Home Inspection FAQs – Northwest Home Inspector

A home inspection is a visual evaluation of the home’s major systems and components at the time of the inspection. At Northwest Home Inspector, this includes:

• Roofing and attic spaces
• Exterior siding, windows, and doors
• Structural components
• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
• Crawl spaces and basements
• Interior surfaces, appliances, and safety items

Our goal is to identify material defects, safety concerns, moisture intrusion, and conditions that may require repair or further evaluation.

Most inspections take 2.5 - 4 hours, depending on the size, age, and condition of the home.

Unlike high-volume inspection companies, Northwest Home Inspector limits each inspector to one inspection per day. This allows us to take the time needed to inspect the home thoroughly without rushing.

Inspection prices vary based on:

• Time spent on-site
• Inspector experience and training
• Scope of inspection
• Whether inspectors are rushed or scheduled for multiple inspections per day

Lower-priced inspections often involve shorter inspection times and higher daily volume. Northwest Home Inspector focuses on thoroughness and accuracy, not speed.

Not always. A rushed or incomplete inspection can miss:

• Roof leaks
• Moisture intrusion
• Failing siding materials
• Electrical or structural defects

The cost difference between inspections is often small compared to the cost of missed repairs, which can be thousands of dollars after closing.

Yes. We strongly encourage buyers to attend the inspection.

Attending allows you to:

• Ask questions in real time
• Learn how systems operate
• See concerns firsthand
• Better understand the final report

Northwest Home Inspector takes time to educate buyers, not just hand over a report.

Finding issues is normal—especially in older homes.

When we identify concerns, we:

• Document them with photos and clear explanations
• Explain the potential implications
• Recommend appropriate next steps, such as repair or further evaluation by a licensed professional

We do not alarm clients—we provide clear, actionable information.

Home inspectors identify conditions of concern, but we do not diagnose medical conditions or guarantee future performance.

For items such as mold, electrical issues, or structural concerns, Northwest Home Inspector provides:

• Objective observations
• Lab results when applicable
• Recommendations for qualified specialists when needed

Yes. We offer mold air and surface sampling as an add-on to your home inspection when conditions warrant.

Mold testing is often recommended when there are:

• Moisture issues
• Standing water in crawl spaces
• Musty odors
• Previous water intrusion

Lab results are explained clearly, and next steps are provided.

Sewer scopes can uncover issues that cost thousands to repair. You cannot live in a home with a blocked sewer line.

Some of the more common reasons people choose this service are:

• Homes older than 40 years
• Slow drains
• Homes can have the sewer lines tied together in neighbor's yard (important to know when buying a home)
• Septic lines from the home to the tank are not checked on by the County when the tank is serviced
• Trees in the yard get roots in the sewer lines over time

This is a popular add-on for good reason. Over half of our clients choose to include a sewer/ septic line scope in their home inspection.

Northwest Home Inspector serves much of South Puget Sound, including:

• Puyallup
• Tacoma
• Seattle
• Bellevue
• Lake Stevens
• Olympia
• Grays Harbor
• Surrounding communities

If you’re unsure whether we serve your area, contact us—we’re happy to help.

Most reports are delivered the same day or within 24 hours of the inspection.

Our reports are:

• Photo-rich
• Easy to understand
• Organized by system
• Designed to be useful for buyers, agents, and contractors

When choosing a home inspector, consider:

• Experience and training
• Time spent on-site
• Inspection volume per day
• Sample report quality
• Willingness to answer questions

Northwest Home Inspector is known for thorough inspections, detailed reports, and client education.

Clients choose Northwest Home Inspector because we:

• Perform one inspection per inspector per day
• Do not rush inspections
• Include industrial-grade infrared thermography
• Focus on achieving our clients' goals through accuracy and clear communication
• Specialize in educating buyers to protect them from costly surprises
• Buying a home is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make. Our job is to help you make that decision with confidence.