Report Basics

Getting a home inspection report for the first time can feel overwhelming. You flip through 30, 40, sometimes 60+ pages of technical language, photos of things you barely recognize, and ratings that seem arbitrary. What does "monitor" actually mean? Is "serviceable" good or bad? And why are there so many photos of your electrical panel?

The truth is, most home inspection reports follow a predictable structure once you know what to look for. Inspectors typically organize findings by system or area of the home, assign severity ratings to each issue, and include photos to document their observations. Understanding this framework transforms a confusing document into an actionable checklist.

The articles in this section break down how inspection reports work. We cover the standard sections you'll find in most reports, explain the different rating systems inspectors use, and help you distinguish between observations that need immediate attention versus those you can address over time. Whether you're a first-time buyer or you've owned multiple homes, these guides will help you make sense of what your inspector found.

What You'll Learn

From understanding inspector qualifications to decoding technical terminology, these articles cover everything you need to confidently read and act on your home inspection report.