Should You Attend a Home Inspection?

Should You Attend a Home Inspection?

As a certified home inspector offering certified home inspection services in Manitoba, one of the most common questions I get from buyers is: should you attend the home inspection?

My answer is usually yes—but not for the reason most people think.

It’s not about watching the process. It’s about understanding the home you’re about to buy.

After years of inspecting homes across Manitoba and working with everyone from first-time buyers to experienced homeowners, I’ve found that the biggest difference between a confident buyer and a stressed buyer often comes down to one thing: whether they were present for the inspection or not.

Why I Prefer Buyers to Attend

If a client is able to attend, I strongly prefer it.

That said, I understand it’s not always possible. Many of my clients are from out of province or have scheduling conflicts. Because of that, I offer two approaches.

The first is a full walk-through inspection where the client joins me from start to finish. The second is where I complete the inspection first, then have the client arrive a couple of hours later. This gives me enough time to complete a thorough inspection, and then I can walk them through the home and explain everything I’ve found in real time.

Even though my written reports are very detailed—with photos, explanations, and recommendations—there is still real value in physically showing clients what I’m talking about.

When someone is standing in front of the issue, it just makes more sense.

What Buyers Actually Learn During the Inspection

A big part of my job—especially with first-time buyers—is education.

Most people are not familiar with how a home actually works behind the walls or in mechanical areas. During the inspection, I take time to physically show clients important systems such as:

• Furnace and heating systems
• Electrical panel and main disconnect
• Water shut-off locations
• Key plumbing and emergency shut-offs

I don’t just write this in a report. I take them directly to the location and show them how to operate it.

This is something that often gets overlooked, but in my opinion it’s one of the most valuable parts of attending an inspection.

In an emergency situation, you don’t want to be reading a report—you want to already know where to go and what to do.

I’ve had many first-time buyers tell me afterward that this alone made them feel far more comfortable moving into their new home.

When Buyers Can’t Attend

Sometimes attendance simply isn’t possible, and that’s completely fine.

When that happens, I don’t just send a report and walk away.

Once the client has had time to review the report, I schedule a phone call and go through everything step by step. My reports are designed to be detailed and clear, but I still make sure the client fully understands what I’ve found and what it means for them.

I also explain priorities—what needs attention right away, what can be planned for later, and what is simply normal maintenance.

In some cases, issues don’t fully “click” for clients until they actually take possession of the home. When that happens, I’m always available to answer questions, and if I’m nearby, I don’t hesitate to stop in and go through things in person if needed.

The inspection doesn’t end when the report is delivered—it continues until the client is comfortable.

There Is No Pass or Fail in a Home Inspection

One of the first things I explain to every client is this: a home inspection is not pass or fail.

My role is to identify and explain:

• Safety concerns
• Major defects that may affect value
• Maintenance items that should be addressed over time

For example, a significant roof leak is something that needs attention because it can lead to water damage and long-term deterioration. On the other hand, smaller maintenance items are simply part of homeownership and can often be addressed gradually.

I also help clients understand context. Some buyers are very handy and comfortable taking on repairs. Others want a home that is more move-in ready. Neither approach is right or wrong—it just depends on the buyer.

That’s why I always try to clearly separate what needs immediate attention from what can be planned for later.

My Honest Opinion

If a buyer can attend the inspection, I believe they absolutely should.

Not because the report isn’t enough—but because being there changes how you understand the home.

Buyers see things with their own eyes that they would never notice during a typical walkthrough. They ask questions in real time. They get explanations in context. And they leave with a much clearer understanding of what they’re actually buying.

In my experience, that understanding leads to confidence.

And a confident buyer is always in a better position to make a decision they won’t regret later.

That’s why I always say: if you can make it, attend the inspection.