It all depends on the particular inspector and how they prefer to work. Some inspectors enjoy keeping up a running conversation while examining the house, others want to do the complete inspection and then talk with the customer about their findings afterwards. We fall in the middle category, and prefer do a segment of the inspection first, such as the exterior, and then show you what we have found before proceeding to the next area. 

    But most inspectors find it difficult to carry on a conversation and answer questions while simultaneously examining the property closely. Also, in order to ensure that they check everything, each inspector has a standard sequence that they go through. The worst thing you can do to an inspector is request that they look at something you have found at the other side of the house while they are in the middle of their checklist, or ask them a question about something unrelated to what they are currently looking at. While many inspectors will accommodate you, an interruption of their sequence or change of subject means they are more likely to miss something, and you will not get the best inspection possible. 

   Some customers bring their kids, best friend, and in-laws to the inspection, and then they take turns asking the inspector questions—often the same questions. If you plan on bringing the family, we suggest that only one or two of you engage the inspector during the work.

    A good strategy is to ask your inspector how he or she likes to handle things like questions, accompanying them during their work, and presenting their final findings, and then go with their recommendation.

    Also, see our blog post What questions should you always ask before hiring a home inspector?

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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? 

    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 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 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.