The written report is the finished product of a home inspection. Its first purpose is to document the inspection experience so clients can make an informed decision about the home. The 2nd purpose of the report is to help the client make any improvements necessary to ensure the house is functional, comfortable, safe, efficient and durable once they settle in. The 3rd purpose of the report is to reinforce the credibility of the home inspector and the positive experience of the inspection itself. In a sense, the report is a marketing tool, helping to build your brand. A great report makes you look good!

Whether you use technology to create electronic reports or prefer a paper-based approach, the reports should be concise and easy to understand. They should describe both significant issues and minor items in proper context. Perspective is important.

Whatever reporting system you use, illustrated reference text should be available to help people understand their home. The text should be separated from the report so it doesn’t get in the way of the main message when clients are trying to make a buying decision. The detail becomes important once people take possession of their home. Our layered approach to reporting gives clients what they need, when they need it.

We’ve been writing home inspection reports for 34 years, and providing reporting solutions to others for over 20 years. The Home Reference Book and Horizon software for home inspectors are highly refined reporting solutions. We like them so much we use them in our inspection business!