Your Inspection is Booked. Here is How to Prepare.
Congratulations! You have officially scheduled your home inspection. This is a major milestone in your home-buying journey.
Now that the appointment is set, you probably have questions: Should I be there? How long will it take? What do I need to do?
This guide is designed to help you get the most value out of our time together and ensure the inspection runs smoothly.
1. The Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
Quality takes time. We do not rush. For a standard single-family home (approx. 2,000 sq. ft.), expect the on-site inspection to take 3 to 4 hours.
Condos: 2-3 hours.
Larger/Older Homes: 4+ hours.
2. Should I Attend the Inspection?
Yes, absolutely. Transparency is key to our process. However, for the most efficient experience, we recommend one of the following approaches:
Option A: The "Wrap-Up"
Inspecting a home requires intense concentration. I need to be "in the zone" to spot subtle signs of water intrusion, electrical hazards, or structural shifts. Analyzing data without distraction allows me to do my best work for you.
Arrive for the last 30-45 minutes of the scheduled slot. By this time, I will have finished the heavy lifting and data gathering. I can then dedicate 100% of my attention to walking you through the home, showing you the findings, and answering all your questions without distraction.Option B: The "Full Duration"
If you prefer to be present for the entire 3-4 hours, you are welcome to do so. We just ask for one courtesy: please act as a "silent observer" during the testing process. To ensure I don't miss any critical defects, I need to maintain deep focus while inspecting systems. Please write down any questions you have as we go, and save them for the final walkthrough. This ensures you get my best work and all your answers.
3. Critical Checklist: Is the Home Ready?
Note: Since you are likely the buyer, you don't control the home yet. Please forward this list to your Real Estate Agent to ensure the Seller has the home ready.
If we arrive and cannot access certain areas, we may have to charge a "Return Trip Fee" to come back later. To avoid this, please ensure:
✅ All Utilities are ON: We cannot inspect the plumbing if the water is off, or check outlets if the power is cut. Water, gas, and electricity must be active.
✅ Pilot Lights are Lit: Inspectors are generally not allowed to light gas pilot lights (water heater, furnace, fireplace) for liability reasons.
✅ Clear Access: Please ensure the Seller has unlocked gates and cleared personal items away from:
The Electrical Panel
The Water Heater & Furnace
The Attic Hatch
The Crawlspace Access
✅ Pets Secured: We love dogs, but for their safety and ours, they should be crated or removed from the property.
4. What Happens During the Inspection?
We inspect hundreds of components, following the Standards of Practice.
Exterior: Roof, siding, drainage, decks.
Structure: Foundation, crawlspace, attic.
Systems: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, water heater.
Interior: Windows, doors, walls, built-in appliances.
Note: A home inspection is a non-invasive visual examination. We do not cut open walls or move heavy furniture.
5. The Report: When Do I Get It?
You don't need to take frantic notes during our walkthrough. You will receive a comprehensive, digital report via email within 24 hours (often the same evening).
Visuals: Our reports are photo-heavy.
Clarity: Issues are color-coded (Maintenance Item vs. Safety Hazard).
Actionable: You can use our "Repair Request Builder" tool to copy-paste items directly to your agent for negotiations.
6. A Final Word on "Defects"
Here is a secret: Every home has defects. Even brand-new construction. Finding issues does not mean it is a "bad" house; it just means it is a house.
My job isn't to tell you whether to buy the home or not. My job is to give you the iQ - the Intelligent Quality information - so you can make that decision with your eyes wide open.
We look forward to seeing you at the inspection!