How long does a home inspection take?

A typical inspection should take 2 to 3 hours to complete. This can vary, given the current condition and size of the home, the accessibility of mechanical systems, and so on. As a courtesy to sellers, we recommend that they be informed of the timeframe in a pre-purchase home inspection situation.

What do you look at?

We inspect the major systems of the house. These include the Roof, Exterior, Structure, Electrical, Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Insulation, and Interior. Our goal is to identify any existing major problems that would affect a typical buyer's decision to purchase.

Can I follow along?

Definitely. We encourage you to attend. The inspection is a valuable learning experience for most homebuyers.

Do I have to take notes?

You don't have to take notes during the inspection. We will document everything in a written report. It's much better to follow the inspector through, listening to his comments to make sure you understand. It's also a great opportunity to ask questions and to clarify anything that confuses you.

Can I ask questions?

Absolutely! You may want to bring some questions that you have regarding the home. You should also feel free to stop the inspector and ask questions as you go. If the inspector's comments or explanations are not clear, please ask for further explanation.

What should I wear?

You should dress comfortably and be prepared to spend roughly 2 1/2 hours walking through the home with the inspector. You won't have to climb on the roof or go into the attic, so your clothes won't get dirty.

Can I bring my family?

We recommend that you not bring your family; this is a technical evaluation, and you should focus on the inspector's comments - the fewer distractions, the better.

Do I get a written report? When?

You do receive a written electronic report with pictures. It would be unfair to ask you to remember all of the things we cover during a home inspection. The report includes a summary of the condition of the home and details on all the major systems of the home. It is delivered through email within the same day as inspection.

If it's really bad, will you tell us not to buy the house?

No. Our goal is to report on the condition of the house, indicating potential repairs and or further evaluation. Ultimately, it is your decision as to whether or not you buy the house. The home inspection is very important but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Only you know all of the factors at play.