During a real estate transaction all parties are usually under a lot of pressure to complete their obligations in a timely manner. I work around my clients' schedule to get the inspection completed as soon as possible.

It is always recommended that the inspection be done right after the offer to purchase has been accepted. Following this guideline will allow plenty of time to bring in specialists and/or contractors to submit estimates for repairs or to complete repairs if needed.

I have put a great deal of thought into how my reports are put together so that the information is both detailed as well as easy to read. 30 years ago, when home inspection was a new profession, inspectors used pre-printed forms that had check boxes and some areas for handwritten comments to compile their reports. Some still use these today but they tend to be rather confusing and can be difficult to read (you don't want to have to read my handwriting!).

My reports include annotated photos that highlight any problems encountered as well as detailed descriptions of those items. I compile the report as if the person reading it had never been to the house in question. The pictures and explanations in the report should make it very clear as to how "serious" the defect may or may not be. I include enough information to allow you to assess any problems, make well informed decisions and be able to move forward in the process with confidence.

If you are reading this, you are probably doing your research. Good! Most home inspectors are referred through a real estate agent but you shouldn't take an agent's word that their referred (preferred) inspectors are the ones you should use.

In these transactions there is the potential for a conflict of interest. An agent may use a particular inspector because he or she may consistently write favorable reports on that agent's listings. Although I do get referred by many agents, I strive to present myself as independent from those agents. I want to be referred because I do a good, thorough job, not because I paint a rosy picture to smooth out the deals. My thought is that you, the client, should buy the house that is best for you. To do that you need the best information available to you.