A Home Inspector is typically contacted right after the contract or purchase agreement has been signed, and is often available within about a week. During the summer months it may be necessary to contact a home inspector up to 10 days in advance. Before you sign, be sure that there is an inspection clause in the contract, make in your purchase obligation contingent upon the findings of a professional home inspection. This clause should specify the terms to which both the buyer and seller are obligated. For more information regarding the inspection clause, it will be necessary to consult with a reputable Realtor that is licensed in your state.