Many real estate contracts include two specific clauses that are impacted by a home inspection. The first, the property condition clause, obligates the seller to deliver the house in some specific condition. The home inspection is designed to protect the buyer's rights relative to the property condition clause.

The second clause is often referred to as the "home inspection contingency clause." This paragraph guarantees a buyer the right to cancel the contract in the event that items discovered at the home inspection are unsatisfactory to the buyer. The home inspection is designed to protect the buyers rights relative to this clause as well.

As home inspectors, we see many homes and many clients. In most cases, a home inspection report includes a short list of minor items. Buyers and sellers are both relieved. Sellers make some repairs and the transaction goes forward smoothly. However, there are times (and we never know when) that the inspection uncovers some unforeseen problem.