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What Is a Home Inspection? What’s Included (and What It’s Not)
- Kim Napolitano
- Aug 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 7, 2025
A home inspection is a professional, objective evaluation of a property’s visible and accessible systems and components. It helps buyers (and sellers) understand the condition of a home before closing, uncovering potential safety issues or maintenance needs so buyers and sellers can make informed decisions.
What’s Included in a Standard Home Inspection
Structural Components
Foundation, floors, walls, roof framing—looking for cracks, settlement, or water intrusion.
Exterior
Roof covering, gutters, siding, windows, doors, decks, and grading around the foundation.
Roofing
Roof covering condition, flashing, vents, skylights, and chimney caps.
Plumbing
Supply and drain lines, fixtures, water heater, and visible leaks or corrosion.
Electrical
Service entrance, breaker panel, wiring, outlets, lighting, and GFCI/AFCI protection.
HVAC
Furnace/boiler, air conditioner, ductwork, filters, and basic functionality checks.
Interior
Floors, walls, ceilings, windows, doors, stairs, and built-in appliances.
Insulation & Ventilation
Attic insulation, vent fans, and signs of moisture or inadequate airflow.
Inspectors document issues with photos & videos, prioritize findings (safety, major defects, minor repairs), and deliver a detailed report—within 24 hours.
Common Misconceptions
“The inspector will find every little thing.” Inspectors evaluate only what’s visible and safely accessible. Hidden issues (inside walls, under floors) may require specialist tests like thermal imaging or sewer scopes.
“A perfect report means a perfect house.” Even brand-new homes have minor “punch-list” items. The goal is to spot significant safety or structural concerns, not cosmetic touch-ups.
“It’s a code compliance inspection.” Inspectors check functionality and safety, but they don’t enforce local building codes. They’ll note deviations, but it’s not a municipal inspection - THEY CANNOT GET YOU IN TROUBLE.
“If there’s mold, it will be found automatically.” Standard inspections look for visible signs of moisture or mold but aren’t mold-testing services. A separate mold or air-quality test is needed for confirmation.
“Home inspectors give pass/fail grades.” There’s no “go/no-go” verdict. Instead, you get an objective snapshot of conditions so you can negotiate repairs or pricing.
Bottom Line: A home inspection is your best tool for uncovering safety issues and major defects before you commit. By knowing what’s—and isn’t—covered, you can plan any follow-up tests or repairs with confidence.
Ready to book? Visit https://www.asaphomeinspections.online/schedule-online or call (530) 536-0640 for fast online scheduling and evening/weekend availability.
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