Why Understanding the Inspection Process Matters
Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. And honestly? The inspection part can feel pretty nerve-wracking if you don’t know what’s coming. Most people walk into inspection day with a bunch of questions swirling around in their heads.
What exactly does the inspector look at? How long will this take? Should I even be there? Here’s the thing — knowing what happens during a Home Inspection in Oromocto NB takes away most of that stress. You’ll feel way more confident about the whole process.
So let’s walk through everything step by step. From the moment the inspector arrives to when you get that final report in your inbox.
Before the Inspector Even Arrives
A good inspection actually starts before anyone sets foot on the property. The inspector reviews basic property info — square footage, age of the home, number of floors, that kind of stuff. This helps them plan how much time they’ll need.
What You Should Do to Prepare
If you’re the seller, make sure the inspector can actually access everything. Sounds obvious, right? But you’d be surprised how often people forget to unlock crawl spaces or clear junk away from electrical panels.
- Clear space around water heaters and furnaces
- Make sure all pilot lights are lit
- Unlock any gates, sheds, or outbuildings
- Move stuff away from attic access points
- Have utility services turned on
When inspectors can’t access something, they have to note it as “not inspected.” And that leaves gaps in your report that nobody wants.
The Exterior Walkthrough
Most inspectors start outside. Makes sense — you work your way in. This part usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes depending on property size.
Roof and Drainage Assessment
The roof is a big deal. Inspectors look at shingle condition, flashing around chimneys and vents, and any obvious signs of wear. They’re checking gutters too. Clogged or damaged gutters cause all sorts of water problems down the road.
Grading matters here as well. Water should flow away from the foundation, not toward it. If the ground slopes wrong, you could end up with basement moisture issues.
Foundation and Structure Check
Cracks in the foundation? That’s what they’re hunting for. Not every crack means disaster — some settling is totally normal. But certain crack patterns can signal bigger structural concerns. According to foundation engineering principles, horizontal cracks often indicate more serious pressure issues than vertical ones.
They also look at siding, windows, doors, and trim. Basically anything that keeps weather out and comfort in.
Inside the House: Room by Room
Now comes the detailed interior inspection. This is where most of the time goes — typically 90 minutes to two hours for an average-sized home.
Electrical Systems
The electrical panel gets serious attention. Inspectors open it up and look at wiring condition, proper labeling, signs of overheating, and whether everything meets safety standards. They test outlets throughout the house too. Ground fault interrupters near water sources? Those get checked specifically.
Old homes sometimes have outdated wiring that insurance companies don’t like. Finding Home Inspection near Oromocto NB , Best Home Inspection in Oromocto services that really understand older electrical systems can save you headaches later.
Plumbing Throughout
Every faucet gets turned on. Every toilet gets flushed. Inspectors are watching water pressure, checking for leaks under sinks, and looking at drain speed. Slow drains could mean blockages or pipe problems.
Water heaters get a close look too. Age, condition, proper venting, and signs of rust or leakage all matter. Most water heaters last 10 to 15 years, so knowing where yours stands helps with planning.
Heating and Cooling Systems
HVAC systems are expensive to replace. Like, really expensive. So inspectors evaluate the furnace, air conditioner, and all the ductwork. They look at age, maintenance history if visible, and any obvious problems.
For expert assistance with understanding HVAC conditions in inspection reports, Thorough Home Inspection Service offers reliable solutions and clear explanations that actually make sense to regular homeowners.
Structural Elements Inside
Walls, ceilings, floors — inspectors are watching for cracks, water stains, or anything that suggests movement or moisture. They’re also checking windows and doors for proper operation. A door that won’t close right might indicate settling issues.
The Attic and Crawl Space Adventure
These spaces reveal a ton about a home’s health. And yeah, they’re not exactly fun to explore. But that’s literally what inspectors get paid to do.
What Attics Tell Us
Insulation depth and condition affect your energy bills. Ventilation matters too — poor attic ventilation causes all kinds of problems including ice dams in winter and excessive heat in summer.
Inspectors look for signs of past or present leaks, pest activity, and structural concerns with rafters and sheathing.
Crawl Spaces and Basements
Moisture is the enemy down here. Inspectors check vapor barriers, look for standing water or efflorescence on concrete, and evaluate any visible plumbing or ductwork. Support structures get examined too.
Finding Home Inspection near Oromocto NB , Best Home Inspection in Oromocto means finding someone willing to actually get into these spaces and do thorough work. Not everyone does.
What Inspectors Skip — And Why
Here’s something people don’t always realize: Home Inspection in Oromocto NB covers visible, accessible components. Inspectors aren’t tearing open walls or moving furniture.
Some things fall outside standard inspections:
- Swimming pools and hot tubs (usually separate specialty inspection)
- Septic systems (require separate testing)
- Wells (need water quality testing)
- Mold testing (separate service)
- Pest or termite inspections (licensed pest inspectors handle this)
- Anything behind walls or under permanent structures
If you need these, ask about them separately. Don’t assume they’re included.
Getting Your Report
After the inspection wraps up, you’ll get a detailed report. Usually within 24 to 48 hours. Good reports include photos, clear descriptions of issues found, and recommendations.
Reports categorize findings by severity. Some stuff is purely informational — like noting that a filter should be changed. Other items are safety concerns that need immediate attention. And some things are just maintenance recommendations.
If anything in your report confuses you, ask questions. You can learn more about interpreting inspection findings and understanding what actually requires negotiation versus what’s just normal house stuff.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical home inspection take?
Most inspections run between two and four hours. Bigger homes take longer. Really old homes or properties with lots of outbuildings also add time. Plan for at least three hours if you want to be there for the whole thing.
Should I attend my home inspection?
Absolutely yes. Walking through with the inspector is super valuable. You’ll see exactly where issues are, understand their severity, and learn about maintenance needs. Plus you can ask questions on the spot.
What happens if major problems are found?
Finding problems is actually the whole point. You then have information to negotiate with sellers — asking for repairs, credits, or price adjustments. Or you might decide the issues are too much and walk away. Either way, you’re making informed decisions.
Can a home fail an inspection?
Nope. Inspections don’t work like pass/fail tests. They’re just detailed condition reports. Every home has something noted in the report. The question is whether found issues are dealbreakers for you personally.
How much does a home inspection cost?
Costs vary by property size and location, but most fall between $300 and $600. Considering the purchase price of a home, that’s pretty cheap insurance against buying someone else’s problems.
