Home inspection reports can be used for several different purposes.

Potential buyers can consider the reported conditions of the home to make decisions on whether they can afford to properly maintain the home. If the home inspection report indicates that the roof is old and the boiler is old there may be some significant expenses coming up for the potential buyer. Buyers can sometimes use the home inspection report to negotiate corrective actions or replacement to be performed by the sellers. Sometimes the selling price can be lowered because of the findings of the home inspection report. Sellers can also obtain a home inspection and use it to disclose potential issues to the buyers. Sellers use the home inspection report to identify and correct significant defects that could interfere with a buyer’s desire to submit a contract to buy the property. Buyers can use the home inspection report as a to-do list for maintaining the home and property. Buyers/Sellers can use the home inspection report to communicate to professionals the nature of the defects to obtain estimates for repair or to arrange for repairs or replacements. Buyers can sometimes use the inspection report as a method to withdraw from the contract to purchase the home when certain types of undisclosed defects are reported.

Buyers and sellers should consider obtaining inspection reports only from professional, full-time home inspectors. Always use New Jersey home inspectors who abide by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and who continually enhance their knowledge and skills with regular Continuing Education courses.