How do I read a home inspection report?

Start by looking at the summary section, which lists the most critical findings. Focus on safety hazards first (electrical, structural, water intrusion), then major system issues (roof, HVAC, plumbing), and finally maintenance items. Viorly can analyze your report automatically and prioritize findings for you — just upload the PDF.

What are red flags in a home inspection?

Common red flags include moisture intrusion and water damage (especially in crawl spaces and basements), aging or damaged sewer lines (pre-1970s homes often have clay or Orangeburg pipes), foundation settling or cracks, roof deterioration, outdated electrical panels (like Federal Pacific or Zinsco), and signs of pest damage. Which issues matter most varies by region and climate — Viorly's analysis accounts for both.

How much do home inspection repairs cost?

Repair costs vary widely by issue and by region. Typical national ranges: roof replacement ($8,000–$25,000), sewer line replacement ($5,000–$15,000), foundation repair ($3,000–$15,000), HVAC replacement ($5,000–$12,000), electrical panel upgrade ($1,500–$4,000). Viorly provides cost estimates localized to your home's area when you upload your inspection report.

What is a home inspection report analysis tool?

A home inspection report analysis tool uses AI to read your inspection report PDF and extract the key findings, prioritize them by severity, and estimate repair costs. Viorly is a free analysis tool for home buyers anywhere in the U.S. — it turns your complex inspection report into a clear action plan with local repair costs and vetted contractor recommendations for your area.

Is Viorly free to use?

Yes, Viorly is completely free. You can upload your home inspection report and get a full analysis — including prioritized findings, repair cost estimates, and a maintenance calendar — without creating an account or paying anything.

How do I negotiate repairs after a home inspection?

After receiving your inspection report, identify the most significant issues (safety hazards, major system failures, expensive repairs) and request that the seller either fix them before closing, provide a credit toward closing costs, or reduce the purchase price. Focus on items that are genuine defects rather than cosmetic preferences. Having clear repair cost estimates strengthens your negotiating position.

How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?

Once a year for most households, twice if you dry a lot of towels and bedding or have pets.

What are the signs it is clogged?

Longer drying times, a hot dryer cabinet, a burning smell, lint around the outside flap, or a flap that does not open when the dryer runs.

Can I use a leaf blower?

People do, but it packs lint into bends instead of pulling it out. A rotating brush kit is the right tool.

What does dryer vent cleaning cost, and can I do it myself?

A lint-packed dryer vent is a fire risk and a slow dryer. Most straight runs are a one-hour job with a brush kit; long or hidden runs are worth a pro.

Hire a pro

$150 to $400

Typical national range, done by a handyman or the relevant trade.

Do it yourself

$20 to $40

Parts only, moderate difficulty, about 30 to 60 minutes. Tools: drill, dryer vent brush kit.

Do I need a pro?

Sometimes yourself, sometimes a pro

If the vent is a short, straight run to an outside wall you can reach, a brush kit from the hardware store and a drill do the job in under an hour. If the run goes through the roof, is longer than about 25 feet, has several bends, or you cannot find where it exits, hire it out. A pro also checks the connection behind the dryer, which is where most lint builds up.

Why it costs what it costs

Pro pricing is mostly travel and time; a long or roof-exit vent takes longer and costs more.
Some companies bundle a vent cleaning with a dryer inspection or duct cleaning. You only need the vent.

When to stop and call someone

Clothes take more than one cycle to dry, or the dryer top feels hot.
The vent exits through the roof or you cannot locate the exit.
The vent is flexible foil or plastic: have it replaced with rigid metal while they are there.

What would it cost at your house?

Ranges are national. The advisor knows your home's age, systems and region, and it's free: ask your first question with no account, then sign in free to ask as many as you like.

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Questions people ask

How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?: Once a year for most households, twice if you dry a lot of towels and bedding or have pets.
What are the signs it is clogged?: Longer drying times, a hot dryer cabinet, a burning smell, lint around the outside flap, or a flap that does not open when the dryer runs.
Can I use a leaf blower?: People do, but it packs lint into bends instead of pulling it out. A rotating brush kit is the right tool.

Published 2026-10-06. Costs from Viorly's repair cost database; the DIY estimate is parts at retail, the pro range is before local labor differences. Lowest listed price is $150.