What to Expect During a Home Inspection: A Buyer and Seller’s Guide

A home inspection is a critical step in the real estate transaction process. Whether you’re a buyer trying to ensure the home is a sound investment or a seller preparing to close the deal, understanding what happens during a home inspection is essential.

This guide will walk both buyers and sellers through the process, outlining what to expect, how to prepare, and what to do after the inspection.

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a thorough evaluation of a property’s condition conducted by a licensed home inspector. The goal is to identify potential issues with the home’s structure, systems, and components.

For buyers, the inspection helps ensure you’re making a sound investment and provides an opportunity to negotiate repairs or credits if necessary. For sellers, the inspection allows you to address potential issues before listing or closing, reducing the chances of unexpected surprises.

What Does a Home Inspection Cover?

A standard home inspection evaluates major components of the property. While not exhaustive, it provides a comprehensive overview of the home’s condition. Key areas include:

  1. Structure and Foundation – Inspects the foundation, walls, ceilings, and floors for cracks, settling, or structural issues.
  2. Roof and Attic – Examines the roof’s condition, including shingles, gutters, and flashing, and checks the attic for insulation, ventilation, and signs of leaks or water damage.
  3. Plumbing – Assesses water supply lines, drainage, fixtures, and the water heater for leaks, clogs, or damage.
  4. Electrical Systems – Reviews wiring, outlets, switches, the electrical panel, and grounding for safety and functionality.
  5. HVAC Systems – Inspects the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure they’re working properly.
  6. Appliances – Checks the functionality of built-in appliances such as the stove, dishwasher, and garbage disposal.
  7. Exterior and Grounds – Evaluates the siding, windows, doors, driveways, and decks for damage or maintenance needs.

For Buyers: What to Expect During the Home Inspection

Be present during the inspection. While not mandatory, attending the home inspection allows you to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the property. The inspector will often explain their findings in real-time and point out issues that may require attention.

Prepare for a detailed report. After the inspection, you’ll receive a written report detailing the inspector’s findings. This report will include photos and descriptions of any issues, ranging from minor maintenance items to significant repairs.

Understand what’s not included. Home inspections are thorough but not all-encompassing. They don’t typically include pest inspections, mould testing, asbestos or lead testing, or in-depth inspections of swimming pools or septic systems (these may require specialists).

Use the findings to negotiate. If significant issues are uncovered, you can request that the seller make repairs before closing, negotiate a price reduction or credit to cover repair costs, or walk away from the deal if the inspection contingency allows it.

For Sellers: What to Expect During the Home Inspection

Prepare your home. A clean, well-maintained home creates a positive impression during the inspection. Take steps to clean and declutter, ensure easy access to areas like the attic and basement, and address minor repairs like leaky faucets or loose railings.

Be ready for the inspector. The inspector will need access to all areas of the home, including locked spaces. Unlock gates, sheds, and utility closets, provide access to the attic and basement, and leave keys for detached structures or outbuildings.

Be open to findings. While it may be tough to hear about issues with your home, it’s important to remain objective. The inspection report is not a personal critique but an assessment to ensure transparency.

Decide how to address issues. Once the inspection is complete, you may need to make necessary repairs to satisfy the buyer, offer a credit or adjust the sale price, or negotiate which issues will be addressed and how.

Common Issues Found During Inspections

Here are some of the most common problems inspectors encounter: Roof damage like missing shingles or leaks, plumbing issues such as leaky pipes or outdated systems, electrical hazards like faulty wiring, foundation problems including cracks or uneven floors, HVAC problems such as inefficient systems, and pest damage indicating infestations.

After the Home Inspection: Next Steps

For buyers, review the inspection report carefully, prioritize issues based on severity—focusing on safety and structural concerns—and consult your real estate agent to determine how to address findings with the seller.

For sellers, decide how to handle repair requests from the buyer, be prepared to negotiate or offer concessions, and use the inspection as a guide to address any issues before listing future properties.

Tips for a Smooth Inspection Process

Communicate clearly. Buyers and sellers should maintain open lines of communication and work together to resolve issues. Work with trusted professionals.

Hire experienced inspectors and rely on your real estate agent’s expertise. Stay calm. Inspections are designed to identify potential problems—not derail the transaction. Most issues can be resolved through negotiation or minor repairs.

Conclusion

A home inspection is a vital part of the real estate process that benefits both buyers and sellers. For buyers, it ensures you’re making an informed investment. For sellers, it provides an opportunity to address potential issues and avoid surprises. By understanding what to expect and preparing accordingly, both parties can navigate the inspection process with confidence and ease.

At the Tar Team, we’re here to guide you through every step of your real estate journey, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transaction. Whether you’re buying or selling, contact us today for expert advice and support.