The big bad "D" word....

What??? You mean my new home has defects?

We would all like to purchase perfect homes that never deteriorate or never require maintenance or repair. But that would be in a perfect world now wouldn't it!  We need no convincing that it's NOT a perfect world, but it's surprising how many home buyers hesitate making an offer on a property just because there's a blemish or two with their prospective "dream" home.

Even before the home inspection is performed, it may not be too difficult to identify some of these "blemishes" - defective roofing shingles, cracked windows and/or peeling paint on trim, foundation cracks, drainage issues etc... can all be classified as "blemishes" which may scare off the prospective buyer.  Every home - even new ones, have defects.  That's why it's important to have a quality home inspection performed by a qualified home inspector -even if it's brand new.  But I believe it is my job, and the job of every other home inspector to not only carefully and delicately explain to their clients, the difference between which of these "blemishes" are necessary repair/safety issues and which are common everyday maintenance issues that come with age...and home ownership, but also provide their client with possible corrective measures for such blemishes.

For example, Mr/Mrs Client, during our inspection of the roof, we found some deterioration with the roof shingles and two valleys on the east side of the roof structure.  The damage is probably due to the heat of the sun on the east side of the building.  The other portions of the roof structure seems to be be ok with a possible life span of 0-10 years.  One possible solution is to have a roof tune up.  You could have the valleys and shingles replaced just on the east side of the roof at a cost of about X dollars - ballpark. 

Taking this approach will set the prospective buyer at ease about their investment decision, and will give the home inspector a good rapport with real estate professionals as well.  Personally, I would steer clear of real estate agents and home inspectors who give the impression that the home you are buying/selling is perfect or blemish-free. 

Remember - some blemishes are like antique furniture, they add character!