What is a home inspection?

How do home inspections work?

A licensed home inspector inspects a home on behalf of a prospective buyer. A home inspection is an opportunity to assess that the property is safe and sound and has no significant defects that the buyer will have to pay to repair later. It provides prospective buyers and their lenders an objective evaluation of the property and identifies existing or potential issues that need attention.

When does a home inspection typically happen?

The home inspection occurs after the seller accepts the offer but before the contract is final. There is often a home inspection contingency period, which typically gives the buyer seven to ten days to hire a home inspector, conduct the inspection, and based on the results, decide if they still want to buy the house or request repairs.

Are home inspections required?

Home inspections are generally not required, but the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highly recommends them. In a hot real estate market, buyers may be tempted to waive the home inspection contingency, thinking it will make their offer more appealing. The contingency basically requires that the offer is contingent on the result of the home inspection. Results from the May 2023 REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey show that 25% of buyers waived the inspection contingency.

Why is a home inspection important?

A home purchase is one of the most important purchases you make in your lifetime, and a home inspection may give you negotiation leverage. The home inspector's report is a source of valuable information about the inner workings of the house, and skipping a home inspection could cost you in the future. A home inspection can help you avoid buying a home with significant repairs, structural or systems problems, or safety hazards. Many deal-breaking issues that a home inspection might reveal are not ones you can detect alone. Moreover, if the sale is completed, a home inspection helps you prioritize improvements to your new home.

What is included in a home inspection?

Throughout the home inspection process, a professional home inspector looks for defects in the structure, systems, and safety aspects of the house. Depending on the size of the home, an inspection could take two to four hours, or more. After the inspection, the inspector will deliver a detailed report to the client, which will detail any deficiencies, safety concerns, or potential repairs the house may need. The inspector thoroughly examines the various parts of the property, including:

• Structural components
• Exterior
• Roofing
• Foundation
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
• Interior
• Appliances
• Attic, its insulation, and crawlspace
• Basement
• Landscaping and drainage away from the house

What do home inspections not include?

Home inspectors are licensed to inspect homes on behalf of buyers and issue a report. However, there are things that home inspectors are not allowed to do, and their reports do not cover, including:

• Testing for the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos, radon, lead paint, and methane or mold
• Indoor air quality testing
• Spaces behind the walls and chimneys
• Sheds, other outbuildings, swimming pools, and hot tubs

If you need a deeper inspection for these items, you'll likely need a specialized contractor.

What issues can cause a failed home inspection?

Problems mentioned in the following list are typically the most significant red flags in a home inspection:

• Inadequate surface grading and drainage
• Structural failures, foundation or wall cracks, leaking roof
• Electrical problems, flickering lights, outlets that aren't grounded
• Plumbing problems such as running toilet, slow drains
• Malfunctioning furnace or HVAC system
• Inadequate maintenance
• Mold associated with water leaks
• Evidence of pests

What can the buyer do if the home inspection reveals major issues?

If the inspection report reveals that repairs are needed, you can negotiate with the seller about who should make or pay for the repairs. If the seller doesn't agree to pay for the repairs, and you have a home inspection contingency in your contract, you may have the right to cancel the sale without penalty if you're unsatisfied with the inspection results. In such a case, you may also get your deposit back.

Other home inspection FAQs

Does the seller or buyer pay for the home inspection?

The buyer usually selects and pays for the home inspection for their benefit because the report will reveal the property's true condition.

How do you find a home inspector?

You may choose to get a referral from family or friends. Or you can search for an inspector on your own through the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors and American Society of Home Inspectors.

How much does a home inspector cost?

Home inspection costs vary throughout the U.S. Realtor.com quotes Claude McGavic of the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), who said that the average price of a home inspection for a single-family home would generally run between $300 to $500, but the price will depend on your location, the size of your home, and what you want the inspection to cover.

Can you do your own inspection?

No. You can't conduct a home inspection of the home you're considering buying as it would defeat the purpose of getting an unbiased and knowledgeable assessment from a licensed professional.

What's the difference between a home inspection and a home appraisal?

A home inspection assesses the structural and safety condition of the house. A mortgage lender will require a home appraisal to assess the market value of the home.

How does a home inspection differ from a homeowners insurance inspection?

Your homeowners insurance company may request a home insurance inspection before issuing or renewing a policy. The scope of a homeowners insurance inspection can range from an inspector driving by and possibly snapping photos or a full interior and exterior inspection of the property.

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