You’ve found the house, and the inspection is scheduled. Now you may be wondering “What should I do during the home inspection?”
As you know, the purpose of a home inspection is to provide an assessment of the current condition of the property. Your inspector will take many pictures during the inspection which will be in the final report. It’s not necessary, but it’s much easier to understand the report if you can be there during the inspection.
Remember, you decide if the home passes or fails the inspection. Attending the inspection helps you with that decision.
Pictures Can’t Show Everything
The trouble with pictures is that they are one dimensional. Sometimes the subject of those pictures is not very well lit or easy to see. As you can see below, it’s difficult to capture things like water running down a wall in a picture.
If you can be at the inspection the inspector can point out problems to you. You can see first-hand exactly what the inspector will describe in the report. I know I like it when the buyer attends my inspections.
Get Maintenance Tips
The inspector can also give you tips on maintenance of certain items. Or point out things like incorrect filter sizes in a furnace. Typically, nothing major, just things a new owner should be aware of to correct once they are in the home.
The inspector can point out things that are not currently a problem but could become one if not addressed in a timely manner, such as vegetation growing up an exterior wall.
No Way!
It could also help with the incredulity factor. You may not believe there is a six-foot wide bird’s nest in the attic, but if you see it, you certainly will! (Yes, I have seen one that big in the attic of a home!)
What’s a Good Time for You?
When scheduling the inspection, you can ask the inspector approximately how long it will take. A typical home inspection takes two to three hours. If the home is large or very old, it could take longer. Some inspectors may work in the evening or weekends which might make it easier for you to attend. It never hurts to ask if they inspection can be done at a time that works well for you.
What to Wear
If you do decide to attend the inspection, don’t wear your good clothes. I always wear jeans and a white long-sleeved shirt. The jeans and long sleeves are to protect me when crawling in basements, crawl spaces and attics. I wear a white shirt, so I get good and dirty. It makes the buyer feel like they got their money’s worth!
Areas around the house plus, basements and crawl spaces can be wet, and it’s a good idea to have a pair of boots to wear in those areas. You can change back to regular shoes when you go through the rest of the house.
Look at the Attic and the Roof
Be ready to climb a ladder. If you are going to see what’s in the attic, and I recommend you do, you’ll most likely be climbing a ladder to get in there. Also, if you want to see the roof, you’ll need to climb up a ladder for that as well. You don’t have to actually go on the roof or in the attic, just get to the point where you can see them. (Although I’ve never had clients do this, I do encourage it.)
Rain? Perfect!
No, it’s not fun to do an inspection in the rain, but I consider it a bonus. It allows me to see first-hand if there are any leaks or drainage issues. If it’s raining, bring your rain gear!
A Lot to Be Learned
There’s a lot you can learn by participating in the home inspection. It will help give you a better understanding of the report and make you an informed home buyer.
Do You Know Where to Look for Potential Problems?
By knowing where potential problems lurk, you can do your own home pre-inspection and avoid making offers on a home with problems. This will save you both time and money during your home search. When you think you have found the right home, that’s the time to make your offer and schedule a professional home inspection.
Not sure what problems to look for? Our free list of common problems found during home inspections is a great place to start.
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Asphalt Shingle Roofs
When considering a house to purchase, always ask, “When was the roof last replaced?” A typical asphalt shingle roof lasts 15 to 20 years. Don’t let the fact that the owner says they used shingles that are guaranteed to last 40 years influence you.
You Need to Be Prepared in a Competitive Housing Market
Headlines are screaming “It’s a competitive housing market!” What does that mean for you? How does it effect your search for a house?
What’s Needed to Pass a Home Inspection?
You’ve decided to have the home you put a contract on inspected. Now, you may be wondering, “What is needed to pass a home inspection?”
What’s Included in a Home Inspection?
As we established previously, a home inspection is simply to provide an assessment of the current condition of the property. There are numerous components of a house, not all of which are visible. But a good home inspector knows where to look to find clues which will assist in the final assessment. The following is a brief overview of what’s included in a home inspection.
Is a Home Inspection Necessary Before Buying a House?
Let’s face it. Buying a home is, most likely, the largest expense you will ever make in your life. This should be the time you want to make the best possible decision and the only way you can do that is to make an informed decision. The best way to make an informed decision is to have the home you wish to purchase inspected by a professional.