Once the client arrives, we talk about any concerns they may have concerning the home. This gives the inspector a sense of what’s important to them. Some clients are concerned with safety issues for children, some are concerned with the HVAC system. We’ve had a situation when the buyers were planning to remodel the home and were not concerned with moisture damage in a bathroom. A good home inspector learns to read his client to better understand their needs.

When the client attends the inspection, this also allows the inspector time to give tips on maintenance or provide information on repairs or upgrades. The inspector can show the client the basics of operating the home. For example, the main water shut off or electrical panels. There are instances when the inspector can ease a buyer’s mind when what they perceive to be a major concern actually isn’t. In our experience, clients have less understanding of what is done during a home inspection if they are not present. If a client sees how in depth the home inspection process is, it helps to build trust in the home inspector. If the client cannot be present or they live out of the area, we encourage a follow up phone call. The inspector can walk the client through the report, address their concerns, and again, build trust for the home inspection process.

In conclusion, the client should always attend the home inspection when feasible. Attending the inspection will ensure the client has a better understanding of the home inspection process and how the home operates. Also, it gives the inspector an idea of how to tailor the inspection to that individual client. From an agent perspective, deals have been saved simply because the client properly understood the issue and/or the trust earned by the home inspector.