For a number of years now, I have always wondered about what the exact reasoning that manufacturers of automobiles have behind their use of this "Check Engine' light. They have always had the technology to make it much better, and much more useful than it is. How? When that light comes on, don't you just have a feeling of dread come over you? Like... "I wonder what the heck is wrong now?", because you know the next step involves going to a repair shop, dealer, or local parts store... just so they can TELL you what the light means this time. Why don't the manufacturers just put the code there on the dash, instead of that stupid, (almost meaningless) check engine light? Then you could look up the code, whether it be something as simple as "Change oil filter" or something as complicated as a Knock sensor that needs replaced... at least you would know. It's almost like they don't trust us with that knowledge or something.
Anyway, on the analogy part of this.
When you get a home inspection, the real purpose is to let the customer know what issues there are with the property... and then to make suggestions about the course of action needed to correct or follow up.
If all your inspection report does is list the defects, then it's kind of like that old "check Engine" light... it just doesn't give you enough information.
Your inspector should be qualifiying the information into categories related to urgency and safety, and then making recommendations about the best course(s) of action to repair, replace, maintain, or otherwise address the isssues noted in the report. If further evaluation by some other expert is required, then it should be clearly stated what expert, and what should be performed, and why. Every effort should be made by the home inspector to quantify, clarify, and pinpoint any defects called out.
Not enough information, clarity, and/or not pointing out proper courses of action is the cause for misinterpretation, over-reactions by clients, and broken deals. Make sure your home inspector is not giving you a "Check Engine" light.
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