I'm not sure size matters as much as accuracy. I laughed while writing this. 3:)

We deal with out of state buyers/sellers, so the more details and photos the better. I think the buyers also like the bigger reports, it makes them feel like they got their moneys worth.

Size doesn't matter. Quality does.

A page each for every system of the house.

Disclaimer page.

Intro-page

Summary of action issues.

Depends on the condition of the property! Shorter is better. Some are so long with all kinds of advice, they summarize the conditions found on a couple og pages. Those are the ones most people read!

Doesn't it really matter based on the size of the house? Obviously a 1000 ft vs an 8000 sq ft is going to make some time difference. 

I just received a 50 pager on a house around 1700 sq ft which didn't really seem bad until I saw the page count. Alot of the time it is with pictures that take up alot of space too.

Highlight problem spots - there was one pic I received with 3 pipes & pic just said gas leak. From which spot?  Which pipe? 

I agree with Ronald Gombach comment. I think that would dictate the length. 

I don't care about the actual length of the report.  However, as an agent, I prefer those reports that have a summary page outlining the items that need attention. It's easier to present to sellers that way if buyers have repair requests rather than receiving a 20 or 30 page report and having to wade through it especially when many things are just for information or of cosmetic nature. 

Just send me the facts.

I find the Buyer client and agent is most concerned with the "action items list" which is going to be used to negotiate the home inspection contingency in the contract. I recently had a phone book sized inspection report emailed to me on one of my listings by a Buyer's agent from a franchise inspection firm which was way over kill in my opinion.

I have never checked the number of pages but buyers should receive a detailed report.

As long as all the bases are covered and conditions noted that is good. I have seen some with lengthy explanations on who to correct the problems. Some like that, I am indifferent.

Don't go into a long dissertation with 1000 words when 5 will say the same thing.

Good morning Michael. Not sure there is a one size fits all, if an issue needs to be explained in more depth, that is what needs to be done, otherwise the shorted the better. I can also tell you, it has a lot to do with the perception of the client.

Irregardless of size nice photos with arrows are most helpful especially when the seller disagrees with findings

I prefer a truthful report.

Executive Summary with detail attached

If there's a reason for brevity, great. If there's a reason for a long report, I want it long. 

Ours are generally books.

Michael - It's not the size that matters, but making sure everything that is needed is in the report. However, don't make a mountain out of a mole hill.

Michael,
Put the boilerplate in a separate document and send me just the facts on the subject property. And no opinions please.

Have not had a buyer make a comment as to the length of the report, and think they appreciate all the different aspects included in the report, along with photos.

TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc. depends on the size of the house. However, I'd say anywhere between 2.5-3 hours should be more than sufficient for the home inspection of most homes.

I just want them to do a thorough report for my clients and I don't think that has anything to do with the number of pages. Pages can have photos, large fonts, tons of white space, little fonts, long explanations, etc. Just do what it necessary to convey the information in a manner easy to understand.

I have had 6 hour inspections but I prefer a inspection in the 3 hour variety

Long or short isn't the issue.  It has to be written very, very clearly so the dumbest, stupidest real estate rookie or seller can understand it.  And the format has to be easy to follow. 

• What's the problem?
• How do you fix it?
• About how much should it cost to fix it?

Seriously Michael,  What a leading question.  It needs to be as long as necessary to get the job done well/correctly.

I do not really care for the length since some inspectors add some junk general staff with  explanations, suggestions, etc. I like clear reports with color sections of different importance issues of the property condition. 

size matters, but not with inspection reports....

My wife has always reminded me that size doesn't matter.

I usually get a full report and a summary report. Length varies depending on size and condition of house.

As long as the inspection is performed in the proper manner I don't care what the length is

I don't mind if they're long as long as they're accurate.  

Quality and truth. 

It needs to cover the relevant findins and include photo. No specific length but if there are no details I would wonder about the thoroughness

As long as the discrepancies are separated in there own section it does not matter to me.

Our inspection reports are standardized from the state of Texas..all the same. Some inspectors over do their findings but most take pictures and detail out findings.

Long before there were official inspectors, we all hit the obvious points like roofing, electrical plumbing etc. and of course what we could see. Making this more thorough is good. Dragging it out is not

The worst is canned rules and statement. The inspector is not an expert of this or well versed in that. I can not get inside the holes because I am over sized for an inspector. 

If so true what are you well versed in? 

The Reports that we see can be from 35 to 75 pages, depending on who is doing the Home Inspection, though the Termit Inspection and the Roof Inspection Reports are considerably shorter.  On the Home Inspection, since 'pictures' are included, I'm sure that upps the number of pages, TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc. 

I am more concerned with the content than the length.

It's the quality of the report findings and the inspector that matter.  I imagine the size of the property might have an influence.  

I generally just search out the summary page first. If I need further education on the deficiencies, then the specific element page at any length is fine as long as the issue is properly diagnosed.