Before scheduling
- Read your purchase agreement's inspection contingency timeline — typically 5–10 days
- Confirm your real estate agent has scheduled access for the inspection date
- Review seller's disclosure for known issues to ask about
- Identify which add-ons make sense (sewer scope mandatory for pre-1985 homes)
- Pull comparable sales to understand the property's price-to-value
Choosing your inspector
- Verify InterNACHI or ASHI membership
- Confirm Minnesota license
- Review a sample report — clarity matters
- Confirm they perform sewer scope, radon, mold, and thermal (or coordinate with sub-contractors)
- Avoid inspectors recommended exclusively by the seller's agent (potential conflict)
Booking your inspection
Use the instant quote calculator to see transparent pricing and book online. Confirmation and a calendar invite arrive immediately.
The day of inspection
- Attend in person. Be on-site for at least the final walkthrough with the inspector.
- Wear closed-toe shoes — you'll be in attics and basements
- Bring a notebook for your own observations
- Ask the inspector to walk you through major systems
- Take note of which utilities you'll need to set up (gas, electric, water)
- Photograph anything that concerns you
After the report arrives
- Read the full report — not just the summary
- Categorize findings: safety, structural, costly, cosmetic
- Get repair estimates for major items
- Work with your agent on a repair request or credit negotiation
- Decide whether to proceed, renegotiate, or walk away within the contingency window
Questions to ask your inspector
- What are the three most important findings?
- What would you fix first if this were your home?
- What's the expected remaining life of the roof, HVAC, water heater?
- Are there any safety issues that need immediate attention?
- Is there anything that's typical for Plymouth-area homes of this age that I should know about?