What to Expect During Your Home Inspection

Quick answer: A typical home inspection in Austin, MN takes 2–4 hours on-site, with pricing that varies by square footage and add-ons, and covers every major system in the home from roof to foundation. You're encouraged to attend, ask questions, and you'll receive a full digital report (with photos) usually the same day.

Before the inspection day

You'll book online using the instant quote calculator, choose any add-on services (radon, sewer scope, mold, thermal), and pick a time slot. We confirm with you and the listing agent. You don't need to do anything else — we handle access coordination.

Bring a notebook and your phone (for photos). Wear comfortable shoes; you'll be walking around a lot.

What happens during the inspection

Plan on 2–4 hours on-site. The inspector follows a structured route, top-to-bottom, exterior-to-interior:

1. Roof & chimney — Walked when safe, drone-inspected if not. Shingles, flashing, gutters, vents, chimney caps.
2. Exterior — Siding, trim, windows, doors, decks, porches, walkways, grading, drainage.
3. Foundation & structure — Visible foundation walls, evidence of cracking, settlement, water intrusion.
4. Garage — Door operation, fire separation, GFCI outlets, structural condition.
5. Attic — Insulation depth, ventilation, structural framing, evidence of leaks or pests.
6. Basement / crawlspace — Foundation interior, sump pumps, signs of moisture, structural beams.
7. Plumbing — Water heater, supply lines, drains, fixtures, pressure, water main shut-off.
8. Electrical — Panel, breakers, GFCI/AFCI testing, outlet sampling, smoke detectors.
9. HVAC — Furnace age, operation, AC operation, thermostat, ductwork.
10. Interior — Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairs, built-in appliances.

Should you attend the inspection?

Yes. Attending is the single most valuable thing a buyer can do. You'll learn how every system in the home works, where shut-offs are, what to maintain, and what's normal vs. concerning. The walkthrough at the end is essentially a private homeowner-orientation session with a licensed expert.

What you'll get afterward

Within 24 hours (usually the same day) you'll receive:

• A full digital inspection report (PDF + interactive HTML)
• Hi-resolution photos of every issue identified
• A summary section ranked by severity — "safety", "major repair", "minor repair", "monitor"
• An invitation to text/call with any follow-up questions

See a real sample report here.

Common questions buyers ask

"Will the inspector tell me whether to buy the house?"

No — that's your decision. But we'll give you the information to make it. Most homes have something wrong, even brand-new construction. The inspection's job is to tell you what's there so you can negotiate, plan, or walk.

"What if the inspector misses something?"

We carry the InterNACHI 90-Day Buy Back Guarantee — if we miss a material defect, InterNACHI will buy your home back. It's the strongest guarantee in the industry and we're one of very few Austin-area inspectors qualified to offer it.

"Can I do my own inspection to save money?"

You can — but you'll miss things. We use thermal cameras, moisture meters, gas detectors, and combustion analyzers a typical homeowner doesn't own. More importantly, we know where to look. The few hundred dollars you'd "save" routinely turns into a costly surprise after closing.

"How is your inspection different from competitors?"

Three things: InterNACHI Master Certified credential (less than 5% of inspectors hold this), the 90-Day Buy Back Guarantee, and same-day digital reports. Read more about our credentials.

Ready to schedule?

Use the instant quote calculator to see your exact price and book a time slot in 60 seconds. We service Austin, Rochester, Albert Lea, Owatonna, Faribault, Northfield, Mason City IA, and the rest of southeast Minnesota.