Your Inspector
Martin Alderman
Owner / InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector
What Really Matters In A Home Inspection
The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind but, depending
on the findings, it may have the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information over a
short period of time. Your inspection will entail a written report, including checklists and photos, and
what the inspector tells you during the inspection. All of this combined with the seller's disclosure and
what you notice yourself can make the experience overwhelming. What should you do?
Relax.
Home inspectors are professionals, and if yours is a member of InterNACHI, then you can trust that he is
among the most highly trained in the industry. Most of your inspection will be related to maintenance
recommendations and minor imperfections. These are good to know about. However, the issues that
really matter will fall into four categories:
1. major defects, such as a structural failure;
2. conditions that can lead to major defects, such as a roof leak;
3. issues that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or
insure the home if not rectified immediately; and
4. safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electrical
panel. Anything in these categories should be addressed as soon
as possible.
Often, a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in
categories 2 and 4). Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during
an inspection. It’s important o realize that a seller is under no obligation to repair everything
mentioned in your inspection report. No house is perfect. Keep things in perspective. And remember
that home ownership is both a joyful experience and an important responsibility, so be sure to call on your
InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector® to help you devise an annual maintenance plan that will
keep your family safe and your home in top condition for years to come.
on the findings, it may have the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information over a
short period of time. Your inspection will entail a written report, including checklists and photos, and
what the inspector tells you during the inspection. All of this combined with the seller's disclosure and
what you notice yourself can make the experience overwhelming. What should you do?
Relax.
Home inspectors are professionals, and if yours is a member of InterNACHI, then you can trust that he is
among the most highly trained in the industry. Most of your inspection will be related to maintenance
recommendations and minor imperfections. These are good to know about. However, the issues that
really matter will fall into four categories:
1. major defects, such as a structural failure;
2. conditions that can lead to major defects, such as a roof leak;
3. issues that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or
insure the home if not rectified immediately; and
4. safety hazards, such as an exposed, live buss bar at the electrical
panel. Anything in these categories should be addressed as soon
as possible.
Often, a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in
categories 2 and 4). Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during
an inspection. It’s important o realize that a seller is under no obligation to repair everything
mentioned in your inspection report. No house is perfect. Keep things in perspective. And remember
that home ownership is both a joyful experience and an important responsibility, so be sure to call on your
InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector® to help you devise an annual maintenance plan that will
keep your family safe and your home in top condition for years to come.
My Pledge to You
While no home, even those that are newly constructed, are perfect, I will do my very best to inform
you of the condition of your perspective home at the time of the visual inspection. I will recommend the
appropriate actions in an effort to correct the defect or situation. Know that I'm not Superman, and
I don't have X-ray vision. I cannot see whats lurking behind interior or exterior walls, ceilings, etc.
However, I will accurately describe what I have visually observed, and will convey that information to you
in a clear and understandable manner, so that you can make an informed decision regarding your new home.
you of the condition of your perspective home at the time of the visual inspection. I will recommend the
appropriate actions in an effort to correct the defect or situation. Know that I'm not Superman, and
I don't have X-ray vision. I cannot see whats lurking behind interior or exterior walls, ceilings, etc.
However, I will accurately describe what I have visually observed, and will convey that information to you
in a clear and understandable manner, so that you can make an informed decision regarding your new home.