A residential inspection is a detailed examination of the physical condition of a home, from top to bottom, inside and out. For many homebuyers, a professional inspection is a crucial part of the home buying process. A thorough inspection can uncover issues with the home that could affect your decision to purchase, or impact what you’re willing to pay.

As important as home inspections are, the process is still a mystery to many homebuyers. What exactly does an inspector look for? What will you learn from an inspection report? And how can you get the most out of your home inspection? This guide will walk you through the basics, to help you make the most of your investment in a professional inspection.

Why Get a Home Inspection?

Residential Inspection are strongly recommended for all home purchases. An inspection provides third-party verification of the home’s physical condition. Without one, you could purchase a property without knowing about defects, safety hazards or issues that could cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix.

Some key benefits of getting an inspection include:

• Learn about the home’s condition. An inspection report will objectively summarize the home’s condition, including any wear and tear, needed repairs, or potential problems. You’ll gain insights an average homebuyer wouldn’t notice on their own.
• Make an informed purchase. Use inspection findings to negotiate with the seller, request repairs, or back out of a deal on a home with undisclosed issues. Know what you’re taking on before you commit.
• Establish a maintenance plan. The report provides a helpful guide for maintenance work you’ll need to budget and plan for. Understand any recommended updates to prevent future headaches.
• Peace of mind. An inspection provides assurance that you’re making a well-informed purchase decision. You’ll know the property’s true condition upfront.

In summary, a professional inspection limits surprises and empowers you to make smart, confident decisions around your most important investment.

What Does a Home Inspector Check For?

Professional home inspectors conduct a visual examination of the physical features of a property. Using their training, knowledge and specialized tools, they test and assess the condition of the home’s major systems and components.

There are hundreds of specific items an inspector will check for. But in general, the major areas covered in a standard home inspection include:

Exterior

• Roof. Shingles, flashing, gutters, visible attic structure
• Siding and exterior walls. Materials, paint, caulking, gaps
• Windows and doors. Condition, seals, hardware operation
• Foundation. Materials, cracks, water intrusion signs
• Attached elements. Garage, decks, porches, railings
• Grading and drainage. Sloping, gutters, downspouts, water diversion

Structural Frame and Envelope

• Walls, floors, ceilings. Materials, signs of bowed or sagging framing
• Attic. Insulation coverage, ventilation, framing
• Ventilation. Kitchens, baths and climate control system
• Fire separation. Materials between living space and garage
• Insulation coverage.
• Vapor barriers. Proper installation and coverage

Roof Structure

• Roof framing. Type of structure, beam supports
• Attic insulation. Type, depth and coverage
• Ventilation. Soffits, roof and ridge vents

Plumbing

• Water supply lines and fixtures. Leaks, water pressure, drainage
• Drain and vent lines. Slope, leaks, venting
• Water heating. Age, capacity, venting and energy source
• Main line and shutoff. Location, leaks, pressure
• Fuel lines. Type, leaks, shutoff, supports

Electrical

• Service panel, wiring and breakers. Age, capacity, double-tapped breakers or fuses
• System grounding. Grounding rods and bonds
• Outlets, switches and light fixtures.
• GFCI & AFCI protection. Coverage areas meet code

Heating and Cooling

• Heating equipment. Age, capacity, energy source and heat delivery
• Cooling equipment. Age, capacity and refrigerant lines
• Ductwork and registers. Leaks, airflow, insulation
• Combustion appliance venting. Proper venting to exterior

Interiors

• Walls, floors and ceilings. Surface condition and operation
• Windows and doors. Condition, hardware operation, seals
• Cabinets and counters. Condition, operation, water damage signs

Fireplaces and Chimneys

• Masonry components. Condition of brick, mortar, flashing
• Flues. Lining, blockages, terminations
• Dampers. Operation and seal
• Hearths. Materials, clearance to combustibles

Garage

• Walls, floors, doors and insulation. Fire protection measures
• Vehicle door operation. Condition, safety devices
• Garage door opener. Operation, safety devices
• Electrical, including GFCI protection

This summary covers the main systems and areas a home inspector will evaluate, but other specialty inspections like well and septic may be recommended for some properties.

Don’t make it a free consultation. The inspector’s job is to assess conditions and document them—not offer free bids or pricing on repairs. Discuss any estimates or next steps after receiving your report.

Consider optional thermal imaging. Some inspectors offer thermal imaging scans to map heat signatures throughout the home. This can detect moisture and identify areas lacking insulation. Extra cost may apply.

Review safety systems. Inspectors will test smoke, fire, carbon monoxide alarms and whole house surge protectors to ensure proper operation. These life-safety systems are a key focus.

Your participation helps inspectors provide more tailored guidance, while allowing you the ability to get all your questions answered in real time.

What to Look for in Your Inspection Report

You’ll receive a detailed write-up of inspection findings in the days following the appointment. This report is your reference document for the home’s condition, outlining both positive aspects of the property as well as areas that need attention.

Residential Inspections focus on safety and function over cosmetics. You can expect the inspector’s report to be comprehensive, technical and straight to the point. Don’t be alarmed by a report that pages long—some issues are minor or expected due to the home’s age. Focus on the following:

Major Concerns

Major structural or system defects that require significant expense to repair should be top priority. These could include problems like:

• Foundation cracks or water intrusion
• Improper electrical wiring
• Furnace or A/C near end of lifespan
• Roofing needing full replacement

Issues like these can derail a home purchase or require you to renegotiate with the seller for repair credits or price reductions.

Secondary Issues

The majority of inspection findings will involve more moderate repairs or discretionary updates, like:

• Upgrading dated components for improved function, energy efficiency or aesthetics
• Preventative maintenance needs coming due based on age
• Minor plumbing and electrical repairs
• Adding GFCI outlets in recommended areas

These issues won’t make or break the home purchase, but they inform your budgets and priorities for maintenance and renovations.

Maintenance Recommendations

Rounding out the report will be general maintenance recommendations based on the home’s age and systems. Your inspector will note things like:

• Replacing HVAC filters
• Re-caulking joints
• Servicing appliances
• Testing smoke and CO detectors

These standard maintenance tasks are wise for any homeowner to stay on top of. The report offers a helpful reminder of what needs scheduled attention.

While inspection reports can seem daunting at first glance, the summary page makes it easy to scan major issues before diving into details. Use it as your guide to the most important priorities for repairs or upgrades.

Next Steps: Making Use of Your Inspection

You’ve had the inspection—now what? Don’t let that report collect dust. Be proactive responding to the findings, using the information to protect your interests as a buyer.

Discuss Major Issues with Your Realtor

Provide your real estate agent with a copy of the report to strategize next steps. Depending on findings, it may be recommended to:

• Request repairs from the seller. Get quotes and negotiate credits equal to the cost of priority repairs.
• Extend or add inspection contingencies. Give yourself more time to evaluate issues revealed.
• Renegotiate price. Based on costs to remedy problems found, determine an adjusted fair price.
• Terminate the contract. Walk away from homes with undisclosed major defects or prohibitively expensive fixes.

Rely on your real estate agent’s experience handling inspection reports to determine the best next move.

Review Options for Repairs and Upgrades

For less pressing maintenance issues and discretionary updates, start prioritizing projects and consider costs. Decide which projects:

• You’ll want to complete before moving in
• Should be part of a 1-year maintenance plan
• Can wait several years

Obtaining contractor estimates also helps determine the true cost of recommended repairs. This allows you to set realistic renovation budgets and timeframes.

Maintain Detailed Records

Keep your home inspection report for reference throughout your homeownership. Details and photographs of property conditions at the time of sale provide helpful records. Refer back whenever undertaking renovations or maintenance to portions of the home covered in the report.

Thorough inspection reports often serve as a helpful resource for years to come—if properly utilized. Make the most of yours by carefully reviewing, analyzing and responding to the findings. This makes the inspection an even more valuable investment.

Wrapping Up

A professional Residential Inspection provides unbiased insight into the physical condition of a home, arming buyers with information to make a confident purchase. While inspection reports may emphasize the negative at first glance, this constructive criticism is a gift to help you invest wisely.

Take time to thoroughly read the report and implement recommendations. Repair priorities before you move in, and establish maintenance plans for the future. View the process as the first step to many happy years in your new home, not a roadblock. Your diligence now prevents much larger problems down the road.