What Does a Home Inspection Cover?
Buying a home is a major investment, and even a home that looks great during a showing can have defects that aren’t immediately obvious. A professional home inspection gives you a better understanding of the property’s condition before you move forward with your purchase.
But what exactly does a home inspection cover?
A home inspection is a visual examination of the home’s readily accessible systems and components. Your inspector evaluates their condition, looks for visible signs of defects or safety concerns, and documents significant findings in an inspection report.
Exterior and Site
The inspection starts before you ever walk through the front door. Your home inspector will evaluate visible exterior components and conditions around the property, which may include:
- Exterior siding, stucco, and trim
- Doors and windows
- Decks, balconies, porches, and stairs
- Walkways and driveways
- Grading and drainage around the home
- Retaining walls and other applicable site features
- Visible portions of the foundation
Conditions that allow water to collect or drain toward the home are particularly important because moisture can contribute to foundation, crawlspace, and structural problems.
Roof
The roof is one of the home’s most important—and potentially expensive—systems.
When accessible, the inspector evaluates the roof covering, flashing, penetrations, drainage systems, and visible roof components for signs of damage, deterioration, improper installation, or previous repairs.
The inspection may also identify conditions that warrant evaluation or repair by a qualified roofing contractor.
Structure, Foundation, Attic and Crawlspace
Accessible structural components are evaluated for visible signs of damage, deterioration, movement, or other concerns.
Depending on the home’s construction, this can include the foundation, floor structure, wall and roof framing, attic, basement, and crawlspace.
Inspectors also look for evidence of moisture intrusion and other conditions that may affect the building.
Electrical System
Electrical problems aren’t always obvious to a homebuyer walking through a home.
A home inspection typically includes an evaluation of readily accessible portions of the electrical system, including:
- Service equipment and electrical panels
- Visible wiring
- Receptacles and switches
- Grounding and bonding components
- GFCI and AFCI protection where applicable
- Permanently installed lighting fixtures
The inspector looks for visible defects and conditions that may present safety concerns or warrant further evaluation by a qualified electrician.
Plumbing System
Your inspector evaluates the home’s visible and accessible plumbing components for leaks, damage, improper installations, and other deficiencies.
This generally includes water supply and distribution piping, drain and waste piping, plumbing fixtures, faucets, toilets, and water-heating equipment.
Water flow and drainage are also observed at representative fixtures.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Heating and cooling equipment can represent a significant expense, particularly when equipment is approaching the end of its expected service life.
The inspection typically includes installed heating and cooling equipment, accessible ductwork, thermostats, and related components. Systems are operated using normal controls when conditions permit.
Interior
Inside the home, your inspector evaluates visible and accessible components throughout the living areas.
This may include:
- Walls, ceilings, and floors
- Windows and doors
- Stairs, guards, and handrails
- Cabinets and countertops
- Permanently installed fixtures
- Built-in or installed appliances included within the inspection scope
Inspectors also look for visible evidence of water intrusion, damaged materials, and other conditions that may warrant additional investigation.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms contain a lot of plumbing, electrical equipment, appliances, ventilation, and water-resistant surfaces in relatively small spaces, making them important parts of the inspection.
The inspector evaluates accessible plumbing fixtures and components, electrical components, installed appliances within the inspection scope, ventilation, cabinets, countertops, and other visible conditions.
What Doesn’t a Home Inspection Cover?
It’s equally important to understand what a home inspection doesn’t do.
A standard home inspection is primarily visual and non-invasive. Inspectors don’t open walls, remove flooring, dismantle equipment, or damage finished surfaces to determine what’s hidden behind them.
A home inspection also isn’t a guarantee that nothing will ever go wrong with the home. Conditions can be concealed, inaccessible, intermittent, or simply not present at the time of the inspection.
Certain items may also require separate inspections or specialized testing, such as sewer laterals, chimneys, pools, septic systems, wells, environmental hazards, or other specialty systems.
What Happens After the Inspection?
After the inspection, you’ll receive a report documenting the inspector’s observations and findings. A good inspection report should do more than provide a long checklist—it should help you understand the significant conditions observed at the property.
Some findings may be relatively minor maintenance items. Others may deserve prompt attention or additional evaluation by an appropriate specialist.
The goal isn’t to find a “perfect” home. Almost every home has defects.
The goal is to help you better understand the home you’re buying.
Schedule Your Home Inspection
If you’re buying a home in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sneak Peak Home Inspection LLC provides thorough residential home inspections designed to give buyers a clearer understanding of the property before moving forward.
Serving homebuyers throughout Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Campbell, Fremont CA and surrounding Bay Area communities.
Know what you’re buying before you call it home.