North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

What is referred to as a "finding" during an inspection?

1. A defect that needs repair

2. A positive observation about the property state

3. A documented observation in the inspection report

4. The remark, "the roof appears to be in good condition"

The correct answer is: The remark, "the roof appears to be in good condition"

In the context of a home inspection, a "finding" typically refers to the observations made by the inspector that are documented in the inspection report. This encompasses both positive and negative observations about the property's condition. When a remark such as "the roof appears to be in good condition" is made, it signifies that the inspector has assessed the roof and noted a specific observation regarding its status. This can be considered a finding because it is not only a comment but also reflects the inspector's professional evaluation of that aspect of the property. While other alternatives refer to defects, positive observations, or specific documented observations, they do not capture the essence of what is described as a "finding" as effectively. A finding is essentially any notable observation whether it is instructive or cautionary, which gets recorded in the inspection report and contributes to the overall assessment of the property. Thus, the remark about the roof exemplifies a finding because it denotes a professional judgment about an element’s condition that is reported as part of the inspection results.