Quick Answer: What Does a Home Inspection Cover?

A standard home inspection covers: structure, roof, exterior, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, ventilation, interior, and fireplaces. Inspectors identify visible defects and safety issues but don't look behind walls or test for environmental hazards unless specifically requested.

Always attend your home inspection—it's the best way to learn about your future home
Home inspections take 2-4 hours for an average single-family home
Inspections identify visible issues only—hidden problems may require specialized inspections
Use inspection findings to negotiate repairs or price adjustments
No home is perfect—focus on major safety and structural issues

What Home Inspectors Check

A professional home inspection provides a comprehensive evaluation of a property’s condition. Here’s what’s typically included.

1. Structural Components

Foundation

Visible cracks or damage
Signs of settling or shifting
Water intrusion evidence
Proper ventilation in crawl spaces

Framing

Floor joists condition
Wall studs and load-bearing walls
Roof structure and attic framing
Signs of pest or water damage

2. Roof System

Component	What’s Checked
Shingles	Condition, age, missing/damaged pieces
Flashing	Around chimneys, vents, skylights
Gutters	Condition, attachment, drainage
Chimney	Structure, cap, flashing
Skylights	Seals, flashing, condition

Roof Age Guidelines

Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years
Metal roofing: 40-70 years
Tile/ slate: 50-100 years

3. Exterior

Siding & Trim

Condition of materials
Proper sealing and flashing
Signs of rot or damage
Paint condition

Windows & Doors

Operation and seals
Weather stripping
Glazing condition
Frame integrity

Decks & Porches

Structural integrity
Railing safety
Attachment to house
Surface condition

4. Electrical System

Main Panel

Breaker type and condition
Proper labeling
No double-tapped breakers
Adequate amperage for home

Throughout Home

Outlet function (test a sample)
GFCI protection in wet areas
Switch operation
Visible wiring condition

Common Electrical Issues

Outdated wiring (aluminum, knob-and-tube)
Overloaded circuits
Missing GFCI protection
DIY electrical work

5. Plumbing System

Supply Lines

Material type and condition
Water pressure
Visible leaks
Shutoff valve locations

Drainage

Drain speed
Visible leaks
Vent pipe function
Sewer line (if accessible)

Water Heater

Age (check label)
Capacity
Proper installation
Temperature setting

6. HVAC System

Heating

Furnace/boiler operation
Filter condition
Ductwork visible condition
Thermostat function

Cooling

A/C operation
Refrigerant line condition
Condensate drain
Energy efficiency rating

Age Guidelines

System	Typical Lifespan
Furnace	15-25 years
Air Conditioner	15-20 years
Heat Pump	10-15 years
Water Heater	8-12 years

7. Interior

Walls, Ceilings, Floors

Cracks or damage
Water stains
Uneven surfaces
Floor slope or softness

Doors & Windows

Proper operation
Locks and hardware
Weather sealing

Stairs & Railings

Safety and stability
Proper spacing
Secure attachment

8. Insulation & Ventilation

Attic

Insulation type and depth
Proper ventilation
Signs of moisture or pests
Bathroom fan venting

Basement/Crawl Space

Vapor barriers
Insulation presence
Ventilation adequacy

What’s NOT Included

Standard inspections don’t typically cover:

Environmental hazards (radon, lead, asbestos, mold)
Sewer line inspection (needs camera)
Pest inspection (usually separate)
Chimney interior (needs specialized inspection)
Swimming pools/spas (specialized)
Code compliance verification

How to Prepare

For Buyers

Attend the inspection if possible
Bring a notebook and camera
Prepare questions in advance
Allow 2-4 hours

Questions to Ask Inspector

What are the most urgent issues?
What requires immediate attention?
What should I budget for in the next 5 years?
Are there any safety concerns?
What would you do if this were your home?

Home Inspection Checklist: What Inspectors Look For