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PRE-OFFER & BUYER

Inspection Day! What to Expect

Inspection day: a milestone

You've already found your home. Right size, right price, right location. Now it's time to understand the condition of what you're buying. Our job is to help you prepare, not scare.

We start early. Inspections typically begin in the morning. You're welcome to attend the entire inspection, but most clients prefer to arrive near the end for the walkthrough. That gives us time to work uninterrupted while you explore the neighborhood — maybe even find your new favorite coffee shop nearby. We're happy to text when we're getting close.

Who should attend? We welcome your Realtor and maybe one or two family members. But pets and kids should wait for move-in day — this is still someone else's home, and we try to keep our presence minimal.

Bring your questions. Have a concern about something? Wondering how a system works? We'll gladly show you on-site. Ask us anything.

What the inspection is (and isn't). This inspection isn't about whether to buy — you've already made that decision. Our focus is on providing a full picture of the home's condition from roof to foundation. Everything is fixable. That's worth repeating. Everything is fixable. When we find issues, we're required to recommend a licensed contractor for further review. That's a good thing. It gets you a second opinion, often for free, and often with a repair estimate and timeline.

Contingency period — this is your window. The inspection happens during your contingency period, which is your opportunity to review, negotiate, and make informed decisions. If you need additional contractor visits, your agent can help you negotiate a follow-up or second contingency window. This is when having a good agent matters.

Common findings (don't stress). We frequently find things like:

• Decks that don't meet current code
• Minor electrical issues
• Simple plumbing tune-ups

These are common, fixable, and often resolved in a day.

What we don't flag. Cosmetic issues like paint scuffs, carpet wrinkles, or nail holes aren't part of our focus. Those are considered visible and expected to be part of your personal walk-through review. We concentrate on function — structure, heating, electrical safety, attic ventilation, drainage, and other major systems.

During the walkthrough. When you arrive, we'll walk you through our key findings. Expect:

• Action items — things worth serious attention
• Repairs — things to plan for in the next year
• Maintenance — routine homeowner upkeep

It might feel overwhelming at first. That's normal. But remember: we eat the elephant one bite at a time. Not every item will bother you. We'll highlight the major ones, explain what we saw, and discuss your options. We don't give prices (contractors vary), but Homewyse is a helpful tool for basic estimates.

Your written report

By that evening or the next morning, you'll receive our full report. It's photo-heavy and clearly written. The summary page at the top highlights the big-ticket items in three categories:

• "Attention Item" — needs immediate attention to prevent further damage or address safety. Example: active roof leak, carbon monoxide leak.
• "Repair" — defects that affect comfort or safety. Should be addressed within a year. Example: leaking faucet, exposed electrical.
• "Due Diligence" — concerns that require further investigation. Example: possible buried oil tank.

Want a great primer? We highly recommend this (non-affiliated) podcast: Spotify: What to Expect From a Home Inspection .

This is the house you hunted for. We're here to help you understand it — clearly, calmly, and honestly. Stepstone Inspections – we limit our day to your inspection only.