The Small Defect

The Small Defect

 

Many realtors believe that the job of the Home Inspector is to find the large concern that will adversely impact the sale of the home.  That is in essence correct, but in order to do that the inspector must look at all the small defects and blemishes as signs and clues to finding the more substantial problems.  Realtors would probably prefer we not report all of those pesky small defects that detract from the overall desirability of the home.  What the realtor may not understand is the small defects that we take note of are sometimes the only signs of bigger concerns.

Even when the small blemish is only just that, a small blemish; by reporting it to the prospective buyer the inspector serves two purposes.  He alerts the possibly emotionally blinded buyer to the reality of the house, warts and all.  He has also provided the new home owner; should they end up buying the house, a ‘honey-do’ list of maintenance and repairs.

One of my students was told by a friend that he shouldn’t report all the small stuff because, “The realtors won’t use you if you ‘nit-pick’ the home apart.”  The realtor that would say that or not use a Home Inspector on those grounds is not a professional. 

A complete list of defects, small and large, is essential for the home buyer to make an informed decision.  If the buyer should decide to walk on the deal because the exterior outlets are not GFCI protected, it is his prerogative. It isn’t the job of the Home Inspector to keep information from him.  (Of course if the buyer walks without a major reason he may lose the deposit). We are not there to make sure the buyer sees the house in a certain way.  In fact it is just the opposite; it is the Home Inspector’s obligation to point out all visible defects, especially one such as this which is a safety concern. Always remember…. Our first and foremost responsibility is to our client the home buyer, and to the truth.