90,543
In my opinion, that's a cosmetic issue. If the floors were caving in, then that's an entirely different story. I suppose it depends on the inspector. Although, if they noted floors needed to be refinished, then I am sure there would be a number of things that would need to be addressed regarding cosmetic problems. The list could go on and on and on. Where would they stop? It was my impression that inspections were for structural issues and anything that may deem the house in need of MAJOR repair. Electrical, plumbing, flooding, etc.
-
Debbie Gartner
White Plains, NY
-
Dawn Durell
-
Denise Delozier, Realt...
Nashville, TN
-
Annelle Tubb
Brentwood, TN
2,817,671
I'm copying and pasting my answer to Michael's question above. His q's was slightly different...asking if it was considered cosmetic like painting.
I would say, generally yes. If they are solid, they can be refinished just as walls can be repainted. (Usually, it is more beneficial financially for the seller to do this before putting their house on the market, but many don't want the inconvenience.
Now, here's the big exception...if they are engineered hardwood and badly scratched, it's very possible that they can't be sanded and refinished, and they need to be replaced. I've seen some buyers get stuck w/ this. (If they are floated, the can NOT be refinished even if wear layer is thick enough...they move during the sanding process...and this is something that many stores (and manufacturers) don't bother to tell the homeowner.)
The thing, though, is that most buyers and agents don't realize this until it's too late. An inspector can help point this out. and, sometimes an agent will involve someone like me before an offer is made to see what can be done w/ the floors.
-----
Now, I'm going to add in one other point...which I think would be important to include...if there are damaged boards that need to be replaced, esp from water damage or pet damage. Most flooring companies can do this when they are refinishing the floors...but that to me is damage vs sanding & refinishing that is needed after normal wear & tear.
-
Matt Holder
San Francisco, CA
-
Annelle Tubb
Brentwood, TN
911,448
Case by case. Hard to say. Might be a few heavy wear areas, but if finish is just worn off, big deal. It's easy enough to stain and finish.
-
Dawn Durell
-
Annelle Tubb
Brentwood, TN
630,251
3,986,258
When ever you questiona a disclosure...disclose it. I would...nothing like a client getting to a home and find an unwanted surprise. You not going to seel it any faster by not letting them know.
-
Annelle Tubb
Brentwood, TN
5,772,575
If I were the buyer, I would want to know that the floors are in need of refinishing. I think it may help someone who has not dealt with hardwood floors. A
-
Annelle Tubb
Brentwood, TN
4,800,082
If it's really bad, I would include it. Though, it would be better if something like a credit would be offered to refinish them.
-
Annelle Tubb
Brentwood, TN
6,393,609
Sounds like an opinion to me, something that every buyer will need do decide for themselves.
279,878
3,988,007
Leave it unaddressed. That is cosmetic and not something the home inspector should be stating. Afterall, they could put rugs or carpet on top. Do you say walls need painting?
15,290
Hi Annelle.
In my experience it's best to disclose any known, material fact about a house's condition, even if it's minor. As a licensed (though not active) broker in California, I always took disclosure very seriously.
I would amend exactly how you disclose this issue. In your example, you've suggested the floors be refinished, which I think is a mistake mostly for the reasons Debbie Gartner mentions in her answer - you have no idea if they can actually be resurfaced. Instead, I would simply say "evidence of damage to floors found in [insert room name]." I would leave it to a contractor hired either by yourself or the buyer to inspect further, suggest the proper course of action, and estimate the cost of repairs. I've found that approach is not only the best way to cover myself but also help fully disclose an issue to potential buyers and save some time at the negotiating table.
4,319,419
Annelle Tubb I'd say, it's just an FYI - if the seller has reflected that in the price or disclosed.
2,817,671
If they need to be replaced, it's not cosmetic...it's a big expense and misleading as the seller listed it as hardwood flooring. This, however is rare if it's solid hardwood.
And, yes, I think an experienced inspector should be able to tell engineered vs. solid hardwood (and if they can't they should learn about it), and an inspector should generally know if the floors need to be replaced or not. I think it's USUALLY very obvious, but of course it's much easier for me to tell.
18,092
William Feela , do you feel ugly hardwood floors or worn carpets are something for the Home Inspector to "disclose"? Seems purely cosmetic to me like fresh paint on dirty wallsor nail holes in the wall that will need to be filled!
927,795
I would put in the MLS remarks under an addendum, but I am not a realtor.
18,092
@Debbie Gartner, should the normal home inspector be expected to know all the different kinds of flooring there are and if they can be refinished or only replaced? And even if it is recommended they be replace because they look bad, would that still be cosmetic instead of danger to the home owner
18,092
But, Jeff Pearl you, as a realtor want that listed in the Home Inspectors report?
18,092
Gabe Sanders, thank you for your thoughts. In the scenario I am thinking about, the floors are only ugly, not dangerous. If it were included in the inspection the buyer may want to be compensated in some way, but if it were not mentioned, the buyer may just think it is something he will have to refinish himself. If a client wants an inspection that lists cosmetic items, it doesn't seem to me that is the job of a licensed home inspector. I guess a buyer can ask for new carpets or hardwood flooring, but again that is up to the seller as to how they want to handle that. The inspector wouldn't be responsible for compensating the client in any case, that would be the sellers loss.