Your home inspection is one of the most important parts of purchasing a house. We’ve just gone over finding a home inspector; now it’s time to focus on the home inspection itself.
What do you inspect for? The typical home inspection is for the structure (aka the house), wood destroying insects and radon. You should also do a tank sweep inspection to make sure there are no unknown abandoned oil tanks underground.
How long should it take? Figure 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish for an average home. You should be there too.
Believe it or not, I have had some customers who say they don’t have the time. This is not a debate – you need to be at your home inspection. We need to find a time that’s convenient for you.
You should stay with your home inspector as he goes through the house. A good home 
inspector will teach you how to maintain your house, what to look for, what to be careful about. So many things. He will make himself available for questions afterward as well.
I advise my customers to think about what concerns they have and to write them down. It’s easy to forget things. Coming prepared with your questions is best.
When you meet your inspector don’t bombard him with your concerns because you’ll throw him off track. As a result, you won’t get as good an inspection because he’ll be focused answering questions. Once he’s at a pertinent part of the house, then ask him.
The inspection report is sent out one or two days later. You discuss this with your attorney and agent. Your attorney sends a letter to the seller’s attorney with any concerns you have. You negotiate this with the seller and adjustments made become part of the contract.
Buyers work things out with sellers almost always because no one wants to cancel the contract and start over..
That is upsetting for both sides and hurtful. Seller’s most of the time get lower offers after one fails. Buyers have to go through the inconvenience of finding another house. No one wants this so they work it out.
