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4 Benefits of Verbal Home Inspection


Whether you are buying or selling a home, knowing whether the property has any issues that influence its market value is a key step in ensuring this type of transaction doesn’t cause you unpleasant surprises. There are multiple options for inspecting a home, all of which differ in approach, scope, and the specifics of what they’re examining. 

To give you a clear idea of what you expect from different types of home inspections, we have prepared a brief explanation of what verbal home inspection services are and how they can help you make a home purchase in San Diego, CA that you won’t regret down the road. Read on. 

What is the purpose of a home walk through? How can I hire the most reliable verbal home inspection services in San Diego, CA

A verbal home inspection is a type of home inspection that can benefit both the buyer and the seller. It is a limited-scope type of home examination that does not include a written report. Nevertheless, it can still be immensely useful. 

Here’s how you can benefit from it:

1. You get quick results

A verbal home inspection includes a walk-through visual assessment of the property’s major components, with the goal of identifying any problems and estimating repair costs. The client is present together with the inspector and is able to listen to feedback during the process.

This makes a verbal inspection the quickest possible way for the client to learn about any problems the property may have.

2. You get an on-the-spot verbal debrief

Being present during the walk-through allows the client to ask the inspector questions as they view the property. Knowing which questions to ask at the time of the inspection enables the client to get valuable insight into the property’s structural condition, helps assess the cost of future repairs, and helps them get a clearer idea of its true market value. 

If you’re a buyer, you can use this professional guidance to make a more informed financial decision. If you are the seller and you don’t need a written report, this is a great way to have the most important parts of the property visually assessed and help you set your expectations in terms of planning repairs or negotiating with buyers.

3. It gives directions as to what to examine in more depth

A verbal home inspection doesn’t include examining the entire property in great detail, but rather focuses on the big picture. After the completion of a verbal walkthrough, and depending on what flaws and defects it has uncovered, you may choose to inspect some of the property’s elements more closely. 

With this in mind, you can view the verbal inspection as an introductory part of a more comprehensive examination process.

4. It costs less

For those who are not interested in getting an extensive written report on the property, or for buyers who are considering multiple options, a verbal home inspection can be practical in more ways than one. Not only is it a time saver and a great way to familiarize themselves with the property, but it is also the most affordable option.

How can I hire the most reliable verbal home inspection services in San Diego, CA? What is the purpose of a home walk through

If you are interested in placing your property in Clairemont on the market, or looking to buy one anywhere else in the vicinity of San Diego, getting a professional home inspection from a reputable firm like The Inspectors Company is never a bad idea.

We offer verbal home inspections, as well as a broad range of other home inspection services such as mold inspections, buyer-home inspections, pre-listing and commercial inspections, roofing, sewer line, septic tank examinations, thermal imaging inspections and more. 

All of our inspectors are InterNACHI-certified professionals with vast experience. They’re more than ready to answer all of your questions and concerns. Schedule your appointment today!

Verbal Home Inspection: All You Need to Know 


A verbal walk-through is a basic form of home inspection. It is designed to help the client get a quick summary of potential repair expenses, while viewing the property together with the inspector. Its purpose is to help both buyers and sellers get a brisk and accurate estimate of a property’s condition at the time of the inspection. 

If you are considering hiring a verbal home inspection service in San Diego, we have prepared a quick run-down of what this type of inspection entails. Keep reading to learn more.

What does a basic home inspection include? 

This type of inspection doesn’t require your inspector to examine every detail of the property. However, the verbal guidance your inspector provides is usually enough to inform you of any key issues the property may have and help you predict future investments. 

Things your inspector will examine during a basic walk through inspection are:

  • Roofing elements such as shingles/tiles, membrane, flat roofs, and flashing.How do I prepare for a verbal home inspection
  • The property’s structural elements and foundations.
  • The functioning of water and drainage piping.
  • How electrical service and main electrical panels work.
  • The condition of the furnace or boiler.
  • The state of central air conditioning.
  • How well the central heat pump works.

Once your inspector has finished examining the property, they will provide you with a verbal explanation of the home’s overall state and answer any questions you may have. 

What’s not included in the verbal inspection process?

While a verbal home inspection is a great option for clients who are looking to get a quick estimate of the property’s state, it’s worth noting that this type of inspection doesn’t examine certain systems and components. 

Your inspector will not look at:

What does a basic home inspection include?

  • Roof elements such as chimneys, skylights, and eavestroughs
  • The presence of termites or UFFI (Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation)
  • Retaining walls, garages, fences, siding, paint
  • Windows, exterior doors, porches, decks
  • Driveways, walkways, paths, patio, grading
  • Bathroom, tiles, shower, plumbing and fixtures
  • Electrical, HVAC
  • Duct system, humidifier, radiators, exhaust flue
  • Smoke detectors
  • Basement conditions
  • Interior doors
  • Appliances and equipment

Unlike a full home inspection, a verbal inspection doesn’t include a written report, nor does it include taking photos of the property. Some inspectors may require you to sign a walk-through agreement to confirm that you are aware of these facts.

How do I prepare for a verbal home inspection?

Here’s what you can do to get the maximum benefits of a walk-through inspection:

Prepare a list of questions

Since you will be present during a verbal inspection, it’s a good idea to prepare a list of key questions you want to ask during the inspection. This will give you additional insight into the property’s value and help you get the most out of your inspection.

Make sure the property is accessible

Apart from showing up prepared, there’s not much else buyers need to do. However, if you’re the seller, it’s in your best interest to have the inspection process go as smoothly as possible.

To facilitate the inspector’s work and avoid leaving the impression that you have something to hide, provide the inspector with easy access to key points of the home. This includes decluttering the property and the perimeter around it.

Where can I get the best verbal home inspection service in San Diego?

If you are interested in hiring the most reliable verbal home inspection service to view your property in Miramar, or anywhere else in the area of San Diego, The Inspectors Company is the go-to company for you.

Our practiced InterNACHI-certified inspectors operate with both knowledge and experience to readily answer all your questions and help you reach a decision that’s in your best interest. Give us a call today!