Illinois Home Inspector Practice Exam

How should an inspector respond if they find an issue during an inspection?

1. By overlooking minor issues

2. By recording it as an observation

3. By alerting the property owner immediately

4. By fixing it before completion

The correct answer is: By recording it as an observation

When an inspector identifies an issue during an inspection, recording it as an observation is the appropriate response. This approach ensures that all findings are documented properly, providing a clear record of the condition of the property. Documentation serves multiple purposes: it helps in communicating the findings to clients, allows for potential liability protection for the inspector, and provides a basis for any necessary follow-up actions. Additionally, recording observations allows inspectors to maintain an objective stance, rather than making subjective judgments about what might be considered significant versus minor. It fosters transparency and thoroughness in the inspection process. Overlooking minor issues undermines the integrity of the inspection and could lead to serious consequences if those issues escalate or contribute to future problems. Alerting the property owner immediately may not be appropriate depending on the severity of the issue, as it's essential to compile comprehensive documentation before discussing findings. Fixing the issue before completion goes beyond the inspector's role, which typically focuses on assessment rather than remediation.