Tips for Home Inspections
Very Important: If you have any prior concerns about the house, please feel free to call or email me and give me a "heads-up" before the inspection.
1. Visual Inspection
The first phase is a visual examination of the various systems and components. This lasts 2 to 3.5 hours, and I like to focus maximum concentration on every aspect of the home in order to perform a thorough inspection and be able to write a comprehensive report. This is not a good time for us to begin our discussion about the house because I am trying to gain as much information as I can on your behalf. I recommend clients do not plan to "walk along" with me during this first phase. If first-time buyers can't resist, however, OK, come along! (But NOT on the roof. Most clients don't like the crawl space.)
2. Client Orientation
During this phase, we can view and discuss pictures I've taken or discuss the issues that I have discovered, and I will answer more questions. This usually takes 1/2 hour. This can be fun, but I have to be cognizant of the time.
3. Written Report
The final phase usually takes me another 2 to 3 hours. The report comes to you and your Realtor in color and with pictures, right to your computer, and is usually e-mailed to you within 24 hours of the inspection.
Also Very Important: May I recommend that as you read through the Sample Inspection Report that you pay close attention to Part II of the Standard Residential Inspection Agreement, which specifies the exact areas that are included in a home inspection, as per the CREIA (California Real Estate Inspection Association) Standards of Practice, Part III, Line 16.
I trust these tips for home inspections will help you understand the inspection process and I look forward to working with you soon. Please know that I appreciate your business.