What Do Home Inspectors Look for When Inspecting Houses?

Thinking about buying or selling a home? A home inspection is one of the most important steps in the process. It gives an unbiased picture of a home’s condition and helps buyers and sellers avoid costly surprises down the road.

It’s a lot like getting a physical examination. Home inspectors, like medical professionals, evaluate a home’s health and wellness. While they don’t take vitals, they do assess a home’s condition and run tests.

But what do home inspectors look for?

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just being a proactive homeowner, understanding home inspections helps you make informed decisions with confidence.

Let’s take a look.

Why Get a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a professional assessment of a property’s condition. For buyers, an objective, third-party evaluation is a critical part of due diligence. It makes sense to know exactly what you’re buying, especially if you’re a first-time homeowner. In addition, certain loans require an inspection.

For sellers, a home inspection is a smart way to identify and fix issues before listing the property. You’ll avoid surprises and build buyer trust by addressing issues on your terms. You may even get more offers and sell faster.

Homeowners who aren’t planning to move anytime soon can also benefit from a routine inspection. A maintenance check helps catch minor issues, such as a leaky pipe or signs of moisture and mold growth, before they become expensive repairs. It’s a proactive way to protect your investment and stay ahead of long-term maintenance.

Home Inspections for Buyers

Just as your doctor flags potential health issues before they get serious, a home inspector can uncover problems that aren’t obvious and could get worse over time. A home inspection is also your chance to get to know the property before you sign your closing papers. A good inspector will clearly explain their findings, answer your questions, and typically provide a written report within a day.

Some issues are common, such as an aging water heater or worn roof shingles, but they aren’t a deal-breaker. However, problems like structural movement, electrical hazards, or signs of water intrusion can be critical. These are the kinds of things that could impact your safety, future expenses, or your decision to purchase.

Here’s what a buyer’s home inspection can do for you:

• Uncover potential safety or structural issues
• Offer guidance on requesting repairs or credits with the seller
• Help you make an informed decision and gain peace of mind

Understanding the difference between major and minor issues and what issues to prioritize can help you stay calm and focused during the buying process.

Home Inspections for Sellers

If you’re selling your home, a pre-listing inspection is a smart move. It gives you a heads-up about problems a buyer’s inspector might find and lets you take care of them on your terms. It can also help you and your real estate agent set a realistic asking price.

Even if you choose not to make repairs, transparency with potential buyers builds trust. You’ll also have more knowledge and confidence during negotiations, and buyers may be less likely to demand concessions.

Here are a few reasons sellers should consider a pre-listing inspection:

• Identifies issues to address before listing
• Helps you make repairs to make your home more attractive
• Builds buyer confidence
• Leads to smoother, faster closings

A thorough inspection reduces the risk of unpleasant surprises for both buyers and sellers.

What Do Inspectors Look for in a Home Inspection?

Home inspections usually last two to four hours, depending on the home’s size and condition, and the inspector’s thoroughness.

Like a doctor during a check-up, inspectors examine major systems and structures for signs of stress or dysfunction. They also evaluate safety and the condition of the home based on its age.

Home inspectors don’t move furniture or open up walls, and they don’t pull apart major appliances like furnaces or water heaters. The inspection is visual only. However, they may perform tests with specialized tools and devices, such as infrared (IR) scanners, moisture meters, gas leak detectors, and voltage indicators. Many also use drones and pole cameras to inspect hard-to-reach areas like the roof.

Remember, a home inspection isn’t about a home passing or failing. It’s about empowering you with clear, unbiased info so you need to decide what to do next.

Home Inspection Checklist for Inspectors

So, what do inspectors look for during a home inspection? Most professionals follow a consistent process. While some details can vary by region or home type, here are the main areas covered during a typical inspection:

Exterior

• Foundation and structure
• Drainage around the perimeter
• Roof, gutters, and downspouts
• Siding, trim, paint, and exterior walls
• Windows and exterior doors
• Driveways, walkways, and grading
• Decks, porches, stairs, and handrails

Interior

• Walls, ceilings, and floors
• Attic ventilation, insulation, and signs of leaks
• Windows and interior doors
• Stairs and railings
• Basements, crawl spaces, and attached garages
• Signs of water damage or moisture

Major Systems

• Electrical: Outlets, visible wiring, electrical panel (circuit breaker box), grounding
• Plumbing: Fixtures, visible pipes, leaks, drainage, water heater
• HVAC: Furnace, air conditioning, ductwork or other heating elements, and overall performance
• Insulation and ventilation: In attics and crawl spaces

This checklist doesn’t include every detail, but it gives you a solid overview. Inspectors follow lists like this to be thorough and help everyone involved be aware of the home’s condition.

Final Thoughts

A home inspection is about understanding the property’s condition and knowing what needs attention. Like a physical exam, it’s focused on informed care and prevention.

It’s more than just checking boxes. A home inspection provides buyers, sellers, and homeowners with the insights they need to make confident, informed decisions. It helps turn a potentially stressful step into an empowering one.

WIN Home Inspection is here to guide you through the process. With local expertise, advanced tools, and clear reports delivered fast, WIN helps you move forward with confidence.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or staying on top of maintenance, schedule your home inspection with WIN today.