Home Condition Report (HCR) Condition Ratings explained and what is included

This is an objective report on the condition of the property which is compiled during a detailed and careful inspection of a home. The report must be undertaken by a qualified, licensed home inspector, who has passed the level 4 Diploma in home inspection and is a member of a Government approved Certification Scheme. The Home Inspector must also have Professional Indemnity Insurance to cover all inspections.

The Home Condition Report is completed by the Home Inspector and then electronically loaded into the Central Register for Home Condition Reports.

The inspection is a thorough assessment of every element of a building and its grounds including an energy assessment of the property. The level of detail is similar to a present “home buyers survey” without the valuation element.

The report is electronically generated in a standard format that cannot be altered by the Home Inspector.

The report is divided in to 8 sections, A to H.

Section A

Explains the report content and extent of the inspection.

Gives definitions of the condition ratings.

Section B

General information about the property.

Summary of the condition ratings.

Insurance reinstatement cost.

Section C

Conveyancer matters.

Health and Safety risks.

Other risks eg subject to flooding.

Section D - Exterior aspects

Chimneys, roof coverings, gutters, walls, windows, doors, other woodwork, external decoration, other aspects.

Section E - Internal aspects

Roof structure, ceilings, internal walls, floors, fireplace/chimney breast, built in fitments, internal woodwork, bathroom fittings, dampness, other aspects.

Section F - Visual inspection of Services

Gas, electricity, heating, water and drainage.

Each of these elements is given an objective statement and a condition rating.

A recommendation for a safety inspection or service by a registered engineer may be given in the objective statement.

Section G - Grounds and outbuildings

Permanent outbuildings and garages. Patio areas and garden walls. No condition ratings are given.

Section H - Energy Performance Certificate.

Please visit the Energy Performance Certificate page for more info.

Definition

Not Inspected

No repair is presently required. Normal maintenance must be carried out.

Some repairs or replacements are required but these are not considered to be serious or urgent.

This is considered serious and in need of urgent repair or replacement.