What should home inspectors report about coatings?

The appropriate practice for home inspectors regarding coatings is to report on them mainly when they significantly fail to perform. This means that if the coatings are functioning as intended—providing protection and keeping moisture out, for example—there's no need for the inspector to mention minor details about their color, appearance, or small imperfections.

Home inspectors focus on conditions that may affect the safety, functionality, or longevity of components in a home. Reporting only significant failures avoids overwhelming the report with minor details that do not impact the home’s overall condition. Thus, a thoughtful assessment of coatings should prioritize any notable deficiencies that could lead to larger problems, while minor scratches or aesthetic issues typically do not warrant attention unless they compromise performance.

In contrast, reporting their color and appearance, and documenting every scratch or imperfection would lead to overly extensive reports that may not provide value to the client. Similarly, disregard for coatings altogether would overlook potential issues that could arise from their performance. Therefore, focusing on significant failures ensures that the home inspector’s report remains clear, concise, and useful for the homeowner or potential buyer.