
It is not uncommon for a home inspection report to list some items as faulty. Does that mean there is a major problem with the property? Not necessarily.
The home inspector may list issues such as loose roof shingles or a defective smoke detector, etc. But these are not serious problems and do not require a lot of money to fix. On the other hand, there may be other problems listed that are much more serious, like mold, wood rot, or structural damage. These would be expensive problems to remedy and, in some cases, may mean you need to renegotiate the price of the house or back out of the sale altogether. Whatever the case, it highlights the important role a home inspection plays when buying a house.
What if your home inspector is also a licensed builder? Should you have your inspector take care of the work listed on the inspection report? It is not advisable to do this as it could call into question the truthfulness of the inspection report and may appear like issues have been found or at least exaggerated to generate more work for the inspector.
To ensure an honest and trustworthy home inspection, make sure the company you choose is InterNACHI certified and abides by the InterNACHI Code of Ethics.