There is no dress code for a home inspection, but the clothing you wear should definitely be comfortable and allow for the possibility of a few smudges and stains if you want to tag along with the inspector. Practical shoes are always a good idea. 

     Looking under sinks, behind toilets, up at ceilings, and in the corners of small spaces will require some stretching, bending and squatting if you want to see it all, so it’s smart to wear an outfit that allows plenty of range-of-motion. Let the inspector tackle the areas that require climbing, crawling and special equipment—like the attic, crawl space, and roof—alone. 

    To learn more about the home inspection process, we suggest reading several of our other blogs. Check out What questions should you always ask before hiring a home inspector? for HUD’s ten suggested questions for evaluating a potential home inspector. To get a list of suggested items to bring with you to improve your home inspection experience, see What should I bring to the home inspection?. See What questions should I ask the home inspector during the inspection? for ways to get the information you need from the inspector. And visit What is the best way to negotiate repairs after the home inspection? for tips on working with your realtor to get any necessary repairs worked out with the seller.

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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? 

• 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.