Your Questions, Answered
The Inspection Process
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A standard inspection covers all major visible and accessible systems and components — structural elements, roofing, exterior, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, interior, attic, and crawl spaces. It follows InterNACHI Standards of Practice.
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Typically 2-5 hours depending on the size and condition of the home. See our Pricing page for estimated durations by square footage.
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No. A home inspection is not a pass/fail evaluation. The report documents the condition of the home's systems and components, identifies deficiencies, and helps you make an informed decision — it doesn't tell you whether to buy.
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A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth, efficient inspection. Before your appointment:
Make sure all areas are accessible — attic, crawlspace, electrical panel, water heater, and any closets housing HVAC equipment
Ensure all utilities are on, including gas pilot lights
Secure pets outside or off the property during the inspection
Replace any burned-out lightbulbs
Clear debris or stacked wood away from the foundation
Trim tree limbs and shrubs away from the house and roofline
Taking care of these small items ahead of time helps the inspection go faster and gives you a cleaner, more accurate report. For a full walkthrough, InterNACHI has a helpful prep checklist you can reference before your appointment.
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Absolutely, and it's strongly encouraged. Being present allows you to see findings firsthand, ask questions in real time, and leave with a much deeper understanding of the home than a report alone can provide.
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Your detailed Spectora report will be delivered within 24-48 hours of the inspection, complete with photos and clear descriptions of all findings.
Pricing & Booking
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Pricing is based on square footage and starts at $400. See our Pricing page for more information.
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Contact us directly for current availability — we do our best to accommodate time-sensitive transactions.
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Yes. Eileen Murphy is an InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector — a credential pursued by choice in a state that does not require certification, because doing this right matters.
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A civil engineering degree and years of hands-on construction experience mean every inspection is evaluated with a technical eye that most inspectors simply don't bring to the table.
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Yes. Datum Inspections carries both General Liability and Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance.
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Our inspectors are dedicated to continuing education and are working on certifications in order to offer addtional ancillary inspection services. See our current list of inspections offered on the Services page.
About Datum
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Not necessarily. Every home has findings — even new construction. The report's job is to document everything. Focus on safety concerns, major system issues, and big-ticket items. I'll help you understand what's significant versus routine maintenance.
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Things that typically fall outside a standard inspection include mold, radon, water quality, pests/termites, sewer/septic, and any areas that are inaccessible or concealed.
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That's between you and your real estate agent — but yes, inspection findings are commonly used in purchase negotiations. Nearly half of buyers use inspection results to negotiate price adjustments or repair credits.