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What We Inspect

1. Roof

The roof is one of the most important components of any home—and one of the most expensive to repair or replace. 

During a home inspection, the inspector will evaluate the overall condition of the roof, including:

  • Roof coverings (e.g., shingles, tiles)

  • Gutters and downspouts

  • Vents and flashing

  • Skylights and chimneys

  • Roof penetrations

  • General structure and visible integrity

Depending on conditions, the inspector may or may not walk on the roof. In many cases, they’ll perform a visual inspection from a ladder or use tools such as drones or pole-mounted cameras to get a closer look.

2. Attic, Insulation & Ventilation

Proper insulation and ventilation play a big role in a home’s energy efficiency, air quality, and long-term durability. During the home inspection, the inspector will assess unfinished spaces to check for adequate airflow, insulation levels, and signs of moisture or damage. 

Inspectors will check unfinished spaces such as:

  • Attics

  • Crawlspaces

  • Foundation areas

  • Exhaust systems (e.g., bathroom, kitchen, laundry)

3. Exterior

A home inspection includes a full exterior check for signs of damage, deterioration, and safety issues. Inspectors look for areas that could lead to water intrusion, structural concerns, or costly repairs down the line. 

They'll inspect features such as:

  • Siding and trim

  • Windows and exterior doors

  • Flashing

  • Walkways and driveways

  • Stairs, patios, and decks

  • Drainage and grading around the foundation

4. Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure

The basement, foundation, and crawlspace are critical to a home's structural stability. When inspecting these areas, the inspector will look for signs of movement, water damage, and compromised materials that could indicate deeper issues. 

 

This includes:

  • Foundation movement or settlement

  • Cracks in walls, floors, or ceilings

  • Structural damage or unpermitted modifications

  • Signs of moisture or previous water intrusion

  • Conditions in crawlspaces or unfinished basements

5. Cooling

Inspectors check the home’s cooling system to ensure it’s functioning properly and safely. A system that’s aging, damaged, or incorrectly installed can affect comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality. 

They’ll assess several key components, including:

  • Condition and age of the cooling system

  • System type (e.g., central air, ductless)

  • Energy source

  • Location and condition of the thermostat

  • Visible signs of damage or improper installation

6. Heating

A properly functioning heating system is essential for safety, comfort, and efficiency, especially in colder climates. Inspecting the heating system involves evaluating for performance, safety concerns, and signs of wear.

They'll typically examine the:

  • Condition and age of the heating system

  • System type (e.g., furnace, boiler, heat pump)

  • Energy source

  • Location and condition of the thermostat

  • Visible signs of damage, corrosion, or poor maintenance

7. Fireplace

Fireplaces can add charm and warmth to a home, but they also come with safety considerations. Inspectors will examine the visible components to check for damage, proper operation, and signs of poor maintenance. 

They'll look at the:

  • Firebox and chimney structure (visible portions only)

  • Lintels (the support above the fireplace opening)

  • Damper doors

  • Clean-out doors and frames

  • Signs of creosote buildup, damage, or obstruction

8. Plumbing

Plumbing issues can be costly and hard to detect without a trained eye. During this part of the home inspection, the inspector will check for leaks, corrosion, drainage issues, and signs of water damage throughout the home. 

They’ll review visible plumbing components such as:

  • Main water and fuel supply shut-off valves

  • Water heater

  • Interior water supply lines

  • Toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers

  • Drains and waste lines

  • Venting systems for proper airflow

9. Electrical

Electrical problems can pose serious safety risks, so inspectors pay close attention to the home’s wiring and components. During the electrical inspection, they’ll assess visible systems to ensure proper function, grounding, and safety. 

This typically involves checking the:

  • Service drop (where power connects to the home)

  • Service entrance conductors, head, and mast

  • Main electrical panel and subpanels

  • Panel grounding and bonding

  • Light fixtures, outlets, and switches

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

10. Doors, Windows & Interior

Inspectors also check interior elements to identify visible defects, safety hazards, or signs of underlying issues such as moisture intrusion or structural movement. 

They’ll inspect a representative sample of:

  • Interior doors and windows

  • Floors, walls, and ceilings

  • Stairs and railings

  • Garage doors and automatic openers

The inspector may not test every door or window, but they’ll check enough to get a general sense of condition and functionality throughout the home.

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