Your Inspection Day
Congratulations on finding a home you're excited about! Now comes one of the most important steps in the buying process: the home inspection. This is your chance to truly understand the property before you commit — not just the pretty finishes, but the bones, systems, and hidden details that will affect your life for years to come.
Here's what to expect and how to make the most of your inspection day.
Preparing for Inspection Day
A few simple steps can help you get the most out of your inspection
Plan for 2-4 Hours
A thorough inspection takes time. I don't rush through homes to fit more appointments into my day. For a typical house in the Fredericton area, expect 2-3 hours. Larger or older homes may take longer. This isn't a quick walkthrough — it's a detailed evaluation of every major system.
Attend If You Can
You're welcome to be present for all or part of the inspection. Many buyers arrive near the end for the walkthrough summary. This is when I'll explain what I found, answer your questions, and show you important things like how to operate the furnace or where the main water shutoff is located.
Let Me Work First
During the active inspection, I'll be moving constantly — basement to attic, inside to outside, testing systems and documenting conditions. The best inspections happen when I can focus without interruption. Feel free to explore the home on your own, take measurements, or grab a coffee nearby.
Bring a Notebook
Jot down questions as they come to you. Measure rooms for furniture. Note which outlets are where. The seller usually isn't present, so this is your chance to really explore the space and imagine yourself living there. I'll answer all your questions at the end.
Expect Lots of Photos
I'll take hundreds of photos during the inspection — this is normal. Most document the current condition of systems and components. Only a small portion will show actual deficiencies. Photos help you remember details and provide documentation if you need repair estimates later.
No House Is Perfect
Every inspection finds issues — that's the whole point. Most findings are minor maintenance items or normal wear. Even significant issues are usually fixable. Don't panic if I'm spending time investigating something. I'll explain everything clearly and help you understand what matters.
What Happens After
You'll receive a detailed digital report the same day, usually within a few hours of the inspection. The report includes:
Comprehensive Documentation
Photos and descriptions of all inspected areas, including the condition of major systems like roofing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Clear Issue Summaries
Any deficiencies are clearly noted with photos, explanations of why they matter, and recommendations for repair or further evaluation.
Maintenance Guidance
Tips for maintaining the home's systems, including seasonal tasks important for New Brunswick's climate like winterizing and managing moisture.
Ongoing Support
Questions after the inspection? Call or email anytime. I'm happy to clarify report findings or discuss concerns, even months after you've moved in.
Buying in New Brunswick
Our region has some unique considerations that I pay special attention to during every inspection:
- Winter Readiness: Insulation levels, heating system efficiency, and ice dam potential are critical in our climate. I'll assess how well the home handles our cold winters.
- Moisture & Basements: Many New Brunswick homes have basements, and our spring thaw and heavy rains can reveal water management issues. I check for signs of past and present moisture intrusion.
- Radon Awareness: New Brunswick has areas with elevated radon levels due to our geology. I offer radon testing and can explain what results mean for your family's health.
- Well & Septic: Many properties outside Fredericton rely on private water and septic systems. I offer specialized testing for both to ensure they're functioning properly.
- Older Home Experience: The greater Fredericton area has beautiful older homes with unique construction. I understand the common issues in homes from different eras and what to watch for.
Common Questions from Buyers
That depends on your purchase agreement. Most real estate contracts in New Brunswick include an inspection condition that gives you the right to negotiate repairs, request a price reduction, or walk away based on inspection findings. Discuss the specifics with your real estate agent before the inspection.
Your agent is welcome to attend but it's not required. Many agents like to be present for the summary walkthrough so they understand any issues that may affect negotiations. If they can't attend, I'll provide you with a thorough report that you can share and discuss together.
No problem. The detailed report with photos will give you a complete picture. I'm also happy to schedule a phone call to walk through the findings and answer any questions you have. Many out-of-town buyers handle it this way successfully.
Absolutely, and I recommend it. New homes aren't perfect — they're built by humans, and things get missed. Municipal inspections only check for code compliance at certain stages. A thorough third-party inspection often catches issues that can be addressed while the builder is still responsible under warranty.