Home inspection report: how to read it as a buyer

Learn to distinguish the findings, limitations and recommendations in a home inspection report.

Identify the findings and their limits

A report describes the observations made at the time of the inspection and specifies the items that could not be examined.

The absence of a comment on an item does not automatically mean it is new or problem-free. Read the limits of the mandate.

Separate follow-up recommendations, maintenance repairs and items that warrant further examination.

Ask the inspector to explain the priorities and technical terms rather than relying on a quick interpretation.

The deadlines and conditions of your promise to purchase must be understood before any decision.

Have your options and their consequences confirmed by your broker and, if needed, by a legal or technical professional.