You are under contract and just booked your home inspection!
Now what?
Make sure you are prepared for inspection day by following these tips.
Better to be safe than sorry
Most buyers only book a standard home inspection when they should be adding additional inspection services.
Ask your home inspector if they offer add-on inspection services that keep you safe:
- Radon testing
- Mold testing
- Termite/WDI inspections
- Thermal/infrared to detect leaks
Refresh on the basics
Know what the most common home inspection findings are so you are not surprised when your home has a loose toilet or smoke alarms missing.
Remember that a home inspection is a visual, non-comprehensive evaluation of the home. It will not catch everything and you may need to hire specialists for further evaluation of major systems like HVAC, electrical or plumbing.
Home inspections are also not pass/fail or code inspections.
Inspection etiquette
Ask your inspector the best way for you to ask questions. Most inspectors prefer you to show up for the final walk-through and summary.
Refrain from bringing extended family or friends to the inspection. This takes the inspector’s focus away from doing their best job if they are getting questions from all angles.
Also remember that you still do not technically own the home. This means that you or the inspector should not be moving furniture, touching personal belongings, or otherwise doing things you would not want a stranger doing in your home.
