Home Inspector Pet Peeves: A Cincinnati Survival Guide

Published on 8 November 2025 at 11:08

Please show some respect and be nice to your Home Inspector by doing the following

1. The Hovering Homebuyer

We get it; buying a home is a big deal. But trust us, the inspector knows what they're doing. Let them work their magic. As the saying goes, "too many cooks spoil the broth," and too many eyes can cloud the inspection process. Let your Cincinnati home inspector have some space, would you want them bugging you while you are working?

2. Punctuality Problems

Time is money, folks! Home inspectors schedule their days meticulously, often allocating four hours between inspections. Showing up late throws everything off. They are already under the deck finding problems that'll save you thousands. Don't make them wait!

3. Discount Demands

Home inspections in Ohio range from $490 to $3000, depending on the inspections ordered, we have done an inspection for $10,000 before and saved that client $300,000 you do the math on ROI. Think of it as an investment. They’re about to potentially save you from a $10,000 foundation repair, so that fee is a bargain, if you needed heart surgery are you going to ask for the cheapest doctor?

4. The "Flipped" Fantasy

"All new!" Uh-huh. Often, flipped homes prioritize cosmetic upgrades over essential repairs. Don't be fooled by the shiny new countertops; make sure the bones are solid. Transparency about the condition of your home establishes trust with buyers.

5. Inspection Invasions

It's an inspection, not a family reunion. Too many people create safety hazards and distract the inspector. Keep the entourage to a minimum.

6. Contractor Chaos

Bringing contractors before you even own the house? Let's wait until it's yours before calling the whole crew. It raises liability issues and can complicate negotiations.

7. "Move-In Ready" Misnomers

Translation: "Needs work, bring your checkbook." Don't overstate your home's condition. Buyers often express shock and dismay upon receiving inspection reports that document ten, fifteen, twenty, or even more items requiring attention.

8. Hide-and-Seek Electrical Panels

Every inspector's favorite game: "Find the hidden panel." Don't block access to essential areas like the electrical panel and attic. Ensure attic access panels are fully accessible before the inspection to eliminate this friction entirely.

9. Repair Item Overload

"But the home looked great!" It still does… but looks can lie. Don't be shocked by the number of repair items. Visual appearance during a showing bears little relationship to the comprehensive technical assessment an inspector performs & the seller disclosure 85% of the time is a lie

10. Basement Blues

Expecting a perfectly dry basement in Ohio? Water finds a way. Manage expectations and proactively inspections address any known moisture issues, but guess what all basement leak

11. Roof Realities

“Why didn’t you walk the roof?” Because it’s covered in ice. We inspect homes, not break bones. Inspectors are not required to inspect roofs when doing so would create safety hazards. I once had a buyer ask me how to roof looked after 12 inches of snow, I said it is white.

12. Furnace Fantasies

"The furnace works fine today." Sure… until it doesn't. Preventive maintenance isn't optional. Routine tune-ups, including filter replacement, inspection of refrigerant levels, testing thermostat functionality, and professional servicing at least annually, are recommended.

13. Utility Uproar this is for you Listing Realtor

Showing up and the utilities are off? Hard to test the plumbing when the water's still winterized. Ensure all utilities are operational before the inspection.

14. Seller Standoff

Sellers staying home during the inspection? Awkward silence level: 100%. Vacate the property to allow for a more candid assessment & I have had buyers not buy the home because "Karen," the homeowner, stayed home and talked to the new buyers.

15. Filth and Foreboding

Dirt doesn't scare us, but it tells us exactly how the rest of the home's been cared for. Cleanliness projects better during inspections and may command higher prices than equivalent homes presented in cluttered, dirty conditions.

Ready to Sell?

Selling your home doesn't have to be a headache. By understanding these common pet peeves, you can create a smoother, more successful experience. Contact a trusted Cincinnati realtor (contact me for a list) today to get started, and consider a pre-listing inspection to address potential issues upfront. Good luck!

 

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