Home Condition Reports (HCRs)

A Home Condition Report (HCR) is a condition survey of a property which can be provided by the Vendor. The HCR tells you about the construction and condition of the home on the date it was inspected and, if necessary, whether more enquiries or investigations are needed. The HCR contains an Energy Performance Certificate which tells you about the energy and environmental performance of the home and suggests possible improvements. HCRs can also be commissioned by a perspective Buyer in this case they are known as Home Condition Surveys. The HCR can only be carried out by a qualified Home Inspector.

What is in an HCR?

• The reports main aim is to tell you about any defects that need urgent attention or are serious.

• It also tells you about things that need further investigation to prevent damage to the structure.

• The report gives Condition Ratings (from 1 –3) for the major parts of the main building. However, the report does not mention minor defects that do not need building work to put them right.

• The inspection is non-invasive which means the Home Inspector does not take up flooring and floor boards, move furniture or remove contents of cupboards,remove secured panels or undo electrical fittings.

What is NOT in an HCR?

• The report does not tell you the value of your home, or, things that will be considered when a valuation is provided, such as the area the home is in, or the local schools and infrastructure including transport and amenities.

• The report does not warn you about any health and safety risks to people using or visiting the dwelling, unless repair or building work is needed to avoid the risk.

• The report does not give advice on the cost of any repair work or the types of repair which should be included.

• The report is not an asbestos inspection under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002.