Sample Home Inspection Report

What's inside

The report walks through the home system by system:

• Site, grading and drainage
• Exterior, doors and windows
• Roof (walked when safe)
• Structure and attic
• Electrical panel and wiring
• Heating, cooling and water heater
• Plumbing, bathrooms and kitchen
• Laundry, interior and appliances

How to read it

Start with the Report Summary

The Report Summary pulls the key findings onto a few pages so you can see the big picture fast and share it with your agent. Read it first, then go to the full section for any item you want to understand better.

The four ratings

Findings are rated on a simple four-step scale:

• Satisfactory: working as intended, with no substantial defects seen.
• Marginal: working, but near the end of its useful life. Plan for maintenance or replacement.
• Repair or Replace: not working as intended, or a safety hazard. Repair is recommended.
• Further Evaluation: needs a closer look by a licensed specialist.

Safety and major items first, maintenance second

Not every finding carries the same weight. Safety hazards and items rated Repair or Replace or Further Evaluation are the ones to understand, and usually to get contractor bids on, before your contingency period ends. Marginal items are budget items: things that work today but will need money in the next few years. Smaller maintenance notes are the upkeep list for your first year in the home. Sorting the report this way tells you what belongs in a request to the seller and what simply comes with owning a house.

Photos with every finding

Every finding is backed by a photo, so you, your agent and any contractor can see exactly what we saw and where it is. When something couldn't be inspected (a crawlspace that's flooded, a panel that's painted shut, utilities that are off) the report says so plainly, because "not inspected" is not a pass.

Thermal images

Thermal imaging comes with every inspection. Infrared images show temperature differences that can point to moisture, missing insulation or an overheating circuit behind a finished wall or ceiling. When a thermal image shows something worth noting, it's included with that finding in the report.

The roof section

We walk the roof whenever it's safe, and the roof section shows what we found up close, with photos. When a roof can't be walked safely, we survey it with a drone and the report shows what the drone captured.

How fast you'll get your report

Reports are usually delivered the same day. Payment is due when the inspection is complete, and your report is released once payment is received. Your inspection contingency is measured in days, and a fast report leaves you the time you need to get contractor bids and decide what to ask for.

What's in every BHI report

• A Report Summary of the key findings
• Clear ratings, from Satisfactory to Further Evaluation
• Photos of every finding, with plain-English descriptions
• Thermal images wherever they show something worth noting
• A roof section based on a roof walk whenever it's safe
• A clear note on anything we couldn't inspect, and why
• A recommendation to call a licensed specialist when a question is outside a general home inspection

Every client also receives our 17-page Buyer's Guide with the booking confirmation. It explains how to read a report, what common repairs usually cost, which trade to call for each kind of finding, and how to ask the seller for repairs or a credit. Page 11 is a directory of local contractors; contractors can claim a spot here.

Sample report FAQ

Is this a real report?

Yes. It's a real report from a Fairfield home. The only things removed are the client's name and the address.

Will my report look like this?

Same format, same level of detail. Every home is different, so the findings, the number of pages and the photos will be your home's.

Can my real estate agent get a copy?

Yes. The report is prepared for you, and we also send it to the agent you name when you book unless you tell us not to.

Does the report tell me what repairs will cost?

The report tells you what we found and how serious it is. For pricing, get written bids from licensed contractors. Our Buyer's Guide lists typical cost ranges for common repairs to help you plan.

Ready for yours?

We walk the roof whenever it's safe, thermal imaging comes with every inspection, and your report usually arrives the same day. Get your flat, all-inclusive price on our instant quote page, or call (707) 803-8920.