First Steps of a Home Inspection
The home inspection is one of the first steps after your offer has been accepted (buyer inspection) or before you list your home (seller inspection). Once you’ve entered into the option period, you will need to schedule the home inspection. Many options periods have tight windows, so we recommend scheduling your appointment as soon as possible to provide ample time to review your inspection report and any follow-up items that may be required.
This can be an exciting but also hectic time for you and your family, and many questions may arise:
Why is a Home Inspection Important?
- Home inspectors work for you! We are an objective third-party, and our job is to provide you with an unbiased understanding of your new purchase.
- A home inspection will provide you with an in-depth understanding of your home and identify existing deficiencies or safety issues that may exist.
What Happens During the Inspection?
During the home inspection, we will objectively inspect and evaluate the major systems of your home.
The home inspection will usually last 2 to 3 hours, depending on the inspection findings. Additional time might be required for older homes, larger homes and when additional services are requested (pool, irrigation, sprinklers, septic or water well). There is no time cut off and our home inspectors will spend the amount of time necessary to properly inspect your home.
It is recommended that you and your Realtor be present for the inspection. You are welcome to accompany us on the entire inspection or we can perform a verbal walk-through at the end of the appointment. If you plan to attend for the summary at the end of the inspection, check with your inspector as to suggested arrival times (usually about 1.5 hours after start time).
What Can I Expect After the Home Inspection?
There is a lot of information to understand about your home, whether you are buying a new home or a fixer-upper. Our home inspectors will guide you through the findings to ensure you have a comfort level about the condition of your purchase.
After every inspection, our licensed home inspectors will provide you with an emailed report of their findings. The report will provide a detailed explanation of the inspection deficiencies. Photos will be included for reference where appropriate. Reports are completed and emailed same-day!
If you are unable to attend the inspection or have additional follow-up questions once you’ve reviewed your report, our home inspectors are available via phone or email to help you understand the findings.
Your Careful Home Inspection will be extremely valuable for your final negotiations, your personal understanding of your home or as a source of information for future maintenance and upkeep. We look forward to being of service.