# 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. - URL: https://explained.page/what-a-home-inspection-checks - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=what-a-home-inspection-checks ## Step by step 1. **Buying a home? Get it inspected.** An inspection can reveal expensive problems before you’re locked in. Here’s what it covers and what it doesn’t. 2. **What a standard inspection checks.** The roof, attic, foundation and structure, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, water heater, windows, doors and drainage, as far as can be seen. 3. **What often needs a separate test.** Sewer line camera scans, radon, mold, termites, chimneys, septic systems, wells and pools are often extra. Ask what’s included. 4. **Choose your own inspector.** Check licensing where required, ask for a sample report and reviews. It usually costs a few hundred dollars, small next to a surprise repair. 5. **Go to the inspection.** Walk through with the inspector, ask questions, and learn where the main water shutoff and electrical panel are. 6. **Read the report by priority.** Every house has a list. Focus on safety issues and big, expensive systems like the roof, foundation and heating, not small cosmetic items. 7. **Use it before your deadline.** Your contract’s inspection period sets how long you have to ask for repairs, a credit, or to back out. Don’t miss it. ## 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 ## 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. ## 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. Source page: https://explained.page/what-a-home-inspection-checks/questions/should-i-inspect-a-new-construction-home ### Can a house fail an inspection? Not exactly; it’s a report, not a pass or fail. You decide what matters and negotiate. Source page: https://explained.page/what-a-home-inspection-checks/questions/can-a-house-fail-an-inspection ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/what-a-home-inspection-checks/questions/what-does-a-home-inspection-include ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/what-a-home-inspection-checks/questions/what-is-not-included-in-a-home-inspection ### How much does a home inspection cost? Often a few hundred dollars, depending on the home’s size, age and location, plus extra tests. Source page: https://explained.page/what-a-home-inspection-checks/questions/how-much-does-a-home-inspection-cost ### Should I go to the home inspection? Yes. You can ask questions and learn how the house works. Source page: https://explained.page/what-a-home-inspection-checks/questions/should-i-go-to-the-home-inspection ### What are the biggest red flags in an inspection report? Safety issues and costly systems: roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling problems. Source page: https://explained.page/what-a-home-inspection-checks/questions/what-are-the-biggest-red-flags-in-an-inspection-report ### Who pays for the home inspection? Usually the buyer, before closing. Source page: https://explained.page/what-a-home-inspection-checks/questions/who-pays-for-the-home-inspection ## Official sources - [CFPB: home inspections](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/) - [EPA: radon](https://www.epa.gov/radon) - [HUD: for your protection, get a home inspection](https://www.hud.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your state] home inspector license lookup" - "radon zone [your county]" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.