What to Expect During a Home Inspection

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is an examination performed by an objective and experienced third party assessing the physical structure of the property and the condition of its built-in systems and major appliances. A professional home inspector or general contractor will perform a visual inspection of the entire property, from roof to foundation, and make detailed notes about their findings.

The purpose of these inspections is to identify any areas, systems, or components that may need to be repaired or replaced, or that might represent possible safety hazards. The home inspector may also identify potentially problematic areas to keep an eye on or tag for further evaluation. They will then share their findings in a comprehensive written report.

It's also worth recognizing what a home inspection is not. A home inspection is not an appraisal, and will not determine the property's market value. It's also not something that checks behind drywall, digs behind electrical panels, or looks at the insides of pipes; it's a primarily visual inspection that can give you an idea of whether there might be issues with the home. For anything more invasive, you may need to hire a specialist.

What Does a Home Inspector Look For?

When inspecting a property, a home inspector will look at essentially every structural and mechanical system in the home. More specifically, the home inspector will probably follow something similar to this home inspection checklist:

• Roof and Rain Gutters. The inspector will look at the overall quality of the roof and rain gutters, make note of any missing or damaged shingles, and determine whether the gutters drain properly away from the house.
• Chimney. The condition of the chimney will be visually inspected for any damage. The inspector will also note whether the chimney stands straight.
• Siding and Bricks. The siding will be evaluated for cracks or other damage. Brickwork will likewise need to be inspected, and any cracks or spaces within the joints will be noted.
• Exterior Walls. The inspector will take a close look at external walls as well as window and door frames to determine whether they appear to be sagging. They will also make note of any stained or flaking paint on the exterior of the house.
• Septic Tanks. If the home has a septic tank, the inspector will evaluate it for any possible leaks.
• Foundation. The home inspector will look closely at the foundation and make note of its overall condition and call attention to any significant cracks or other concerns.
• Sheds, Fences, and Decks. Additional home structures will be evaluated for overall condition and the condition of the materials. The inspector will identify any rotted-out wood, evidence of termites, or possible safety hazards.
• Attic. The attic will be reviewed to determine its condition, including whether there is sufficient insulation and ventilation, whether electrical splices are properly contained, and if there is any other notable damage or decay.
• Basement. The inspector will evaluate the basement for moisture or evidence of water damage.
• Kitchen. The home inspector will inspect the kitchen for any visible issues with the under-sink plumbing, and will also check to see that exhaust fans operate as expected, garbage disposals and major appliances are fully functional, and sinks drain properly.
• Bathrooms. The bathroom will be inspected for any signs of leaking or water damage around the tub or shower. The condition of any visible or under-sink plumbing will be evaluated and all fixtures will be inspected to ensure adequate water pressure and access to hot and cold water. The toilets will be tested to see if they are secure and if they flush and fill properly.
• Other Interior Rooms. Home inspectors will evaluate interior rooms for their overall condition. This includes checking whether floors, walls, or ceilings are sagging or feature visible stains or cracking. The inspector will also see if doors open and close properly, check to make sure that there are enough electrical outlets and vents, test the light switches, and make note of the location and condition of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Plumbing and Water Heater. The inspector will look at the water heater for any leaks, signs of rust, or other indicators that it may require maintenance or repair. Other visible pipes will also be inspected for leaks or damage, and the water temperature and water pressure will be tested to see if they fall without acceptable ranges.
• Electrical Systems. The home electrical systems will be evaluated for damage or exposed electrical splices. The overall condition of the visible electrical wiring and the service panel will also be reviewed.
• Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) Systems. The inspector will test the HVAC systems to see whether they operate as expected and determine whether they show any signs of damage. They will also make note of the condition of the fireplace and chimney flues.