Buying a home comes with a long checklist, and scheduling the inspection is one of the most important items on it. But once it’s booked, a common question comes up: should you actually be there in person, or is it fine to just wait for the report?
The short answer is that attending isn’t mandatory, but it comes with real advantages. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what works best for your situation.
The Case for Attending
Being on-site during the inspection lets you see issues firsthand rather than only reading about them later. When an inspector points out a cracked windowsill, a slow drain, or an aging water heater, you get context that’s hard to capture fully in a written report, such as how serious the issue looks, where exactly it’s located, and how it compares to similar findings in other homes. This can make it easier to prioritize which repairs actually matter.
Attending also gives you a chance to ask questions in real time. Instead of emailing back and forth after the fact, you can ask the inspector to explain a finding, show you where the main water shutoff is, or walk you through basic maintenance tips for the systems in the home. Many buyers find this hands-on education valuable, especially first-time homeowners who want to understand the house they’re about to own.
Finally, being present can simply offer peace of mind. Watching the process unfold can ease anxiety about the unknowns of an older or unfamiliar property.
The Case for Not Attending
That said, plenty of buyers skip the inspection walkthrough and do just fine. Inspections typically take a few hours, and not everyone can carve out that time during a workday. If your schedule is tight, you can rely on the detailed report instead. Most modern inspection reports include photos, plain-language descriptions, and clear recommendations for every finding, so you won’t be left guessing.
Skipping the in-person visit also means you won’t be underfoot while the inspector works. Some buyers prefer to let the inspector move through the home methodically without interruptions, then review everything calmly afterward with their agent.
A Middle Ground
You don’t have to choose all or nothing. Many buyers attend just the last 20 to 30 minutes of the inspection, arriving in time for a summary walkthrough where the inspector highlights the most significant findings in person, then answers questions before everyone reviews the full written report together.
The Bottom Line
There’s no wrong choice here. If you want a deeper understanding of your future home and enjoy asking questions in the moment, attending is worth the time. If your schedule doesn’t allow it, a thorough, well-documented report can give you everything you need to make an informed decision. Either way, a qualified inspector will make sure you have a clear picture of the property’s condition before you finalize your purchase.
Best Home Inspections provides high quality home inspection services to the Denver area. Call us at 303-999-1111 or schedule a home inspection online and let us help you with your next big investment!