Buying a home is stressful enough without guessing what your inspector can or can’t do when the utilities are off. We pull back the curtain on the real workflow: what we can still evaluate with gas or water shut down, why some issues like slow plumbing leaks require time under load, and how we handle return visits without derailing schedules. You’ll hear exactly which systems we can test, what gets deferred, and how to plan ahead so small problems don’t hide until move-in day.
Safety isn’t negotiable, and that’s where the conversation gets real. We walk through hard stops that end an inspection on the spot: city-issued Do Not Enter or condemned notices, active squatters inside the structure, and flooded basements with unknown electrical conditions. Each example comes with the reasoning behind the policy—legal liability, life-safety risks, and the duty to keep teams and clients out of harm’s way. We also unpack gray areas where judgment applies, like nearby homeless camps that don’t interfere with access, and roof inspections that may shift from boots-on to drones or visual methods when ladder risks outweigh the benefit.
If you’re a buyer or agent, this is your playbook for a smoother, safer inspection. Confirm utility activation in advance, share documentation when prior notices are lifted, and consider bundling ancillaries like radon, mold, sewer scope, chimney scope, gas line checks, and air quality testing to get a comprehensive picture in one coordinated visit. Communication is the difference between wasted trips and meaningful findings—especially with vacant properties or those with a tricky past. If this helped clarify what to expect, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s under contract, and leave a quick review to tell us your top inspection deal-breaker.

Adventures in Home Buying, the ultimate podcast for anyone navigating the exciting, sometimes daunting world of purchasing a home! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or dreaming of your forever home, our engaging stories and expert insights will guide you through every step of the homebuying journey. From decoding mortgages and mastering bidding wars to uncovering hidden costs and spotting sustainable home features, we deliver practical tips and real-world advice to empower you with confidence.

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