Understanding Your Inspection Report
How to read it, what matters most, and what to do next
Your report arrives within 24 hours of the inspection, usually the same evening or the next morning. It's a detailed document, and that's a good thing, but it reads best when you know how it's put together. Here's your guide.
How the Report Is Organized
Findings are grouped by the home's systems: roof and attic, exterior, structure and foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, interior, garage, and grounds. Every finding includes a photo and a clear description of what we saw and why it matters, so you're never left guessing what a note means.
The Severity Levels, Explained
Safety Concerns
Conditions that could affect the safety of the people living in the home, like electrical hazards or gas issues. Read these first and take them seriously.
Repair Items
Things that aren't working as intended and need attention from a qualified professional. These often become the conversation between you, your agent, and the seller.
Monitor & Maintain
Normal wear or early-stage items worth keeping an eye on. Not urgent, but knowing about them helps you plan ahead as a homeowner.
Informational
Notes about the home's systems, materials, and shutoff locations. Useful reference material for as long as you own the home.
One important thing: don't judge a home by the number of findings. Every home has them, including new construction. What matters is the severity, and the report makes that easy to see.
Common Findings in Arizona Homes
Our desert climate is tough on homes in predictable ways. If some of these show up in your report, you're in good company:
- Roofing surfaces worn by intense sun exposure, especially on south and west faces
- Air conditioning systems showing wear from working hard through desert summers
- Drip irrigation leaks and drainage or grading issues around the foundation
- Stucco cracks, most of which are cosmetic, and the report tells you which ones aren't
- Water heaters near the end of their expected life
- Pool and spa equipment wear, if the home has one
What to Do After You Read It
- 1.Read the safety and repair items first, then skim the rest. That's where your decisions live.
- 2.Go through the report with your real estate agent. Repair requests, credits, and negotiations are decisions you make together with them.
- 3.Get quotes from qualified contractors for anything significant before you negotiate, so you're working with real numbers.
- 4.Call us with any question, big or small. Follow-up consultations are free, and explaining the report is part of the job, not an extra.
Haven't had your inspection yet? Start with What to Expect During Your Home Inspection or browse our FAQ.