Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the inspection is one of the most important steps in the process. It’s your opportunity to uncover hidden issues and make informed decisions about the property. But many homeowners and buyers often ask: “Should I be there during the home inspection?”
The short answer? Yes—but with some caveats. Let’s break down why your presence matters, what to expect, and how to get the most value out of the inspection process.
Why You Should Be Present at the Inspection
1. See the Home Through the Inspector’s Eyes
A home inspection isn’t just about reading a report later. Being there in person allows you to:
- Ask questions in real time.
- Get a better understanding of the home’s systems and components.
- See first-hand any areas of concern.
Instead of relying solely on photos and descriptions, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of what’s normal wear-and-tear and what might require serious attention.
2. Learn About Ongoing Maintenance
Inspectors often provide helpful tips for maintaining your home. For first-time buyers, this is especially valuable—they’ll point out shutoff valves, HVAC filters, and other key features you might overlook otherwise.
3. Avoid Miscommunication
Attending in person reduces the chances of misunderstandings later. You can discuss concerns directly with the inspector and clarify what issues are minor versus major.
Do You Have to Be There?
Technically, no. The inspector can still do their job and send you a detailed report afterward. Some buyers or sellers skip the inspection due to:
- Scheduling conflicts
- Living out of state
- Preferring to avoid seeing potential issues themselves
If you can’t attend, ask your inspector if they can provide a virtual walk-through or a phone call summary after the inspection.
What About Sellers? Should You Be There?
If you’re selling your home, it’s usually better to step away during the buyer’s inspection. Here’s why:
- Buyers may feel uncomfortable asking questions if the seller is hovering.
- It avoids awkward situations if issues arise during the inspection.
- Your agent can handle any questions that come up later.
However, if you’re having a pre-listing inspection, you should be there to understand any repairs you may want to make before putting the home on the market.
What Happens If You’re Present?
Expect the inspection to take 2–4 hours for a typical home. The inspector will:
- Examine major systems (roof, plumbing, HVAC, electrical).
- Check doors, windows, appliances, and more.
- Point out areas that might need attention or further evaluation.
You don’t need to follow the inspector every step of the way, but plan to join them for a final summary at the end to review their findings.
The Bottom Line
For buyers, being present at the home inspection is highly recommended—it’s your chance to understand the property inside and out before making one of the biggest purchases of your life.
For sellers, unless it’s a pre-listing inspection, you’re better off leaving the home and letting the process run its course.
Either way, working with a trusted, experienced inspector makes all the difference.
Ready to Schedule Your Home Inspection?
As a licensed home inspector serving the Puget Sound area since 2002, I guide buyers and sellers through every step of the process. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or listing your property, I’ll make sure you feel confident about your next move.
Call today to book your inspection!
