Additional Information About Scheduling

What to Expect • Services • Scheduling • Scope of Work

We understand that you may have questions about our process.

We supply this information to be helpful. If you have additional questions, please email us for the fastest assistance.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Scheduling:

Step 1 — Reply to our email to request your appointment + services

Step 2 — We Coordinate Access
We handle all scheduling with the listing agent, builder, or showing service (Broker Bay, ShowingTime, etc.).

To avoid confusion and delays, please do not submit duplicate requests

Step 3 — Confirmation
Once access is approved, we’ll confirm your appointment time.

Availability may change—appointments are only confirmed once you hear back from us.

Step 4 — Finalize Your Appointment
You’ll receive a secure portal link to:

  • Sign your inspection agreement

  • Submit payment

Your appointment is finalized after payment and signature are completed.

Inspection Day:

Focused Inspection (Prior to Your Arrival)

Your inspector begins ahead of your scheduled consultation time to:

  • Test systems and components

  • Perform safety-sensitive tasks

  • Access difficult or hazardous areas

  • Document findings thoroughly via voice to text and supporting photos and videos

This uninterrupted time is critical to a complete to the standards we’re known for, therefore attendance is reserved for the consultation.

Your Consultation (Optional Attendance)

If you choose to attend, plan to arrive at your scheduled consultation time.

During this focused review:

  • Key findings are explained

  • Questions are answered

  • Practical next steps are discussed

Important:

  • This is a summary and consultation at the conclusion of the inspection, please arrive at the scheduled time.

  • We want to ensure that we can have a meaningful conversation about the inspection. In respect to the schedules of sellers and other clients, inspectors cannot wait for delayed arrivals.

Attendance Policy

  • The on-site consultation is a courtesy review at the end of the inspection. It is not intrinsic to performance of an inspection and cannot be rescheduled.

  • Please arrive at your confirmed time if attending.

  • Due to the responsibility held by Iron Gate for our access window at the property, this will not be an appointment to meet with contractors, show the house to family, etc. A separate showing—independent of Iron Gate’s access—should be scheduled if needed.

    • If you need additional time on the inspection day to meet with contractors, etc., we recommend scheduling a separate showing with your realtor to begin 30 minutes after your consultation start time. This helps ensure we can complete the inspection efficiently, while also allowing your contractors the space they need for their evaluations. We find that this offset works best and allows your realtor ensure the property is secure when you’re done meeting with contractors.

    • NOTE: It is highly recommended to schedule additional contractors after receiving your inspection report, when possible.

Your Report

Delivered within one business day, your report includes:

  • Clear summaries of findings

  • Supporting photos and video

  • Professional documentation

  • optional: Repair request builder to assist with your inspection response

Access, Utilities & Property Readiness

To ensure a more thorough inspection:

  • All areas (attics, crawlspaces, panels, fireplaces, etc.) should be accessible prior to the inspection and not blocked by homeowner’s belongings or stored items

  • Utilities must be on and functional - if utilities are off, we recommend having this done at least 3 days prior as delays are common

  • Vacant or winterized homes must be fully de-winterized - to avoid delays, we recommend having this done at least 3 days prior

Please note:

  • Inspectors do not coordinate with utility companies

  • Inspectors do not contact sellers during the inspection to gain access - we recommend reminding the sellers to have all areas accessible in advance.

If areas are inaccessible:

  • The limitation will be documented

  • Return visits may require an additional fee (typically starting at $150)

  • We are not able to discount inspections due to inaccessible areas

What an Inspection Is — and Is Not

An inspection is:
✔ A professional, overall evaluation of visible and accessible conditions, especially pertaining to safety and habitability (not cosmetics)
✔ An objective tool to support your decision-making

An inspection is not:
✖ A code compliance inspection
✖ A warranty or guarantee
✖ A projection of future performance

Even well-maintained homes can have conditions that aren’t visible or that develop over time.

Maintaining a contingency fund and/or securing a home warranty is an important part of homeownership.

Inspector Role & Approach

Our inspectors are:

  • Licensed professionals

  • Unbiased and independent

  • Following a consistent, standardized process

Inspections are not customized or altered outside of established standards.

Standards, Scope & What We Evaluate

Our inspections follow:

  • American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Standards

  • Indiana state standards

This is a visual, non-invasive inspection of systems and components, focused on safety and habitability, as they are accessible during the inspection.

Home inspections, by state and national standards, are not technically exhaustive.

Important Limitations

All home inspections have inherent limitations:

  • Inspectors cannot see inside walls, under insulation, or behind finished surfaces

  • Inspectors do not move personal belongings or dismantle systems

  • In accordance with national standards, representative sampling is used

Example:
An isolated issue (such as a single malfunctioning outlet or switch) may not be discovered if it falls outside the representative sample. Representative samples apply to components, including but not limited to outlets and windows.

Cancellations & Rescheduling

We reserve dedicated time for each inspection.

Cancellation fees:

  • Less than 48 hours: $100 + non-cancelable services

  • Less than 24 hours: 50% of inspection total

Service-specific policies:

  • Radon testing: non-cancelable after 24 hours from ordering

  • Water testing (well properties): non-cancelable after ordering

  • Mold testing: typically non-cancelable after 48 hours

Please email us as early as possible if plans change so we can best assist.

Final Notes

By scheduling your inspection, you acknowledge:

  • The scope and limitations outlined above

  • That not all defects can be discovered

  • That access and utilities are the responsibility of the seller

Questions Before Scheduling?

We’re happy to help.

If you’d like clarification on any part of the process, feel free to reach out before booking—we want you to feel fully informed and confident moving forward.

Ready to Schedule

Reply to our email with the requested details - we’ll take care of the rest!