I get where you’re coming from, but I actually kind of appreciate when inspectors use that “structural adequacy” phrase, even if it’s a bit vague. Had a neighbor who got a super blunt report once—like, “roof deck is compromised, immediate action required”—and she was in full panic mode, thinking she’d need to move out. Turned out it was just a couple of soft spots from old leaks, nothing catastrophic. Sometimes the softer language gives you a chance to breathe and get a second opinion before jumping to worst-case scenarios.
That said, I do wish they’d include more context or suggestions. Like, if they flag something, maybe add a line about whether it’s urgent or just something to monitor. I’ve seen reports that make it sound like your whole roof is about to cave in, when really it’s just a matter of swapping out a few shingles or adding some bracing. It’s a tough balance, but I’d rather have a little ambiguity than unnecessary stress—especially when you’re already dealing with the headache of roof repairs.
I get what you’re saying about the softer language being less panic-inducing, but I’ve had the opposite problem a couple times—like, the inspector’s report was so vague that I didn’t realize something was actually urgent until it got worse. My last house had a “minor flashing concern” on the chimney, which sounded harmless. Six months later, water started dripping into the living room during a storm. Ended up costing way more than if I’d just dealt with it right away.
What’s worked for me lately is making a checklist from the inspection PDF and then calling up a roofer (or two) to walk through it with me. I’ll ask them to rate each item: “urgent,” “should fix soon,” or “just keep an eye on it.” That way I can budget and prioritize instead of guessing what’s actually important. Sometimes they’ll even show me photos or explain in plain English what’s going on, which helps a ton.
I’m curious—has anyone here ever gotten an inspection report that actually included repair estimates or timelines? Mine are always just a list of issues, no real guidance on what to tackle first or how long I can wait. Would be nice if they at least gave ballpark costs or said “this can wait till next year” versus “fix ASAP.” Maybe that’s asking too much, but it’d sure help with planning, especially when you’re trying to stretch every dollar.
Also, does anyone else feel like the language in these reports gets more technical every year? My latest one had terms like “delamination” and “fastener uplift resistance”—I had to Google half of it. Maybe I’m just getting old...
Also, does anyone else feel like the language in these reports gets more technical every year? My latest one had terms like “delamination” and “fastener uplift resistance”—I had to Google half of it. Maybe I’m just getting old...
You’re not alone there. I swear, every time I get a new inspection report, it’s like they’re trying to win a jargon contest. Last year, mine flagged “granular loss at field shingles” and I had to dig through three different websites before realizing it just meant the shingles were wearing out. It’s not just you—these reports are getting more dense, and honestly, it doesn’t help anyone except maybe the inspector’s liability insurance.
I totally get your frustration about the lack of prioritization and cost info. I’ve never once gotten a report that included repair estimates or timelines, and I’ve owned three houses in two states. The best I’ve seen is a vague “recommend evaluation by qualified professional,” which is basically code for “not my problem anymore.” It’s wild to me that with all the tech they use now—drones, thermal cameras, you name it—they still can’t give homeowners a basic sense of what needs fixing first or how much it might run.
Your checklist approach is spot on. I do something similar: after every inspection, I’ll make my own spreadsheet with columns for urgency, rough cost (based on a couple phone calls), and whether it’s DIY-able or pro-only. It’s a pain, but it’s saved me from exactly the kind of surprise you described with your chimney flashing. That “minor” stuff can turn into a major headache fast.
Honestly, I think inspectors are afraid to put numbers or timelines in writing because of liability. If they say “fix in six months” and you get a leak in five, they’re on the hook. Still, there’s got to be a better way than leaving us guessing.
If it makes you feel any better, I’ve been at this for years and still have to Google half the terms. At this point, I just ask contractors to explain things like I’m five. Most are happy to break it down if you admit you’re not an expert.
Hang in there—sounds like you’re doing all the right things by double-checking with pros and making your own system. It’s more work up front but way less painful than dealing with water pouring through the ceiling down the line.
Honestly, I get why inspectors use all that technical lingo—it’s meant to be precise, but I’ve seen it scare folks off more than help. Thing is, sometimes those details matter. Like, “delamination” isn’t just fancy talk; I’ve seen roofs look fine from the ground but have major hidden issues once you spot that. Still, I do wish reports were more user-friendly. Maybe a glossary wouldn’t hurt... but I’d rather see plain English and a couple pictures.
Still, I do wish reports were more user-friendly. Maybe a glossary wouldn’t hurt... but I’d rather see plain English and a couple pictures.
Couldn’t agree more with this. I just went through my own inspection report last month and honestly, it felt like reading a medical chart for my house. “Thermal bridging,” “fastener back-out,” “granule loss”—I mean, sure, those are real things, but when you’re trying to figure out if you need to shell out thousands or if it’s just a ‘keep an eye on it’ situation, that language doesn’t help much.
I get that the details matter—like you said with delamination. My neighbor ignored something similar because the roof “looked fine” from the street. Ended up with water damage in the attic and a way bigger bill than if he’d caught it early. But still, there’s gotta be a better way to communicate this stuff. If I’m paying for an inspection, I want to know what’s urgent and what can wait without having to Google every other word.
Honestly, pictures make all the difference for me. When my inspector included close-ups of the cracked flashing and circled the problem spots, it was so much easier to understand what needed fixing right away versus stuff that could wait until next year’s budget. Even just a simple “traffic light” system—red for urgent, yellow for monitor, green for good—would help folks like me who are trying to stretch every dollar.
I will say though, sometimes plain English isn’t enough either if you don’t have context. Like, “minor granule loss” sounds harmless until you realize that’s how leaks start over time. Maybe a combo of both? A quick summary in regular language at the top (“No immediate repairs needed, but watch these areas”) and then all the technical stuff below for anyone who wants details.
At the end of the day, most of us aren’t roofing experts—we just want to keep our homes dry without breaking the bank or panicking over every little term in bold font. If inspectors could remember that not everyone speaks ‘roof,’ I think we’d all be less stressed (and probably make smarter choices about repairs).
