Home Buyers / Sellers Home Inspection Checklist

It is a good idea for the buyer to arrange the time based on his/her schedule. This is so the home buyer can be present during the inspection.

The following information is helpful when it comes to making your inspection appointment: foundation type (i.e. crawlspace, slab, or full basement); age of house; price range of the house; approximate size (square footage or bedroom/bathroom count; address and directions to the property.

Contact the home inspector a minimum of 24-48 hours prior to the inspection if cancellation or schedule changes are needed.

Most home inspectors prepare there home inspection offsite. This it to ensure that the report is not rushed and all the information can be relayed accurately. Be prepared for the inspector to ask your email address for the report to be delivered.

If you want copies of the home inspection report sent to realtors or home builders or certain contractors, let them know!

Home inspections are not environmental inspections so discuss any special concerns before the inspection with the home inspector’s office to get prices and recommendations for additional testing if desired.

Home inspections are general inspections therefore if the house has unusual equipment or detached systems these may need separate inspections requested. Examples of items not included in a standard inspection: pool/spa; generator; septic tank; elevator; under ground sewer pipes.

Most homes require approximately two hours to inspect. Sometimes this number comes down if it is a new smaller house and sometimes this number goes up if it is older or bigger. Be prepared for approximately two hours of inspection time.

Though not critical, we always recommend attending the home inspection if you can. This allows you to walk the property with the home inspector and get a good feel for what he is looking at and why.

Home inspections are one of the few expenses in the real estate transaction that are paid outside of closing. The home inspector will expect to be paid at the time of the inspection. This is to ensure we have no interest in closing and keeps us third party.