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Annelle Tubb (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.)

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Rainmaker
90,543
Debra Peters
Referral Realty - Manorville, NY
NY Real Estate Salesperson

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.

Jan 26, 2015 04:14 AM
Rainmaker
2,817,671
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

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.
 
I hope that made sense.
Jan 26, 2015 07:46 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

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.

Jan 26, 2015 05:45 AM
Rainmaker
630,251
Ajay Pandya
e-Merge Real Estate Unlimited - Columbus, OH
Realtor Ajay Pandya

FYI, it is.

Jan 24, 2018 10:33 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

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.

Jan 26, 2015 08:34 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

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

Jan 26, 2015 06:06 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

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.

Jan 26, 2015 05:00 AM
Ambassador
6,393,404
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Sounds like an opinion to me, something that every buyer will need do decide for themselves.

Sep 20, 2019 06:44 PM
Rainer
279,878
Dipti Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
On a team with Praful Thakkar

FYI.

Jun 05, 2018 10:33 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

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?

Nov 20, 2016 07:58 AM
Rainmaker
15,290
Matt Holder
Director of Product | Trulia - San Francisco, CA

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.

Jan 26, 2015 03:19 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Annelle Tubb I'd say, it's just an FYI - if the seller has reflected that in the price or disclosed.

Jan 26, 2015 12:30 PM
Rainmaker
2,817,671
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

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.

Jan 26, 2015 11:25 AM
Rainer
18,092
Annelle Tubb
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN

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!

 




Jan 26, 2015 08:43 AM
Rainmaker
927,795
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

I would put in the MLS remarks under an addendum, but I am not a realtor.

Jan 26, 2015 08:04 AM
Rainer
18,092
Annelle Tubb
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN

@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

Jan 26, 2015 08:00 AM
Rainer
18,092
Annelle Tubb
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN

But, Jeff Pearl  you, as a realtor want that listed in the Home Inspectors report?

Jan 26, 2015 05:54 AM
Rainer
18,092
Annelle Tubb
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN

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.

Jan 26, 2015 05:50 AM