Why Home Inspections Still Require Phone Calls
Home inspections are one of the most time-sensitive and high-stakes phone calls in the home buying process. You typically have a 10-15 day inspection contingency window, the inspection must be coordinated with the seller's schedule and your real estate agent, and the inspector needs to know the property type, age, and size to allocate the right amount of time.
Most home inspectors are independent operators or small firms without sophisticated booking systems. Their scheduling process involves a phone conversation about the property, discussion of what additional services you might need (radon testing, termite inspection, sewer scope), price quoting, and payment arrangements.
For first-time homebuyers already overwhelmed by the buying process, this phone call is just one more task on a towering to-do list. Here is how to simplify it.
Why Scheduling a Home Inspection by Phone Is Stressful
- !Time pressure from the inspection contingency deadline adds urgency to booking
- !Inspectors need details about the property to quote accurately and allocate time
- !Scheduling must coordinate with the seller, listing agent, and your own availability
- !Additional services (radon, termite, sewer) need to be discussed and added
- !Popular inspectors book up quickly, requiring calls to multiple firms
- !First-time buyers may not know what to ask or what services they need
Ways to Schedule a Home Inspection Without Calling
Inspector Website Online Booking
WorksSome larger inspection firms offer online scheduling through their websites.
Only available at larger firms. Online booking may not include add-on services. The inspector may call to confirm details anyway. Limited availability for rush scheduling.
Real Estate Agent Recommendation
WorksYour buyer agent often has relationships with inspectors and can coordinate the scheduling.
Agent-recommended inspectors may not always be the most thorough (some agents prioritize deal closure). Your agent may still ask you to make the call. Relying on the agent adds a communication layer.
HomeAdvisor or InterNACHI Directory
LimitedSearch for certified inspectors in your area and request appointments through the platform.
These are directories, not booking platforms. You get a list of inspectors to call. HomeAdvisor in particular will share your number with multiple inspectors who will call you.
Email the Inspector
WorksEmail your preferred inspector with property details and schedule preferences.
Response times may not meet your contingency deadline. The inspector may respond asking you to call. Email lacks the real-time back-and-forth needed for schedule coordination.
KallyAI Executive Assistant
WorksKallyAI calls inspectors on your list, provides property details, discusses available add-on services, and books the inspection within your contingency window.
Cannot attend the inspection on your behalf. Payment may need to be handled directly. For complex properties, the inspector may want to speak with you about specific concerns.
Let KallyAI Book Your Home Inspection
KallyAI calls inspectors with your property details, checks availability within your contingency window, discusses add-on services, and locks in your appointment.
Provide property and timeline details
Tell KallyAI the property address, type (single-family, condo, townhouse), approximate age and size, your contingency deadline, and which inspectors to contact.
KallyAI calls inspectors
The AI contacts each inspector, provides property details, asks about availability, pricing, and available add-on services (radon, termite, sewer scope, mold).
Options compared
KallyAI presents availability, pricing, and included services from each inspector so you can choose the best fit.
Inspection booked
Once you choose, KallyAI calls back to confirm the appointment and gets instructions about property access, payment, and what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I schedule a home inspection?
Most inspectors can schedule within 3-7 days. Rush scheduling (1-2 days) may be available but can cost extra. Start contacting inspectors as soon as your offer is accepted to maximize your options within the contingency window.
What add-on inspection services do I need?
At minimum, get a general home inspection. Consider radon testing (especially in basements), termite/pest inspection (in wood-frame homes), sewer scope (for homes older than 30 years), and mold testing (if you see signs of water damage).
Can KallyAI negotiate inspection pricing?
KallyAI can ask about discounts for bundling multiple services and compare pricing across inspectors. Home inspection pricing is relatively standard in each market, so significant negotiation is uncommon.
Should I use the inspector my agent recommends?
Agent-recommended inspectors are convenient but may not always be the most thorough. Consider getting quotes from both your agent recommendation and independently found inspectors to compare.