Crawlspaces can be dirty, wet, and tight – some home inspectors may not be willing to crawl into such a small space. Here are a few reasons your home inspector should be going into your crawlspace:

Moisture and Mold: Crawl spaces are prone to moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth and wood rot. Your inspector should assess moisture levels and look for signs of mold, mildew, or water damage.

Pest Infestation: Crawl spaces can attract pests such as termite, rodents, or insects. Your inspector should be examining for evidence of pest infestation that could impact the home integrity or pose a health risk.

Structural Integrity: Crawl spaces often reveal the foundation and structural elements of a home. Your inspector should be checking for signs of damage, moisture issues, or structural deficiencies that could affect the stability of the home.

Insulation and Ventilation: Proper insulation and ventilation in the crawl space are crucial for energy efficiency and preventing issues like mold growth. Your inspector should be checking if insulation is adequate and if ventilation systems are functioning properly.

Plumbing and Electrical: Some plumbing and electrical components may run through crawl spaces. Your inspector should be examining these systems for proper installation, insulation, and in good condition to prevent future problems.

Even if you’re not selling your home, getting a home inspection has several benefits:

Maintenance Planning: Identifying issues early allows you to address them promptly, preventing small problems from becoming major and costly repairs in the future

Safety Concerns: Inspectors can uncover safety hazards such as faulty wiring, radon, or structural issues, helping you ensure a safe living environment

Long Term Savings: By addressing minor issues before the escalate, you can save money on potential major repairs down the line. Inspections contribute to the overall longevity of your home.

Energy Efficiency: An inspection can highlight opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reducing utility costs over time.

Insurance Considerations: Some insurance companies may offer discounts for homes that have recently been inspected and deemed in good condition

Resale Value: If you plan to sell in the future, having documentation history of regular inspections and maintenance can enhance the resale value of your home

Peace of Mind: Knowing the current state of your home and having a clear understanding of its condition provides peace of mind for homeowners

Although it is not necessary to attend your home inspection, it is highly recommended. Home inspections typically average three hours, giving you a lot of time in your future home. This gives you an opportunity to look around, take measurements, or even do some design planning. Have your home inspector show you where important features of your home are, like the main water shut off. Most inspectors have a routine or path they like to take around the home to complete the inspection but feel free to look around and point out things that you notice and ask questions. Some inspectors will touch base between parts of the inspection and others will wait until the end, as to not slow down the inspection – If needed write down your questions and make sure to have your inspector review them with you.

Whether you’ve recently made an offer on a home or are preparing to list yours, a home inspection offers critical insights into the property’s current state and potential future issues. Although the resulting report will likely cover most, if not all, of the significant concerns or required repairs, reviewing it on your own doesn’t compare to the value of being present during the inspection itself – this is particularly true if you’re the buyer. While some may see home inspections as merely a routine step, a defense against accidentally buying a property with severe or expensive issues, or a means to officially document a problem, the value extends far beyond these reasons. Here a few other reasons to attend your home inspection:

Direct Communication with the Inspector: Being there allows you to ask questions and get immediate, clarifying explanations of any issues or potential concerns found during the inspection.

Learning About Your New Home: The inspection is a chance to learn about the maintenance and operation of various systems of your new home, such as the HVAC system, plumbing and electrical systems. As well as, where the locations of important shut-off valves and circuit breakers are. This also provides an opportunity for hands-on demonstrations for learning how to operate and maintain your home’s systems that you may not be familiar with.

Prioritizing Repairs and Maintenance: The home inspector can help you distinguish between critical repairs that need immediate attention and minor issues that can be managed over time. Understanding current issues can also help estimate future maintenance costs and plan your budget accordingly.

Peace of Mind: Attending the inspection provides reassurance about the condition of the property you are buying, helping you to reduce uncertainty in your investment.