I am Buying a Home. Do I Need to Attend the Home Inspection?

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.