Buyer Home Inspection Guide
This guide walks you through what to expect before, during, and after your home inspection so you can feel prepared at each stage.
Since 1987 · 50,000+ inspections · 700+ five-star Google reviews
About the Inspection Process
Making the Most of Your Inspection Day
You do not need to be a home expert to get value from your inspection. Come ready to learn about the home, ask questions during the wrap-up, and leave with a clearer understanding of its condition.
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Expect a thorough report. A home inspection report is designed to identify observed defects and conditions that may need attention. Even well-maintained homes can have many findings; the report gives you a clear picture of the home’s condition at the time of the inspection.
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Bring your curiosity and specific concerns. Make a short list of anything you noticed during a showing or want the inspector to look at more closely.
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Consider a closer look when it makes sense. Talk with your agent about whether an optional specialty service may be helpful, such as mold testing, a sewer scope, or thermal imaging.
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Save your questions for the end-of-inspection wrap-up. Your inspector will review the major findings and answer questions at the end of the inspection. This gives them time to complete a thorough, focused inspection before walking you through what they found.
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Measure what matters to you. Bring a tape measure for key rooms, windows, furniture, or appliances. iPhone users can also use the built-in Measure app for a quick estimate.
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Avoid operating or testing the home’s systems. Please leave appliances, plumbing fixtures, electrical equipment, thermostats, and other systems for your inspector to evaluate. Changing a system’s normal condition can affect what the inspector observes and may lead to incomplete or misleading findings.
What Is Inspected
Your inspector evaluates the home’s visible and accessible systems and components, including the roof, attic, crawl space, exterior, interior, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, when conditions allow safe access. Your report helps you understand the condition of those areas at the time of the inspection.
Tools Used During Your Inspection
Your inspector combines professional experience with specialized, non-invasive tools to evaluate the home’s visible and accessible areas.
How Long Does the Inspection Take
Most standard home inspections take about 2½ hours. Smaller condominiums may take less time, while larger or more complex homes can take longer. For homes of 3,500 square feet or more, two or more inspectors may attend.
Should I Attend
Yes, we encourage you to attend if you can. Being there gives you the opportunity to see the home through your inspector’s eyes. If you cannot attend the full inspection, try to join us near the end for the wrap-up. This is the time your inspector will highlight the major findings and answer questions you or your agent may have.
What Happens After the Inspection
Report delivered by 9:00 a.m. next day
Your Inspection Report
RW West guarantees delivery of your detailed digital report by 9:00 a.m. the following day—or the same day when requested. Your report includes high-resolution photographs, clear summaries, and findings prioritized by severity, helping you and your agent focus on the items that need the most attention.
What Is a Re-Inspection
If the seller agrees to make repairs after your inspection, a re-inspection is an optional follow-up visit to review specific items from your original report once the work is complete. It is not a second full home inspection, and a separate fee applies. Contact RW West with your original report and the items you would like reviewed.
Support Beyond the Inspection
Your relationship with RW West does not end when your report is delivered. Our inspectors are available to answer questions and clarify report findings. When helpful, we can also share contractor referrals for items identified in the report.
Questions Before Your Inspection?
Our team is here to help, before, during, and long after your inspection.
RW West Inspections · Serving Greater Seattle Since 1987