Preparing for Your Home Inspection

You’re under contract and just booked your home inspection. Now what?

Inspection day is an important part of the home buying process, and a little preparation can help you make the most of it. Before your appointment, take time to understand what your inspection includes, what additional services may be helpful, and how to use the inspection window wisely.

Better to Be Safe Than Sorry

Most buyers book a standard home inspection, but many homes can benefit from additional inspection services. These add on services can provide a closer look at specific areas of concern and help you make a more informed decision before closing.

We offer the following licensed and certified inspection services:

• Radon testing
• Air quality testing
• Mold testing
• Termite/pest inspections
• Sewer scope inspections

Refresh on the Basics

Most homes have deficiencies of some kind. Common inspection findings may include loose toilets, missing smoke alarms, improper grading, aging mechanical systems, and other routine maintenance concerns. Finding issues is the purpose of the inspection and does not automatically mean the home is a bad purchase.

It is also important to understand that a home inspection is a visual, non comprehensive evaluation of the home. It will not catch everything, and you may need to hire specialists for further evaluation of major systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roofing, or structural components.

Home inspections are not pass or fail inspections, and they are not code inspections. The goal is to help you better understand the condition of the home before moving forward.

Inspection Etiquette

Use the inspection window wisely. While I am conducting the inspection, you will typically have 2 to 3 hours to walk through the home at your own pace. This is a great opportunity to take measurements, open closets, check storage spaces, and get a better feel for the home in a way you may not have been able to during the showing.

Take notes on anything you would like to discuss, and we will go through everything together at the end of the inspection.

Please limit attendance to yourself and your agent. Bringing extended family or friends can divide my attention and take focus away from the inspection itself.

Also remember that you still do not technically own the home. This means that neither you nor the inspector should move furniture, touch personal belongings, or do anything you would not want a stranger doing in your own home.

Please contact us if you have any additional questions.