what to expect in home inspection?

For a ~30-year-old home, expect some wear—focus on big-ticket items like the roof (age, leaks, missing shingles), HVAC (age, condition, service history), plumbing (leaks, old piping, water pressure), electrical (panel, outdated wiring, safety issues), foundation/structure (cracks, settling), and water issues (drainage, crawlspace, attic, mold); yes, go to the inspection—walk it with the inspector, ask questions in real time, and have them show you main shutoffs, panel, and filters; remember no house is perfect, focus on safety and expensive repairs, not cosmetic issues, and use the detailed report afterward to negotiate.

I usually suggest to meet up with the inspector towards the end of the inspection. Allow them the time and space to do their job. Once they have reviewed the Home as a whole, they can sit down with you and point out areas of concern. Most inspectors will also allow you to call and discuss any issues you notice later after getting home when looking at the report. Always ask questions and make sure you’re comfortable before purchasing with repairs that will need to be done later and or negotiated during contract.

Noah, all inspectors are different in how they handle clients at the inspection, some will welcome clients to walk with them, while other inspectors would prefer to complete the inspection and then take the client on a tour of findings. Keep in mind, that there is liability to allow a buyer to walk on a roof or crawl under the house and most agents will limit the buyer to have 2 feet on the ground at all times. All the best.