These items will be found to be either functioning as they were intended or to be in need of attention before or after the sale. Generally, any repair needed to make the house functional at the time of sale is something that might reasonably be expected to be the Seller's responsibility. This can be addressed in two ways by the Seller-either through a contractor who will carry out the repair and provide documentation of the service, or by offering the Buyer a credit against the purchase price at the closing. The latter can benefit the Seller by reducing the brokerage commission, but it can be dangerous for the Buyer who then assumes complete responsibility to correct the defect after the sale-even if it winds up costing more than originally estimated. Some Buyers forgo an inspection, but these tend to be people with a genuine understanding of old houses and their structural and mechanical systems.
Some inspectors charge by the room.
Whatever the arrangement, the inspector will quote his or her price in advance and expect a check immediately following the inspection. Some use voice recorders to store information used later to prepare a written report. Others make written notes as they go. Inspection reports almost always include a litany of disclaimers, waiving the right to sue for misdiagnosis. These may or may not legally protect the inspector, but they are an indication that inspectors cannot know all things about all houses.