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Day-of-Inspection Preparation Guide

What to do, bring, and ask on inspection day — whether you are buying or selling.

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Buyer tip: The inspection is one of your most important steps in the purchase process. You are paying for expert eyes — take full advantage by attending, asking questions, and reading every page of the report before making any decisions.

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Before Inspection Day

  • -Block 2–4 hours on your calendar. Larger homes or homes built before 1980 often run longer.
  • -Plan to arrive for the last 60–90 minutes only — let the inspector work without an audience for the bulk of the inspection.
  • -Bring: notepad, your phone (for photos), and any questions you already have about the property.
  • -Read the seller's disclosure document before you arrive — note anything the seller disclosed so you can ask the inspector specifically about those items.
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During the Inspection — What to Do

  • -Arrive near the end, when the inspector is ready to walk through findings. Ask your agent when to show up.
  • -Ask questions freely. Good inspectors expect it — ask about anything they point out.
  • -For every finding, ask: "How serious is this?"
  • -Ask: "What would you do about this if it were your house?"
  • -Ask: "What are the 3 most important things I should know about this property?"
  • -Take photos of anything the inspector points out — you will forget details by the time you review the report.
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During the Inspection — What NOT to Do

  • xDo not follow the inspector from room to room at the start — it slows them down and creates distractions.
  • xDo not bring children or pets to the inspection.
  • xDo not make purchasing decisions on the spot — review the full written report first before reacting.
  • xDo not ask the inspector whether you should buy the home — that is not their role. They report findings; you make decisions.
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After the Inspection

  • -Expect the written report within 24 hours. Most inspectors deliver same-day or next morning.
  • -Read every page of the report — do not rely only on the summary section. Details matter.
  • -Call your inspector with questions before you submit any repair requests to the seller. Most include a follow-up call in their fee.
  • -For any major finding (structural, roof, electrical), get contractor quotes before negotiating — dollar amounts carry more weight than item lists.

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Home Inspection ChecklistWhat Does a Home Inspector Check?

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