Now that you have booked an inspector, how do you maximize your result? For most home buyers this is the most significant purchase you will make in a lifetime so you will want to get the most benefit from the inspection. We offer the following suggestions to maximize the process:

• Plan on spending 2 1/2 to 3 hours with your home inspector. Your will want to take full advantage of the wealth of knowledge he possesses.
  
  
• Follow your home inspector closely as he inspects all parts of the property: grounds, exterior, garage, foundation, plumbing, heating & cooling, electrical, interior, kitchen, bathrooms, and attic. Ask questions about things you do not understand or concerns that you have. (We do not recommend following the inspector on the roof for safety reasons.)
  
  
• An inspection can be an overwhelming experience. You have hired your inspector to point out safety, environmental, and structural concerns. Once these are identified, your inspector will help you to put these concerns in perspective and prioritize remediation and where applicable, suggest methodologies and ball park pricing for suggested actions.
  
  
• Have all paperwork available for reference including disclosure statements, questions you have regarding the home, any "as built" information available, well reports, septic reports, plot plans, and environmental reports. Your inspector will be ready to discuss each of these issues.
  
  
• Bring questions and concerns regarding the property, preferably in writing. Use this as an opportunity to learn about your home.
  
  
• While we encourage you to bring spouses and significant others, we also encourage you to refrain from bringing children, friends and relatives for social purposes or house tours. Your full attention needs to be focused on the inspection process to address the inspector's concerns as well as your concerns. Occasionally, significant defects are uncovered which need to be addressed.