Homebuyer guide
What Do Home Inspectors Look For?
A general inspection is a visual, limited review governed by the inspector's agreement, applicable standards, and local rules. Scope should be confirmed before the appointment.
Practical checklist
- Site drainage, exterior surfaces, roof coverings, flashing, and visible structural components.
- Electrical service and distribution, representative fixtures and receptacles, and visible safety concerns.
- Plumbing supply, drainage, fixtures, water heating, and visible leakage.
- Heating, cooling, ventilation, insulation, interiors, and accessible attic or crawl-space areas.
- Installed components that are included in the agreement and safely operable at the time.
Questions worth asking
- Which standard of practice and local licensing rules apply?
- Will the roof, attic, crawl space, panel, and heating or cooling equipment be accessed?
- Are sewer scope, radon, termites, mold, asbestos, lead, chimney, pool, septic, and well services separate?
- How are unsafe or inaccessible components reported?
- Can you attend and ask questions after the inspector completes each area?
Sources and further reading
Authorship and review
Published by Castilho Enterprises. Educational content; no independent professional review is claimed.
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