What a buyer home inspection covers
A standard home inspection is a visual evaluation of accessible systems and components. The inspector looks for material defects, safety concerns, signs of moisture or movement, and conditions that may deserve maintenance or further evaluation.
- Roofing, exterior surfaces, grading and drainage
- Structure, foundation and accessible crawlspace or basement
- Electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems
- Attic, insulation, ventilation, interiors and built-in appliances
How to prepare before the appointment
Confirm that utilities are on and that the inspector can access the attic, electrical panel, water heater, HVAC equipment, crawlspace, garage and other important areas. If the home is occupied, your agent can coordinate access with the listing side.
- Send known concerns to the inspector before the appointment
- Choose add-on testing early enough to fit the transaction timeline
- Plan to attend the final portion when possible
- Bring questions, but allow the inspector space to complete the process
How to use the report
The goal is not to produce a pass-or-fail grade. The report documents observed conditions so you can understand priorities, ask informed questions, and decide whether specialist evaluation is appropriate.
Start with safety concerns and major systems, then review maintenance and smaller items. Your real estate agent can help you decide how the findings fit your contract and negotiations; your inspector can explain what was observed.
Add-on services worth considering
The property’s age, location, construction and history should guide the testing you choose. Radon measurement, a sewer camera inspection, fungal or indoor air quality testing, and a WDO inspection answer questions that a standard visual inspection cannot fully resolve.
- Radon testing measures an invisible soil gas
- A sewer scope views the accessible main drain line
- Air or surface sampling can provide laboratory information
- WDO inspections look for visible evidence of wood-destroying organisms