Delivery of the report after an inspection is an important aspect in the buying process. Naturally, reports need to be completed as soon as possible after inspection so the buyer, seller and their agents can move forward with any repairs, additional inspections or negotiations.Many factors affect the time it takes to complete a report including:
- The structure of the report - Does it only have check boxes or will it also include descriptions and recommendations? Are comments generic or are they written specifically for each report? Does it have pictures?
- The day and time the inspection is completed as inspectors do not normally work 24/7- Is it done on a Saturday evening or a Monday morning?
- The size and condition of the property - The more there is to include, the longer it will take.
On-Site Inspection Reports
Some home inspectors offer on-site delivery of reports. For the most part, these reports have previous generic comments inserted. As someone who is paying for a service, you should decide whether obtaining a generic report is what you want. On-site reports hinder the ability for an inspector to review his/her findings, write organic comments regarding each deficiency and provide useful recommendations.
24 - 48 Hour Inspection Reports
Some home inspectors will deliver an inspection report in no more that 48 business hours after an inspection. Ideally, you want to hire an inspector who delivers reports within 24 business hours but it shouldn't be upsetting if it takes slightly longer, considering the factors listed above. This delivery time frame is the most common amongst home inspectors.
Longer than 48 Hour Inspection Reports
Inspection reports that take longer than 48 business hours to complete should be a red flag - or at least yellow. While at times there may be hurdles that arise that can legitimately delay the report, that is not common. If a report will take longer than 48 business hours, the inspector should be able to explain the reason(s).
Always discuss the time frame of delivery with the home inspector prior to hiring his/her services. Let them know your time constraints (if any) and ensure the inspection report will be provided to you with sufficient time to review and make decisions.
