What to Expect from Your Home Inspection
How to prepare, what to ask, and how to read the report
By Trish Tipton
The home inspection is one of the most important steps in the home buying process, and it's one that buyers sometimes underestimate. A thorough inspection can reveal issues that significantly affect the value of your purchase — or that become safety concerns for your family. Attend the inspection in person if at all possible; you'll learn things about your home that no written report can fully convey.
A qualified home inspector will examine the structure, foundation, roof, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and more. The inspection typically takes two to four hours depending on the size and age of the home. Bring a notepad and ask questions freely — good inspectors are teachers, and understanding what they find will help you make informed decisions.
The inspection report will categorize findings by severity. Items marked as safety hazards or major defects warrant serious attention and may provide grounds for renegotiation. Minor maintenance items are normal in any home and shouldn't alarm you. Distinguish between the two and don't panic over a long list of small items — all homes have maintenance needs.
Based on the inspection, you have several options: accept the home as-is, request that the seller repair specific items before closing, negotiate a price reduction or credit to offset repair costs, or in rare cases, walk away if significant issues are discovered that change the value proposition fundamentally. A good real estate agent will help you navigate this negotiation strategically.