As usual Don is on the mark. Radon should be discussed with agent and inspector, but there is one other person who may want some input, your attorney. I once had an inspector who didn't feel the radon was required and buyer agreed. The cost is minimal. Sure enough the attorney called and said do it and it was good advice since he had done many closings in the area. The sellers had to remediate. So weigh the cost of that test to the cost of the investment. You never know, down the road a buyer for your home may want to do it. Good luck!

Candace Lipira

William -

Congratulations on buying your first home!

You'll want to be sure to follow the inspector around and learn as much as you can about the home.
Many items will be pointed out, including how to turn off the water, gas, etc., in case of emergency.

If there are any items of concern to you, then be sure to address these to the inspector when you first meet at the home. This will alert the inspector of your own concerns, so that they can be sure to not only pay special attention to these items, but also to be sure to discuss these items with you.

Also, the inspector will discuss any issues they find with the home (all homes have some issues) and should explain them to you, and help you determine if they are major issues, minor concerns, or maintenance issues that you will want to take care of on a regular basis.

Don't be alarmed if the inspector doesn't follow the exact order of inspection that is detailed in the previous answer - each inspector has their own routine as to what order they will follow. Also, some inspections will only take a couple of hours, while some will last 5+ hours. It all depends on the inspector, the house, and how much discussion goes on that may cause the inspection to take longer.

I've never seen an "electrical form" that gets emailed to you. Perhaps that is a regional thing.

You may also be having a pest inspection - a certified pest inspector will check the home for any infestations and/or dry rot, and will advise you.

And, of course, a radon inspection may be in order. You will want to discuss this with your agent and inspector. Also, please be sure to discuss with your agent and the inspector if any additional inspections should be performed.

The home inspector if he or she is good should spend between 3.5 to 4.5 hours in the home. They should start on the outside grounds and move to the basement and work up from there. A typical home inspection will have a from to fill out to start with and if the inspector has an electical form that will be emailed over to you when they are finished. This recommended to all buyers as they are a second set of eyes.