Home Inspections: What Buyers Should Expect

by Julia Bauerschmidt

Home Inspections: What Buyers Should Expect

A home inspection is a 2–4 hour visual, non-invasive assessment of a property’s structure and systems—including roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical—designed to identify safety issues and necessary repairs. Buyers should attend to ask questions, expecting a detailed report 1–2 days later covering major defects, minor repairs, and maintenance items.

What Inspectors Look For

Home inspectors look for structural damage, safety hazards, and major system malfunctions in the foundation, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. They evaluate the overall condition, identifying water damage, improper wiring, and poor drainage. Common red flags include foundation cracks, roof leaks, and mold.

What Happens After the Inspection

After a home inspection,the buyer receives a report, reviews it with their agent, and decides to move forward as-is, negotiate repairs/credits, or cancel the contract. Common outcomes include sellers fixing safety issues, providing monetary concessions for repairs, or reducing the price, followed by finalizing the contract and moving to appraisal and closing.

Recent Posts