What to expect on your inspection day?

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As a home buyer, you have probably been in a long journey looking for your dream home and you finally got your offer accepted, congratulations! The inspection of is your only chance to uncover problems that the property may have and potentially negotiate with the seller repairs or credits necessary.

As a seller, you chose the perfect buyer for your home, now you want to know what the inspector will look for so you can be prepared for the visit and make the process goes as smoothly as possible.

All properties have defects! Different people have a different levels of tolerance, some enjoy a “project”, other need a “move-in ready”.

Understanding what you can tolerate

One thing to keep in mind is that all properties have defects (yes, even new construction!). Different people have different levels of tolerance of what needs to be repaired, some enjoy a “project” others need a “move-in ready” property. When buying a house you should understand where in the “repair spectrum” you are comfortable, preferably before your inspection.

Sellers are often surprised when they leaned about the defects the inspector uncovered during the inspection. A Pre-Listing Inspection can avoid this unpleasant surprise and put you ahead of the game knowing what you are willing to repair or negotiate.

Electricity, water, HVAC system and water heater must be turned on; valves must be opened and all the systems of the house should be free and clear for the inspector to access them.

Sellers, prepare for success…

As a seller, you can prepare your house for a successful inspection! Electricity, water, HVAC system and water heater must be turned on, all valves must be opened and all the systems of the house should be free and clear for the inspector to access them. Keep in mind: 1) The inspector will not open closed valves or turn on breakers that in the “off” position 2) If systems are unavailable (AKA: too clutter to access it), the inspector will not inspect them (inspection restriction). Here is a simple list to avoid some common problems:

  • If the home is vacant and the utilities have been shut off, have them reconnected before the inspection day.

  • Leave keys (for instance, for your electrical panel), and label where the inspector can find them.

  • All plumbing valves should be open and the electric water heater should be turned “on” at least two hours before the inspection time.

  • Ensure unobstructed access to the HVAC, water heater, surfaces, attic hatch and anything else that needs inspecting.

  • Stove/ oven should be clear of pots and pans.

  • Turn “on” the pilot lights for fireplaces and furnaces, even in summer, so the inspector can check the heating and other appliances.

  • Clean up key areas in your yard so the inspector can easily access drainage access points, septic tank and crawl space

The inspection may take two to four hours (or more), depending on size and condition of the house

What to expect during the inspection

The inspection may take two to four hours (or more), depending on size and condition of the house. In a typical inspection, the inspector will be looking at:

Exterior

  • Foundation, site grounds, grading, exterior walls, porches, decks, patios, roof system, roof penetrations, eves, soffits, fascia, gutters, downspouts, irrigation system, pool, pool deck, pool enclosure, pool equipment, well water equipment

Interior

  • Floor, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, interior surfaces, electrical system, electrical components, HVAC system, plumbing system, water heater, kitchen, bathrooms, (run all the) appliances, attic, insulation, roof deck, roof anchoring, garage, (operate the) garage door.

Seeing the home inspection process can be much more informative than reading the report on its own. And it can give you some perspective on how major or minor each issue is.

Should buyers attend an inspection?

Why not? We highly recommend buyers to attend to the inspection of their future house.

You’ll have a chance to explore your new home further and ask your inspector questions at the end of the inspection. 

Seeing the home inspection process can be much more informative than reading the report on its own. And it can give you some perspective on how major or minor each issue is.

In the vast majority of the cases we send the inspection report within one hour after the inspection is completed

When do you get the inspection report?

Damngood Inspection will send buyers and their agents the inspection report in the same day of the inspection, in the vast majority of the cases we send the inspection report within one hour after the inspection is completed (depending on the internet connection onsite). Our inspection report will contain picture and videos of the defects found during the inspection and it will also include valuable information about your new home and important maintanance tips. Read your inspection report at your earliest convenience and discuss with your agent the next steps. Feel free to schedule a call with your inspector if you have questions about the inspection. We are here to serve you!