You’ve found your dream home, made an offer, and now the home inspection report has landed in your inbox. It’s exciting to be one step closer to ownership — but it can also feel overwhelming. Most reports are dozens of pages long, full of technical terms, and packed with details about every inch of the property.
The good news? A home inspection isn’t meant to scare you — it’s a tool to help you understand your new home better. Here’s how to break it down, know what’s truly important, and move forward with confidence.
Why a Home Inspection Matters
A home inspection is like a health check-up for the house.
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It provides a snapshot of the home’s current condition, from the roof to the foundation.
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It highlights repairs or safety issues that need attention now or in the near future.
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It helps you plan ahead for maintenance costs and negotiate repairs with the seller, if needed.
Julie’s Tip: A home inspection isn’t about perfection — no home is flawless, even brand-new ones. It’s about knowing what you’re buying and avoiding surprises later.
The Two Types of Findings: Major Defects vs. Minor Issues
1. Major Defects (The Big Stuff)
These are the issues you should pay close attention to.
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They often affect the safety, livability, or structural integrity of the home.
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Common examples include:
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Roof damage or leaks
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Foundation cracks or structural instability
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Electrical hazards or outdated wiring
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Plumbing problems like leaking pipes or faulty water heaters
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HVAC systems that are non-functional or unsafe
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Mold, water intrusion, or pest infestations
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Why It Matters:
Major defects may require repairs before closing, a price adjustment, or even further specialized inspections.
2. Minor Issues (The Little Stuff)
These are the common, everyday items you’ll likely see on almost every inspection report.
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Examples include:
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Dripping faucets
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Loose doorknobs
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Small cracks in drywall
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Worn weatherstripping
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Outdated smoke detectors or GFCI outlets
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These aren’t deal-breakers — they’re simply a punch list of maintenance tasks you can tackle after moving in. Many buyers choose to address these over time as part of normal homeownership.
Why Home Inspection Reports Feel Overwhelming
It’s normal to feel anxious when you see a long list of findings.
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Most inspectors are extremely thorough, which is exactly what you want.
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They’ll note everything, even small items, to give you a complete picture.
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Remember, this doesn’t mean the house is falling apart — it means you have a detailed roadmap for future maintenance.
Perspective Shift:
Think of your inspection report like a car manual. It’s not a list of failures — it’s a guide to understanding how to care for your investment.
How to Use the Inspection Report
1. Review It with Your Realtor
Julie will walk you through the report and prioritize what matters most.
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Identify major defects that need to be addressed before closing.
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Separate those from minor issues you can handle later.
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Discuss whether repairs should be negotiated with the seller or credited at closing.
2. Get Estimates if Needed
For major repairs, it’s wise to get quotes from trusted contractors.
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This helps you understand the true cost of fixing the issue.
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It also strengthens your negotiation position if you’re asking the seller for repairs or concessions.
3. Decide Your Next Steps
Based on the findings, you typically have a few options:
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Move forward as-is: If the report reveals only minor issues.
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Negotiate repairs or credits: If there are significant problems that need fixing.
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Walk away: If the home has serious issues and the seller won’t work with you.
Julie will guide you through these decisions with a clear, level-headed approach.
What Happens After Closing
Once the home is yours, keep the inspection report handy.
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Use it as a maintenance checklist for the coming months and years.
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Address smaller tasks gradually to keep your home in great shape.
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Revisit major areas annually, like HVAC servicing, roof checks, and plumbing care.
Final Thoughts
A home inspection can feel intimidating at first glance, but it’s actually a powerful tool for protecting your investment. By focusing on the big-picture issues, leaning on Julie’s expertise, and viewing the report as a long-term guide, you’ll gain peace of mind and a clear path forward.
Julie Delap has helped countless buyers in the Driftless Region navigate this stage with confidence. With her support, you’ll be able to make smart decisions and move into your new home knowing exactly what to expect.
For more information on the steps involved in the home buying process, click here!
