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A narrative-style home inspection report is a type of home inspection report that uses descriptive, written language to explain the findings of the inspection. Unlike a checklist-based report, which lists issues and findings in bullet points or checkboxes, a narrative-style report provides detailed, easy-to-understand descriptions of the property’s condition in full sentences or paragraphs.
Key characteristics of a narrative-style home inspection report include:
- Detailed Descriptions: Each area of the home (foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical, etc.) is discussed in depth. The inspector may explain how things function, if there are any issues, and how serious they might be.
- Contextual Information: Instead of simply listing problems, the inspector might explain how issues affect the overall integrity or value of the home. For example, “The roof is aging, with visible signs of wear, which may lead to leaks in the near future.”
- Actionable Recommendations: The inspector provides clear advice on what should be done, such as, “I recommend having a licensed electrician inspect the wiring to ensure safety,” rather than just noting “wiring issue.”
- Tone and Clarity: The narrative style is often written in an easy-to-understand language, avoiding too much technical jargon, and is designed to make it accessible to clients without expert knowledge.
- Photographs: Some inspectors still include photos within the narrative to highlight significant findings, which are referenced in the text for clarity.
A narrative-style report is often preferred for its thoroughness and clarity, providing the client with a complete picture of the property’s condition. It offers more context and understanding of the significance of each issue.
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