What a home inspection checks, and what it doesn’t
A standard home inspection looks at visible parts of the roof, attic, foundation and structure, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, water heater, windows, doors and drainage. Sewer line scans, radon, mold, termites, chimneys, septic, wells and pools are often extra tests. Hire your own licensed inspector, attend, and ask questions. Focus the report on safety and big, costly systems. Use your contract’s inspection period to ask for repairs, a credit or to back out.
Your checklist
- Always get an inspection
- Know what’s usually checked
- Order extra tests as needed
- Hire your own licensed inspector
- Attend and ask questions
- Act before your inspection deadline
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
Why inspect
An inspection can reveal expensive or dangerous problems while you can still negotiate or walk away.
What a standard inspection covers
A visual check of accessible areas, usually including:
- Roof, gutters, attic and insulation.
- Foundation, framing and visible structure.
- Electrical panel, outlets and wiring you can see.
- Plumbing, water heater and visible leaks.
- Heating and air conditioning.
- Windows, doors, drainage and grading.
Often extra
Sewer line camera scans, radon testing, mold testing, termite and pest inspections, chimney inspections, septic systems, wells and pools. Ask what’s included and order extras that fit the home and area.
Choosing an inspector
Pick your own. Check your state’s licensing where required, read reviews and ask for a sample report. Costs are often a few hundred dollars.
Attend
Walk through with the inspector, ask questions, and learn where the shutoffs and panel are.
Reading the report
Every house has a list. Prioritize: 1. Safety issues. 2. Big, expensive systems: roof, foundation, heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical. 3. Minor and cosmetic items.
Your deadline
Your contract’s inspection period sets how long you have to ask for repairs, a credit or price reduction, or to cancel.
Official sources, and where to look
- CFPB: home inspectionsconsumerfinance.gov
- EPA: radonepa.gov
- HUD: for your protection, get a home inspectionhud.gov
[your state] home inspector license lookupradon zone [your county]
Common questions
Should I inspect a new construction home?
Yes. New homes can have problems too. Some buyers also get inspections before drywall goes up. More ›
Can a house fail an inspection?
Not exactly; it’s a report, not a pass or fail. You decide what matters and negotiate. More ›
What does a home inspection include?
A visual check of accessible parts of the roof, attic, structure, foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, water heater, windows, doors and drainage. More ›
What is not included in a home inspection?
Often sewer line scans, radon, mold, termites, chimneys, septic systems, wells and pools. These usually need separate tests. More ›
How much does a home inspection cost?
Often a few hundred dollars, depending on the home’s size, age and location, plus extra tests. More ›
Should I go to the home inspection?
Yes. You can ask questions and learn how the house works. More ›
Know someone who needs this?
Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.