Documents You Receive Before and After Your Home Inspection
When you book a home inspection with us, the process is more than just the inspection itself. We provide documents at every stage to keep you informed and prepared.
Before Your Inspection
1. Booking Confirmation
Once your inspection is confirmed, you receive:
- Date and time of the inspection
- Property address confirmation
- Inspector name and contact information
- Estimated duration based on property type
2. Preparation Guide
A few days before your inspection, we send a preparation guide that includes:
- Access checklist - Ensure all areas are accessible (attic, basement, electrical panel, water heater)
- Utilities reminder - All utilities must be on (electricity, gas, water)
- What to expect - A walkthrough of how the inspection day will go
- Questions to prepare - Suggested questions to ask your inspector
- What to bring - Comfortable shoes, notepad, camera (optional)
3. Inspection Agreement
Before the inspection begins, you will review and sign:
- Scope of inspection - What is and isn't covered
- Standards of practice - APCHQ guidelines we follow
- Limitations - Areas that cannot be accessed or tested
During Your Inspection
While we inspect, we encourage you to:
- Walk along with the inspector and ask questions
- Take your own notes and photos alongside ours
- Ask about maintenance tips for each system
- Flag any specific concerns you have about the property
After Your Inspection
1. Summary Discussion
Immediately after the inspection, your inspector will:
- Walk you through key findings verbally
- Highlight any urgent issues that need immediate attention
- Answer all your questions about the property
- Provide maintenance recommendations
2. Detailed Inspection Report
You receive a comprehensive report that includes:
#### Property Overview
- Property details (type, age, size)
- Date and weather conditions during inspection
- Summary of major findings
#### System-by-System Analysis
Our report covers 400+ inspection points across 6 categories:
1. Foundation - Cracks, water infiltration, settlement, structural integrity
2. Structural - Framing, load-bearing walls, beams, joists
3. Electrical Systems - Panel, wiring, outlets, safety features, grounding
4. Plumbing - Pipes, water heater, fixtures, drainage, water pressure
5. Heating & Cooling - Furnace, AC, heat distribution, ventilation
6. Roof & Exterior - Shingles, flashing, gutters, siding, grading, drainage
#### For Each Issue Found
- Photo documentation - Clear photos showing the issue
- Location - Exactly where in the property
- Severity rating - Minor, moderate, or major
- Description - What the issue is and why it matters
- Recommendation - What should be done about it
#### Additional Sections
- Maintenance recommendations - Preventive steps to protect your investment
- Priority list - Issues ranked by urgency
- General observations - Positive aspects of the property noted as well
3. Post-Inspection Support
After receiving your report:
- Phone consultation - Call us anytime to discuss findings
- Clarification - We explain any technical terms or concerns
- Contractor guidance - We can suggest what type of professional to call for repairs
- Re-inspection available - If repairs are made, we can verify the work
How to Use Your Inspection Report
For Buyers
- Use the report to negotiate repairs or price adjustments with the seller
- Share relevant sections with your real estate agent and notary
- Keep it as a maintenance roadmap for your new home
For Sellers
- Address issues before listing to avoid surprises during buyer inspections
- Share the report to build buyer confidence
- Demonstrate transparency in your listing
Keep Your Documents
We recommend keeping all inspection documents for:
- Future reference when planning renovations
- Insurance claims if issues arise later
- Resale value - showing a history of professional inspections
Ready to book your inspection? Contact us today and experience our thorough, well-documented inspection process from start to finish.