When scheduling a home inspection, our client care representatives are frequently asked, “Should I attend my home inspection?”
At HomePro Inspections, our answer is always “yes!” We always recommend to our clients and realtors that they attend their home inspection. We want our clients to engage with their home inspector, see what the inspector is inspecting, and learn about the condition of their new home.
Your biggest investment
Buying a new home is a big investment, and for most people, it is likely the largest investment they’ll make in their lives. Regardless of the market, you should always insist on a home inspection, and you should attend the home inspection. It is essential that you know the condition of the home you are investing in.
The inspection process
The inspectors at HomePro Inspections are certified through the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors® (InterNACHI) and strictly follow their stringent Standards of Practice (SOP). During the home inspection, our home inspectors follow a comprehensive process to check and address all systems and parts of your home, from the foundation to the roof.
Their job is to provide you with an unbiased opinion of the general condition of your new home. This opinion includes both the good points and any problems that need to be fixed.
Findings of the Home Inspection
As the home inspector works through your home inspection, they will explain what they are doing and discuss any defects or positive attributes of your new home. This is an opportunity to get firsthand answers to any questions you may have.
If you cannot be there for the full home inspection, your home inspector will perform a summary walk-through with you, pointing out the highlights and concerns of their findings at the end of the home inspection. If you cannot attend at all, you can request a follow-up call with your home inspector after you have reviewed your report.
Our findings are documented on our handheld devices throughout the course of the inspection. This allows your home inspector to complete the final report efficiently and get it to you via email, typically within a few hours after the completion of your home inspection. We want you to have the report as soon as possible, while the home inspection is still fresh in your mind.
Firsthand is always best
Being present for your home inspection allows you to see firsthand any concerns your home inspector may discover. All concerns are documented, and pictures are provided in your home inspection report. Being there for the inspection allows you to interact with your home inspector as well as ask questions to help you better understand your new home.
We understand that buying a new home is exciting, and clients may want to bring both sets of parents, contractor friends, children, or a trusted family member to the home inspection. We recommend, however, that only the primary homebuyers attend the home inspection. This lets you and the home inspector look at the results and talk about them in a focused way.
Experience has shown us that the more people there are at a home inspection, the greater the risk of distractions and interruptions. The home inspection process requires the full attention of the home inspector, and the buyer needs to make every effort to understand what the inspector is trying to communicate to them regarding the condition of their new home.
Learning how to operate your new home
As you proceed through the home inspection, your home inspector will share maintenance guidance with you. In addition, we show you where all of your main shutoffs are. We also tag these valves with their appropriate names to help you find them in the case of an emergency. It is important to know how to shut off water and gas valves as well as where the main electrical disconnect is located in the event of an emergency. Your home inspector will show you where your furnace filter is located, as well as thermostats, garage door controls, and any other unique aspects of your home. Of course, any questions you may have can be answered as you work through the inspection process.
Summary
Buying a new home can be a stressful yet exciting experience for most people, especially first-time home buyers. Knowing the condition of your new home will help relieve that stress and give you peace of mind. You will have the information you need to know whether you made a wise decision in the purchase of your new home.
At HomePro Inspections, our home inspectors are trained to inspect and share the information found during your home inspection. Any issues they find are documented in your home inspection report and recommended for resolution by a qualified professional.
Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or utilize our online “Schedule Now” feature to set up an appointment.