Your Guide to What Home Inspectors Look For

Contingencies can be costly

While 19% of buyers waive a home inspection contingency, according to data from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), most real estate offers include a clause allowing buyers to get back their earnest money if they don’t go ahead with the sale based upon results of the inspection. While a canceled purchase agreement is the worst-case scenario, be prepared to spend money to resolve problems identified during the inspection or give credits to buyers who prefer handling repairs themselves. The buyer might renegotiate a lower price if the house is in worse shape than expected.

Because inspections are vital to the homebuying process, buyers are likely to choose an experienced home inspector whose credentials include certification by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or another professional organization.

Inspection versus appraisal

The inspection doesn’t determine your property’s value during the appraisal process. A home inspector objectively evaluates visible features from the roof to the foundation while focusing on significant health, safety, and mechanical issues that impact the buyer’s purchase decision.

However, an appraisal is generally ordered by the buyer’s mortgage lender to assess the home’s condition, including upgrades, renovations, and serious defects, as well as market factors and comparable properties. The appraiser utilizes this information to establish the home’s worth, which affects the size of the mortgage the bank will approve.

What do home inspectors look for?

Home inspectors mainly look for issues that affect safety and focus on the big-ticket items, not cosmetics like peeling wallpaper, says Tim Buell, an ASHI Certified Inspector and past President. “Our standard very simply says, we look for things that are significantly deficient, unsafe, near the end of the service life, or not functioning properly,” he explains.

Inspectors examine visible and accessible areas of the residence but won’t evaluate anything that’s locked or blocked, or anything unsafe, such as extremely steep roofs.

Home inspectors look at the following items that can impede the sales process or reopen negotiations:

Heating system and central air conditioning (HVAC)

Your buyer will want assurance that the heating and air conditioning system operates efficiently and reliably. While typically lasting 15 to 25 years, even a newer HVAC system may have issues. A dirty air filter is often the culprit and a simple, inexpensive fix. Replace filters every season to maximize efficiency and lifespan. Dirty or obstructed duct work, another common problem, is easily solved by routinely vacuuming vents and air returns.

For a comprehensive solution to duct maintenance, consider the HDSS-6020 duct access door. It provides easy access for thorough cleaning and inspection, ensuring your HVAC system operates at peak efficiency.

Keep your system running smoothly with tune-ups in the spring and fall by HVAC technicians at an average cost of $70 to $200. If you notice temperature fluctuations or higher energy bills, consult an HVAC firm about repairs or consider replacing an older unit. Contact Air Conditioning Contractors of America to find HVAC contractors in your area.

Plumbing system

Home inspectors examine anything affected by water flow, such as pipes, showers, bathtubs, sinks, faucets, and toilets.

Worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and leaky shower heads increase water bills by 10%, but replacing washers, gaskets, and other parts saves money and ensures a smoother home inspection. Water backing up in the sink, shower, or toilet indicates a plumbing issue, as does a sewer gas odor if the trap in the bathtub or basement floor drain has dried out. An inspection may reveal health hazards such as lead pipes, particularly in older homes. Water heaters and sump pumps are also inspected.

Call a plumber if you see signs of moisture or a leak you can’t fix yourself so your sale doesn’t go down the drain. Roto-Rooter provides plumbing and water cleanup services throughout the U.S.

Electrical system

Safety is an inspector’s top priority, so expect a thorough examination of the electrical system which is the third leading cause of house fires. In addition to checking the electrical panel to make sure wiring and grounding are up to code, the inspector looks for corroded wires and correct amperage ratings.

Common electrical issues include exposed wiring, painted outlets, reversed polarity, aluminum wiring, and lack of GFCI protection. If lights dim and flicker, you hear sizzling and buzzing sounds, or circuit breakers trip repeatedly, hire a licensed electrician so electrical problems don’t leave you in the dark.

Roof, attic, and insulation

Buyers are especially interested in the condition of your roof, which is one of the most critical parts of the house and expensive to replace — between $5,900 and $13,367 depending on size and location. The inspection also includes flashing, gutters, vents, and skylights.

Look for signs that your roof needs repair or replacement, including loose or missing shingles, buckled or curled shingles, cracks or rust on flashing, soft spots or unevenness, moss growth, moisture in the attic, and stains or peeling paint on the ceiling.

Inspectors examine visible insulation, ventilation, and exhaust systems in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, as well as in the attic and crawl space. Inadequate insulation and ventilation in the attic increase utility bills and decrease comfort.

A disconnected exhaust fan is easy to rectify, but a deteriorating roof can leak and lead to pest infestation. Look for a roofing contractor on HomeAdvisor if you have concerns about your roof’s integrity.

Water damage

Water is the homeowner’s number one enemy, according to top home inspectors surveyed by HGTV.com. Water damage can lead to toxic mold growth and foundation problems, which ring alarm bells for buyers.

Water in the basement indicates possible structural issues. Water stains on walls and ceilings might be due to a leaky roof or faulty plumbing.

In addition to addressing the cause of water damage, contact cleanup services providers such as SERVPRO®, First Onsite, and ServiceMaster Restore®.

Foundation, basement, and structural components

Water in the soil surrounding your home may lead to foundation movement and create pathways where water can enter the structure, potentially leading to decay, mold, and termite activity. Inspectors look for settlement problems, cracks in the foundation, and sloping.

Basements and crawl spaces are inspected for moisture, evidence of pests, and issues relating to the foundation, structure, and insulation. Home inspectors also examine structural components connected to the foundation, such as walls, floors, and roof framing, paying particular attention to water and insect damage since wood framing is typically used.

Take a look around your home’s perimeter, basement, and crawl space. If you observe mold, cracks, or dampness, notice a musty smell, or have other concerns about your property’s structural integrity, reach out to a structural engineer for further evaluation. P.E. for Hire is an online platform connecting homeowners to professional engineers.