What to Expect From a Home Inspection

A home inspection helps you make a more informed decision about the home you're considering buying.

If your home has potential issues, a home inspector can flag these, plus give you a better idea of the ongoing maintenance the property will require.

When you're buying a house, a thorough home inspection can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs — or from unwittingly buying a money pit.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual assessment of a house's physical structure and mechanical systems.

The inspector also checks that major appliances are functional, scrutinizes the heating and air conditioning system, examines the plumbing and electrical systems and may even poke around in the attic and basement.

The goal of a home inspection is to uncover issues with the home itself. Inspectors won’t tell you if you’re getting a good deal on the home or offer an opinion on the sale price.

What's included in a home inspection?

Here’s a rundown of the typical areas home inspectors view when evaluating a property:

• Roof 

• Attic and basement (if accessible)

• Siding and windows

• Foundation

• Garage and driveway

• Property grounds

• Interior (floors, walls, ceilings, windows and doors)

• Plumbing and electrical

• Heating and cooling systems

• Insulation

• Major appliances

What's not included in a home inspection?

A standard home inspection typically doesn’t include specialized testing for:

• Radon

• Wood-destroying organisms (WDO), such as termites, carpenter ants and rodents

• Mold

• Asbestos

• Lead paint

For these areas, you’ll usually need to order separate inspections or add-on services from your inspector or a licensed specialist.

» MORE: Home inspection do's and don'ts