Inspection day

Inspection day is here! The excitement has been building, and you hope there are no significant problems found during inspection. You are not alone.
 
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let us help set expectations before inspection day

A long path has been traversed to get to inspection day. It may feel like this is the final hurdle to jump before making the big decision to purchase. The seller, agents, lenders, and everyone else participating in this sale are all hoping for the best. Most of all, your home inspector. It is important, however, to hold appropriate expectations about homes before the day of inspection. So, below are expectations to consider before the inspection:

  • Most times inspectors find minor problems, which are easily solved but no home is free from defects. Not even brand new homes.

  • Builders have learned to improve homes, so older homes will have problems that newer homes may not. For example, leaky windows.

  • Inspectors are not miracle workers, and we can miss things, too. For example, behind couches or dressers, or blocked closets.

  • The state of a home changes from day to day and occupant to occupant. So, on inspection day we may not find a defect that appears later when it rains.

  • Your agent’s job is to help, so use them as a valuable resource to solve problems that arise. Keep calm and and don’t kill a deal over small problems or disagreements. It’s probably best to help your agent negotiate with the other party, and enjoy your new home!

So, now that we’ve set expectation before the big day, what should you expect on the day of inspection?

what to expect on inspection day

We will…

  • Be early and start right away by evaluating the grounds, exterior, and roof.

  • Warmly greet you (it will probably be the first time we meet in person)

  • Encourage you to join us on the inspection, if you wish

  • Work for you — our client, which means keeping your interests in mind

  • Use everyday language, not lingo or specialized jargon

  • Act and communicate responsibly and professionally with high ethical standards

  • Answer questions respectfully with no racial, ethnic or sexist undertones

  • Start broad, and progressively move into detail

  • Be efficient about time, it will take approximately 2-3 hours

  • Be detailed-oriented

  • Attempt to report on all deficiencies according to our standards of practice.

  • Bring to your attention significant issues right away

  • Take a lot of pictures

  • Inspect over 500 components of the home

  • Record all the notes, so you don’t need to remember anything

  • Show a visual and photo-based summary before departing

  • Send a complete and professional report within 24 hours

  • Work with your agent to communicate information, if you wish

  • Perform additional radon, water quality, and septic system testing, if requested

We hope this simple guide helps alleviate some anxiety. We are excited to help you meet your goals! See you soon!