What to Expect from Your Property Inspection

A step-by-step look at how The House Doctors makes inspection day clear, thorough, and useful.

From the moment you schedule to the moment your report lands in your inbox, we’ve built our process to give you clarity at every step. Here’s exactly what to expect before, during, and after your inspection with The House Doctors Property Inspections Inc.

Before Your Inspection

Scheduling with us is meant to be simple. You can call during business hours or book online 24/7 — whatever fits your timeline. We often have availability within 24 to 48 hours, which matters when you’re working against an inspection contingency window.

From your first call, you’ll get real customer service. We’ll walk you through the scheduling process, ask about the property you’re buying, and help you decide which services make sense. Older home? A sewer scope is probably worth adding. Finished basement? Radon testing is strongly recommended.

We’re a full-service inspection company, so radon testing, mold and indoor air quality, sewer scope, termite/WDO, and thermography can all be scheduled together and delivered as one comprehensive report. Bundling services usually saves money too — ask about our current package options when you schedule.

A little preparation goes a long way toward making inspection day smooth. If you’re the homeowner or seller, the biggest thing you can do is make sure all utilities are on. We can’t fully test electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or appliances if power, gas, or water is shut off.

Beyond that, providing clear access to key areas — attic hatches, crawl spaces, basements, electrical panels, water heaters, and furnaces — helps us cover everything without moving heavy furniture. Move vehicles and clutter away from mechanical areas, and please secure pets or arrange for them to be off-site for their safety and ours.

Plan for two to four hours on-site, and try to be available at the end for the walk-through summary. Even 30 minutes at the end is enough to see what we found and ask questions.

During Your Inspection

We show up on time. When we say we’ll be there at 9:00, we’re there at 9:00 — we respect your time and your Realtor’s schedule.

From there, our inspection is thorough and methodical. Nothing is glossed over. We follow the InterNACHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, meeting or exceeding what the industry expects of a home inspector.

You’re welcome to attend the inspection, and we encourage it. Most single-family inspections take about two to four hours depending on size, and even if you can only make the last 30 minutes for the walk-through, that time is valuable. You’ll see what we see and get a real-time understanding of the property in a way no written report can fully replicate.

During the inspection itself, we ask that clients take notes and hold questions for the end. That way, our inspector can stay 100% focused on finding what matters, and you get a dedicated walk-through at the end where every question gets answered.

Our end-of-inspection summary isn’t just a list of problems — it’s a chance to share maintenance tips, explain how systems work, and give you the knowledge you need to take good care of the home from day one.

A standard home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation of the home’s major systems. During your inspection, we examine the roof and gutters, siding and trim, windows, doors, decks, porches, grading and drainage, and driveways and walkways.

Inside, we evaluate the foundation and visible structural components, basement and attic conditions, heating and cooling systems, water heaters, electrical panels and visible wiring, and outlets and switches. We also check plumbing supply and drain lines, sump pumps, fixtures, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, and built-in appliances.

A thorough inspection isn’t glamorous work, but it’s the work that matters.

There are limits to what any home inspection covers, and we think it’s worth being upfront about that. We can’t inspect anything hidden behind walls, under floors, or otherwise inaccessible. We don’t perform code compliance evaluations — that’s the role of a municipal code inspector.

Cosmetic issues that don’t affect function usually fall outside the scope. Private wells, septic systems, pools, and spas aren’t included unless specifically requested. Environmental hazards like mold, radon, asbestos, and lead all require dedicated testing services, which we offer as add-ons.

If you’re concerned about anything outside the standard scope, we’ll help you build the right package of add-on services when you schedule.

After Your Inspection

Within 24 hours, you’ll receive a comprehensive digital report — detailed, easy to read, complete with photos, clear explanations, and prioritized findings.

That timing matters. When you’re working against an inspection contingency, having your report in hand quickly means you have real time to negotiate rather than scrambling.

Every client is also enrolled in our free monthly home maintenance e-newsletter, packed with seasonal tips and reminders to help you protect your investment year-round.

And our support doesn’t end when the report is delivered. Have a question six months after you move in? Call us. We’re still here, and we still care.

Being a good home inspector isn’t just about what you find during a two-hour walkthrough — it’s about being the kind of resource clients trust to still pick up the phone years later.

Ready to Schedule Your Inspection?

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just checking in on a home you already own, The House Doctors Property Inspections Inc. brings 25+ years of experience and hundreds of 5-star reviews to every inspection. Schedule today.