There are many things your home inspector can check during his or her visit, and all inspectors have their own lists of the basics to look for. Making your own checklist can help your inspector do a more thorough job that gets you the information you need before you buy the home.

When you make your own checklist, you accomplish a couple of important things. First, you have a clear list of expectations to help you pick the right inspector when you’re interviewing your top candidates. Second, you let inspectors know the special tools they’ll need when they come to the house. For example, a camera is a vital part of a chimney inspection. Letting your inspector know what you need ahead of time makes the process more efficient.