Call in a pro to see your home in a new light
Whether you’ve got eyes on a new home or are a seasoned homeowner, a thorough home inspection can help you understand your property and how to get it in tip-top shape.
Your home is more than just walls and a roof—it’s a complex system of parts that requires careful attention. Think of a home inspection as a backstage pass, revealing the inner workings that keep your home running. It can help identify safety concerns, uncover issues that might arise during a selling process, and give you an overall picture of your property’s value. Here’s a breakdown of all that a home inspection covers and what you can learn about your home.
Home inspections provide a thorough report on various aspects of your home, from checking nooks and crannies for surprises to ensuring the home is aging like fine wine. They can uncover any hidden issues for prospective buyers or serve as a maintenance check if you already own the home.
While most inspections occur during the homebuying process, you can hire a home inspector at any time. Consider it your home’s annual checkup to keep everything running smoothly.
There are a few main goals of a home inspection:
Identify existing or potential issues within the property.
Ensure safety by looking for leaks, mold, and other risks.
Make informed decisions about negotiating price adjustments.
Comply with local regulations, which may require inspections for renovations or occupancy permits.
Including a home inspection contingency in your sale contract can also provide legal and financial protection, allowing you to back out or renegotiate in case the inspection uncovers any deal-breakers.
Your home is made up of interconnected parts, much like a body—it’s important that each part is functions correctly to ensure that issues don’t progress into something worse.
These are the main components you can expect a home inspector to evaluate, which we’ll break down more later on:
Heating system
Central air system
Plumbing
Electrical
Walls and ceilings
Floors
Windows
Doors
Foundation
Basement (if applicable)
Roof
Exterior structure
Safety features (such as smoke detectors)
These aren’t necessarily the only things that the inspector will be checking, though. For instance, if you have a gas fireplace, the inspector will check the area for structural support and ventilation. Some specialty inspections—like mold, termite, and lead testing—may be included as an additional cost.
Depending on state and local regulations, the actual inspection checklist varies. For instance, an inspection near the coastline in Florida may need to take into account flooding or hurricane ratings. An inland inspection, however, may need to focus on what type of soil you have around your home.
Before a scheduled inspection, take the time to prepare your home. You’ll want to make sure there’s clear access to all areas, including electrical panels and mechanical systems. Turn on the utilities when the inspector checks appliances.
The inspector may want to see paperwork for recently completed projects and warranty information. Gather these documents in advance, so they’re ready for review.
As the inspector assesses your home’s components and systems, take note of their observations and recommendations. You can make a list of anything that needs to be repaired or replaced so that you can address the issues afterward. If you’re a new homebuyer, it’s also helpful to note where things like the shut-off valve are or how to access the attic.
While you don’t need to be present for the inspection, it can be beneficial for asking questions, gaining a better understanding of recommendations, and addressing any immediate concerns.
The inspector will send you an inspection report, which includes information about the findings and assessments of your home. Use this report to your advantage. Note any major issues or recommended repairs to prioritize.
If you’re purchasing a home, you can also use the report as negotiation leverage for repairs or seller concessions.
An HVAC inspection encompasses heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and inspectors check these systems for air quality and proper operation. Make sure to clear access to heating and cooling units beforehand and replace air filters if needed.
The heating system varies between homes and can include propane or gas heating systems, furnaces, heat pumps, or electrical setups.
Inspectors check these systems for heating output, thermostat accuracy, and the condition of certain appliances. If the system has wear and tear or isn’t adequately heating your home, you can find a local HVAC contractor to address any issues.
Another integral part of the HVAC system is central air conditioning. Inspectors will look for leaks, proper insulation, and cooling capacity to ensure the system keeps your home cool and comfortable.
Ventilation is critical for indoor air quality and comfort. Depending on the home, different systems, such as ducted or ductless setups, are used. An inspector will check ductwork for leaks, blockages, or contamination that could impact air quality and the system’s efficiency.
If you have smokers or pets with lots of hair in your home, or if your community is known for having poor air quality, you should have your air ducts inspected and cleaned more often.
Inspectors may evaluate the energy efficiency of HVAC systems and recommend improvements to reduce energy consumption and lower costs. Optimizing your HVAC system's efficiency is a win-win whether you’re eco-conscious or simply looking to save some money on energy bills.
Some improvements you can make to increase efficiency include installing energy-efficient equipment, cleaning filters, and upgrading insulation.
From faucets to drains, your plumbing keeps water flowing through your home. Inspectors will need clear access to plumbing fixtures to check for leaks and other problems.
Imagine your home’s plumbing as a network of arteries and veins, delivering water where needed and whisking away wastewater. Inspectors examine this system, from faucets to toilets, checking for leaks, corrosion, or damage in pipes and fittings. If there are issues with water pressure or drainage, or if the system is simply worn with age, you can hire a plumber to make the necessary fixes.
No one likes a clogged drain or backed-up sewer line. Inspectors check for signs of clogs or backups, which could point to underlying issues such as intruding tree roots or improper sloping. Proper drainage and sewage functions are essential for preventing water damage and keeping a leak-free home.
An electrical inspection will look at outlets, wiring, and circuit panels to identify potential hazards or outdated electrical systems.
Your home’s electrical system powers everything from lights to appliances. When it comes to wiring and connections, inspectors will look for things like exposed wires, overloaded circuits, or improperly installed cables.
In case the inspector finds any faulty connections that could spark trouble, find a local electrician to ensure safe and reliable electrical wiring.
Lights and fixtures not only illuminate your home but also enhance its ambiance and functionality. Inspectors assess lighting fixtures, switches, and bulbs, looking for flickering lights, buzzing sounds, or dimming issues that could indicate electrical issues.
The interior features of your home attest to your home’s livability and overall condition. An inspector will check not only for cracks and signs of damage but will also inspect for pest infestations. It might be a good idea to move furniture out of the way and clear areas that are hard to get to.
Walls and ceilings are the canvas for your home’s character and charm. Inspectors evaluate them for cracks, water damage, pests, or structural issues. If the inspector finds any cracks, you can use spackling or compound to fill them in, then sand down and paint over the area to restore its appearance.
For significant cracks or rotting, it’s best to hire a wall repair pro.
Flooring bears the weight of daily life and adds personality to your home’s interior design. What inspectors look for may depend on the flooring material. For example, with tile flooring, they’ll check the grout and look for proper waterproofing in bathrooms. In general, they’ll evaluate flooring for wear, damage, or potential hazards, like loose tiles and exposed nails.
A well-maintained door is a gateway to comfort and privacy. Inspectors check door frames, hinges, and locks for proper operation and alignment. They’ll also look for signs of wear, drafts, or damage that could cause the door to close improperly.
Windows play a crucial role in your home’s safety and energy efficiency. During inspections, inspectors pay close attention to frames, seals, and glass. They’ll make sure windows on the upper floors have proper safeguards against falls.
In homes with children, they may also check for child-safe window treatments, such as cordless blinds and safety locks.
Inspectors look at the structural elements of your home to make sure it’s secure and resilient. To prepare for this part of the inspection, make sure there’s clear access to areas like the basement and attic.
Think of your home’s foundation as its roots, supporting everything above and keeping it upright. A solid foundation ensures your home stands strong against the test of time and environmental factors. Inspectors examine the foundation for cracks, settling, or any signs of stress that could compromise its integrity.
A well-maintained basement ensures a dry, comfortable space and adds to your home’s structural resilience. Inspectors look for signs of water intrusion, such as dampness, mold growth, or water stains, which could indicate leaks or drainage problems. They’ll also look for cracks, bowing, or shifting that may need repairs.
One key aspect of basement inspections is evaluating the sump pump system, if present. Inspectors make sure it functions correctly in managing groundwater and preventing flooding.
Your roof shields your home from rain, snow, and harsh elements. Roof inspections identify missing shingles, leaks, and signs of water damage, as well as check gutters and downspouts. An inspector will also examine the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights to make sure they’re watertight.
Regular inspections and maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and replacing damaged shingles, can extend the life of your roof and protect your home from water damage. Hire a local roofing pro to keep your roof sturdy and prevent leaks.
Exterior components of the house include siding, trim, decks, and fences. They make up a home’s first impression, while also comprising a protective barrier. Inspectors will check these exterior elements for damage, decay, or improper installation.
Your home may need to abide by certain safety regulations, depending on where you live. But home inspectors aren’t just concerned about following rules—safety checks create a secure living environment for you and your household, identifying potential hazards from fire risks to structural weaknesses.
The National Fire Protection Association requires homes to have at least one smoke alarm in every sleeping room. Most states also require carbon monoxide detectors in homes. These laws have changed over the years, so older homes in particular may not be up to standard. Inspectors can make you aware of these unmet requirements, in addition to checking detectors’ placement and battery life.
Depending on specific factors, like your home’s location or age, you may need specialized inspections like these that test for the presence of dangerous materials. Even if it’s not a requirement, it’s a good idea to get your home tested for these materials, which can lead to major health concerns, if it hasn’t been tested before:
Lead-based paint inspection
Asbestos inspection
A 4-point home inspection is similar to a standard home inspection, but it’s less extensive and is required for home insurance in select states. In a 4-point inspection, inspectors only review four main components—electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and roofing systems.
There are some instances where a buyer may want to skip a home inspection, but this is not usually recommended. While home inspections are not always required as part of the homebuying or selling process, they are in the best interest of buyers. If you choose to skip the home inspection, be prepared to discover a home’s hidden secrets on your own over time.
The main difference between a home appraisal versus a home inspection is that an appraisal focuses on value, while an inspection focuses on condition. Home appraisals consider the condition, location, and other aspects of the home to determine a fair market value. Home inspections evaluate the condition of the entire home to find safety or repair concerns.
Unless you’re a home inspector yourself, you should leave this job to a local licensed home inspector. They have a checklist of things they know they need to go through, and skipping over anything may lead to thousands of dollars worth of repairs down the road. Leave the stress and work behind and choose to tag along with a pro rather than act as a DIY inspector.
A home inspection typically takes between two and three hours, but the actual time can vary according to factors like the size of the home, its location, accessibility of certain components, and its age. You should receive a completed inspection report within four days of the inspection.
In most cases, buyers are responsible for paying for a home inspection. This is largely because the home inspection mainly benefits the buyer by providing them with more information about the property before they finalize the sale. It protects their investment from the risk of costly repairs or legal issues.
