate (or Reassess)

• If everything checks out and the transaction moves forward, celebrate your informed decision. If not, use the experience as a learning opportunity for your next property search.