What Should I Look for in a Home Inspection Report?

by Barbara Mills

You finally got your dream home under contract — then the inspection report arrives, and it’s 50 pages long with red flags everywhere.

Don’t panic.
Inspection reports are supposed to be detailed.

Here’s what truly matters when reviewing one.

Priority #1 is anything that impacts your safety, such as:

These should always be taken seriously.

In Florida, insurance and roof life go hand-in-hand.
A roof near the end of its lifespan can significantly affect affordability and insurability.

These are the home’s core systems.
Repairs or replacements can be expensive, so their condition matters.

Florida humidity makes homes more prone to moisture issues.
Look for signs of:

These can impact both value and future maintenance.

Not everything is urgent. Focus on:

Cosmetic issues are normal — and usually not deal-breakers.

You may negotiate repairs, ask for credits, proceed as-is, or in extreme cases, walk away.
The report is a tool — not a verdict.