We suggest bringing along some, or all, of the following items to help you get the most out of your next home inspection:

• Tape Measure - For checking dimensions for furniture layouts, window treatments, and appliance locations. 
• Camera - Although the home inspector will take photos of the defects, you may want additional general photos to refer to later.
• Notepad - For diagrams and inspection notes.
• Flashlight - Nothing fancy, just bright enough to peek into the dark corners of closets and cabinets. 
• Seller’s Disclosure Documents - If there are things in the seller’s disclosure that you want to review with the inspector, be sure to bring it along.
• List of Questions - Have a list of your concerns and questions prepared beforehand to be sure they will all be addressed by the inspector. 

Also, if you are buying an empty (unoccupied) home, there’s a few more items to consider bringing for your personal comfort. We bring these supplies to each inspection for our customers, but pack your own if you are not sure if your inspector will arrive prepared to keep you comfortable:

• Folding chair - Standing on your feet for the several hours it takes to complete a home inspection can be unpleasant, especially for senior citizens.
• Toilet paper - There never seems to be any next to the toilet in an empty house.
• Something to drink - A bottle of water or other beverage. 

    Also, see our blog post What questions should I ask the home inspector during the inspection?

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  To learn more strategies for getting the best possible home inspection, here’s a few of our other blog posts:

• How can I make sure I don't get screwed on my home inspection? 

• Should I tip the home inspector?

• How thorough is a home inspector required to be when inspecting a house?

• Should I trust the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement?

• Can I do my own home inspection?

• How can homebuyers protect themselves against buying a house over a sinkhole? 

• The seller gave me a report from a previous home inspection. Should I use it or get my own inspector? 

• If we already looked at the house very carefully, do we still need a home inspection?

    To read about issues related to homes of particular type or one built in a specific decade, visit one of these blog posts:

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1940s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1950s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1960s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1970s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1980s house?

• What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1990s house?

• What problems should I look for when buying a country house or rural property? 

• What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been moved?

• What do I need to know about buying a foreclosure? 

• What should I look for when buying a former rental house?  

• What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been vacant or abandoned?

• What are the most common problems with older mobile homes?

• What should I look for when buying a house that is being "flipped" by an investor seller? 

• What do I need to know about a condo inspection?

• What are the "Aging In Place" features to look for when buying a retirement home?

   Visit our HOME INSPECTION page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.