How long will the inspection take?

The inspection time will vary based on the age, size, and condition of the property. A typical four bedroom, two and one half bathroom colonial style home will take approximately two and one half to three hours to inspect.

Do I need to be at the inspection?

No, if you are represented by a realtor, they will typically arrange access to your home. If you need to be at home to provide access to the house, we recommend that you try to keep a distance from the inspection process. When the homeowner needs to be at home, it seems to work best when the homeowner occupies their time with at small project or correspondence in a den or home office or weather permitting some gardening outside. Home buyers will typically feel more comfortable if the homeowner is not present which usually equates to a smoother inspection and less stressful real estate transaction.

What should I expect to happen during the inspection?

A home inspection is primarily a visual inspection of the property. The inspector will also operate any mechanical systems included with the house. The inspector will use normal operating controls, such as, the ‘thermostat’ to turn on the furnace or the ‘start button’ to turn on the dishwasher. The inspector will also need to enter any attic spaces or crawlspaces below the house.

How can I help insure a smooth inspection?

The homeowner can assist in the inspection process in three ways. First, a homeowner questionnaire will be mailed to you prior to the inspection. Completing the form and leaving it on the kitchen counter prior to the inspection will assist the inspector and help insure a more accurate report on the condition of the property. Second, prior to the start of the inspection, you should notify the inspector of any appliances that are not operational or should not be operated. Finally, insure that the inspector has access to all areas of the house. Even if you have never been in the attic or crawlspace, it is important for the inspector to enter and inspect these areas. Storage in closets and blocked or bolted access panels will impede the inspection and may result in additional visits to you home and unwelcome delays in the closing process. Also, the inspector will need access to the water meter, gas meter, and any electrical panels (i.e. fuse or breaker panels). The inspector will need to remove the front cover from the electrical panel, not just open the cover door. So if the panel cover is blocked, removing any obstruction prior to the inspection is important. When preparing to sell your home, it is common to move personal items and collectibles into the basement or garage. Unfortunately, this storage typically blocks access to areas or components of the house that must be inspected. Be sure to leave two to three feet of access around the perimeter of the room or any equipment to allow the inspection to be completed.

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