Should I Cancel My Home Inspection Because of Rain?

You agreed on a price for your dream house, you’re in attorney review, and the home inspection has been scheduled. But the weather report is calling for rain, rain, and more rain. So you should postpone the inspection until a sunny day, right? Wrong!

Bill Root of Roots Home Inspection in New Jersey, who regularly inspects homes in both Maplewood and South Orange, actually says that your instinct is the opposite of what you should do. “Many a time, I have buyers wanting to postpone their home inspection due to weather forecasts of rain,” Root says.

But there are actual PROs of it raining on your inspection day:

– Roof/flashing leaks will be more visible.

– Basement/crawlspace water penetration issues will be more apparent.

– Radon readings are strongest during severe weather.

– Issues with grade slope may be demonstrated.

While the rain may prevent your home inspector from climbing up on the roof, Root suggests that the inspector take a second look at the roof when he returns to the property to pick up the radon can.

Root also recommends wearing protective rain gear, and that your shoes be removed before entering the seller’s home. Root is trained to respect the cleanliness of the home, and suggest that buyers should be just as mindful.

“A home inspection is just a snapshot in time,” Root says. “Why not inspect in adverse conditions? The home inspector will not melt!”