10 Common Questions About Home Inspection from First-Time Homebuyers
As a home inspector, you’re an expert on the ins and outs of the home. You know what makes them tick, and what makes them fall apart down the road.
But no matter how much you know, first-time homebuyers always have questions. That’s why we’ve compiled the ten most frequently asked questions about home inspections. Feel free to share this resource with homebuyers, sellers, and real estate agents to set clear expectations and build confidence in the inspection process.
1. How long does a typical home inspection take?
Most home inspections take between two and four hours, depending on several factors. A standard 1,500 square foot home typically requires two to three hours, while larger properties or older homes with complex systems may need additional time.
The inspection duration depends on:
- Square footage and number of rooms
- Age and condition of the home
- Complexity of systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing)
- Accessibility of areas like crawl spaces and attics
- Number of safety concerns discovered
A thorough inspection cannot be rushed. Quality takes time, and clients should expect their inspector to be methodical and detailed rather than quick.
2. What exactly gets inspected during a home inspection?
In a standard home inspection, the inspector evaluates the visible and accessible components of a home to assess its overall condition. This type of inspection typically follows industry standards, such as those set by organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors® (InterNACHI®). Here’s what is usually included:
- Structural Components: Foundation, walls, roof, ceilings, floors, and framing.
- Exterior: Siding, windows, doors, decks, patios, walkways, and driveways.
- Roofing: Shingles, gutters, downspouts, chimneys, and flashing.
- Plumbing: Water supply, drainage, water heater, and visible pipes.
- Electrical: Service panel, wiring, outlets, switches, and fixtures.
- HVAC Systems: Heating and cooling systems, ductwork, and ventilation.
- Interior: Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, and built-in appliances.
- Insulation and Ventilation: Attics, crawl spaces, and visible insulation.
- Safety Features: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and railings.
You can also get inspections that dive deeper into potential problem areas, like mold, pests, sewer scoping, and more. If you’re interested in a more comprehensive service, be on the lookout for an inspector who can offer those services in addition to a standard inspection. It might cost more upfront, but could save you thousands in the long run!
3. Should clients attend their home inspection?
The more, the merrier! Clients are more than welcome to tag along on an inspection, and there are tons of good reasons to do so, including getting an up-close look at the property before you purchase, asking questions about things in real-time, and getting ideas for how to take care of the property in the future.
4. Will the inspection uncover every problem with the house?
Home inspections have inherent limitations. Inspectors examine visible, accessible areas using non-destructive methods. They cannot:
- See through walls, floors, or ceilings
- Move furniture or stored items
- Dismantle systems or components
- Predict future failures
- Detect issues in inaccessible areas
The inspection provides a snapshot of the home’s condition at that specific moment. Some problems only become apparent after moving in, during different seasons, or as systems age. This doesn’t indicate inspector negligence — it reflects the realistic boundaries of the inspection process.
5. Can the inspector tell me whether I should buy this house?
No! It is not the home inspector’s job to tell you whether or not to purchase a property. A property will either pass or fail an inspection based on an inspector’s findings, at which point it is up to the buyer and the agent to decide how to move forward.
6. How much will it cost to fix the problems found?
Home inspectors identify issues, but don’t provide repair cost estimates. After all, the repairs you need could be anything from a cracked switch plate to mold remediation! For accurate pricing, clients should get quotes from licensed contractors specializing in the relevant trades. Your inspector can help you prioritize repairs by safety importance and urgency so that you can negotiate and budget appropriately.
7. Are inspectors trying to find reasons to kill real estate deals?
No way! Professional home inspectors aim to inform, not influence purchase decisions. Every home, including a new construction, has some issues or maintenance needs.
The inspector’s goal involves:
- Providing complete, accurate information on the safety and soundness of a property
- Explaining findings in understandable terms and in a clear report both buyer and seller can refer to
- Ensuring no major surprises pop up after purchase, like plumbing issues or faulty wiring
All this to say, your inspector has your back so that you don’t walk into a property with hidden issues that could cost you money and safety.
8. What happens if the inspector misses something important?
Professional home inspectors carry errors and omissions insurance and follow strict industry standards. If an inspector misses something due to negligence within the scope of inspection, this insurance provides financial protection.
However, clients should understand that inspections have limitations. Issues missed due to inaccessibility, concealment, or normal wear that occurs after inspection don’t constitute negligence. Clear communication about inspection limitations helps set appropriate expectations.
9. Do new homes really need inspections?
It might be surprising to hear, but…definitely! New construction often contains defects, just like old homes do. These can include things that municipal inspections miss or that develop between final inspection and closing. Common new home issues include:
- Improper electrical connections
- Plumbing leaks or incorrect installations
- HVAC system problems
- Cosmetic damage from construction
- Missing or inadequate insulation
- Grading and drainage issues
Catching these problems while warranty coverage applies saves significant money and hassle. New home inspections also help buyers understand their home’s systems and maintenance requirements from day one.
10. When will clients receive their inspection report?
Most professional inspectors deliver comprehensive reports within 24 hours of completing the inspection. Modern reports typically include:
- Detailed descriptions of all findings
- High-quality photographs documenting issues
- Safety recommendations and priorities
- Easy-to-understand summaries
- Maintenance suggestions for the future
Many inspectors use digital reporting systems that allow real-time updates during the inspection. Some even provide preliminary findings on-site, though the complete written report follows within the standard timeframe.
When it comes to serving your clients, sometimes all you need is a little Q&A to get on the same page. Share this resource freely with clients, real estate agents, and anyone involved in property transactions.
About the Author: Lizzie DesRosiers
