🏠 What to Expect on Home Inspection Day (And How to Prepare)

hillstophomeinspec
Jun 11
3 min read

If you're buying a home in Nashville, TN or the surrounding Middle Tennessee area, you're probably hearing a lot about the importance of the home inspection. But what actually happens on inspection day? And how should you prepare?

At Hill’s Top Home Inspections, we believe informed clients make better decisions. In this post, we’ll walk you through what to expect during a home inspection and how to make the most of it.

🛠️ What Happens During a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive examination of the property’s major components and systems. It typically takes 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the home.

Here’s what we inspect:

✅ Exterior

Roof, gutters, flashing, and chimneys
Siding, trim, soffits, and fascia
Grading, drainage, foundation exposure
Decks, porches, railings, and exterior doors

✅ Interior

Walls, ceilings, and floors
Windows and interior doors
Stairs, railings, and guardrails
Signs of water intrusion, damage, or mold

✅ Systems and Components

Electrical panel, outlets, and fixtures
Plumbing fixtures, drains, and visible piping
HVAC equipment and ductwork
Water heater, sump pump, attic, and insulation

At Hill’s Top, we also use:

Thermal imaging to detect hidden moisture and insulation issues
Drone technology for hard-to-reach roofs
Gas leak detection for safety and peace of mind

🕐 How Long Will It Take?

For an average 2,000 sq ft home, the inspection typically lasts 2.5 to 3 hours. Larger homes or those with complex systems may take longer. If you're the buyer, you’re welcome (and encouraged) to attend the last 30–45 minutes of the inspection to review findings with the inspector in person.

📋 What Do You Get After the Inspection?

At the end of the inspection, you’ll receive a digital home inspection report, usually within 24 hours. Our reports include:

High-resolution photos
Easy-to-read summaries
Videos (when needed)
Clear recommendations

You can share this report with your agent, contractor, or seller for next steps.

🧽 How to Prepare (for Sellers or Occupied Homes)

If you're the homeowner or seller, here are a few things to do before the inspector arrives:

Unlock all doors, gates, electrical panels, and garages
Remove clutter from water heaters, attics, and crawlspaces
Ensure all utilities are on (gas, electric, water)
Leave keys for outbuildings, sheds, and locked gates
Secure pets

The more accessible the home, the more thorough and efficient the inspection.

🧠 Should Buyers Attend the Home Inspection?

Yes! While it's not required, we highly recommend buyers attend at least part of the inspection. It gives you a chance to:

Ask questions in real time
See any issues firsthand
Learn more about the home’s systems

You’ll walk away feeling far more confident about your purchase.

📍 Local Considerations in Middle Tennessee

In the Nashville area, we often find region-specific issues like:

Improper grading or water drainage (due to clay soil)
Termite activity in crawlspaces or basements
HVAC systems stressed by summer humidity
Flipped homes with cosmetic upgrades but hidden structural issues

These are all common finds that we’re trained to spot—often before they become costly repairs.

🔧 Final Thoughts: Inspection Day = Peace of Mind

Don’t be nervous about your home inspection. It’s not a pass/fail test—it’s a tool for making an informed decision.

At Hill’s Top Home Inspections, we go above and beyond to make sure your new home is everything it should be. We take the time to explain our findings, answer your questions, and provide the tools you need to move forward with confidence.