You will set up the home inspection. It's always a good idea for you to attend the inspection, as well. The inspector can show you what problems he sees and you can see it firsthand, versus only reading a report. It is also a good tour of the inner workings of your home. A home inspection typically takes two to three hours, sometimes a little longer, but is well worth the time invested. When Dan inspects a home he starts with the roof, looking at the gutters, the condition of the roof, the age of materials used, the chimney, and so forth, writing down each concern or defect to discuss with his client. His inspection takes him from outside to inside, from the roof to the very bottom of the house.

An inspector typically looks at the home's foundation, structure, heating system, air conditioning, exterior, interior, roof, plumbing, electrical, ventilation, and fireplace.

You can take a virtual inspection tour at www.ashi.org. Following is an overview of what the American Society of Home Inspectors says is covered in a home inspection, and common problems.

Table 14.1 Common Inspection Problems

Source: American Society of Home Inspectors “Virtual Home Inspection”