Step 15 - Attending the Home Inspection

Attending the Home Inspection

Attending the home inspection is a crucial step in the home-buying process, as it gives you a firsthand look at the condition of the property you're considering. We strongly believe that buyers should always be present at the home inspection. Worse case, you should at least attend the last hour of the inspection so the inspector has time to review the findings with you in person and can walk you around the house and explain things to you. 

Here are some tips to make the most of the home inspection experience:

1. Prepare for the home inspection to last 2-3 hours. 
2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get a bit dirty, as you might want to crawl into the basement or check out the attic for any issues.
3. Remember that the inspector can only see obvious defects and can't see what's going on inside the walls with plumbing, electrical, etc. So, having a clean inspection report doesn't guarantee a problem-free home.
4. Don't hesitate to ask questions of the inspector, especially if there's something you don't understand. It's important to grasp each issue and its significance.
5. Consider bringing a tape measure to take room measurements and feel free to bring along family and friends for their input. The next time you most likely visit and walk through the home again will be at the final walk-through (which is often the evening before or an hour before the scheduled closing time).
6. If you're planning on having work done to the home, it's a good idea to arrange for contractors (i.e. carpet installer, painter, etc) to come by during the inspection to give you estimates.
7. Bring your checkbook as most inspectors require payment at the end of the inspection.
8. Once you receive the inspection report, be sure to email it to us. A copy is most often forwarded to the Seller along with your request for repairs. 

Remember, the goal of the inspection is to uncover safety issues, structural issues, and needed repairs to the working components. It's not about nitpicking cosmetic flaws, like paint colors or minor dents. Unless you're buying new construction, no home is going to be perfect, and our main concern is safety and functionality.

Before the inspection, be sure to download and bring the checklist  we provided. During the inspection, your job is to check off each item on the list, and you may also want to measure for furniture placement and take photos of the property for future reference.

If you have any questions about your upcoming inspection or need further guidance, feel free to send us an email anytime. We're here to help you through this exciting process!

Let me know if there's anything else you need assistance with!