Why Is a Home Inspection Important?

For Buyers: It helps identify hidden problems that may not be apparent during a walk-through (e.g., roof damage, electrical issues, plumbing leaks). This gives the buyer a chance to renegotiate or request repairs before finalizing the purchase.
For Sellers: A pre-listing inspection can reveal issues ahead of time, allowing the seller to fix them before listing or to price the home accordingly.
For Lenders and Insurers: Sometimes, insurance companies or lenders may require an inspection to approve financing or coverage.

What Does a Home Inspector Look At?

The inspector provides a written report summarizing their findings, often including photographs and recommendations. This report can be used to:

While thorough, a standard home inspection is not exhaustive. It doesn’t include:

Invasive or destructive testing (e.g., opening walls)
Specialized inspections (e.g., for pests, mold, asbestos, or radon — these may require separate services)
Cosmetic issues unless they indicate a deeper problem