The home inspection, something to fear? When performed by a truly qualified professional home inspector provides the best pre-emptive defense against negative surprises after the sale. The benefits of a competent inspection serve the needs of all parties in a real estate transaction, by reducing the likelihood of conflicts after the sale. Buyers should have the prudence to do this for themselves.
What about the list that the inspection produces. What should be addressed?
Home inspection is a routine process today in nearly all home purchases. In most transactions, sellers are not required to repair every defect that is listed in the report. Some of the requests may be reasonable while others have a nit-picky flavor.
Minor items not worth a haggle include such things as loose moldings or a faulty drain stopper in the bathtub. Items of greater importance can be the bathroom exhaust fan, because venting to the attic is not legal, or the recommendation is to have the air conditioner unit professionally serviced. Anything with potential of moisture intrusion could be significant.
The main thing to keep in mind is that repair lists arising from home inspections can be viewed as requests rather than demands. Except for repairs and upgrades required by law or specified in the sales contract, all property defects are matters to be negotiated between buyers and sellers.