A general home inspection is one of the most valuable few hundred dollars you’ll spend in the whole process. Here’s what it should cover, and where to pay extra attention.
Structural and Foundation
The inspector checks for visible cracking, settling, or moisture issues at the foundation. In older homes especially, this is worth understanding clearly rather than glossing over.
Roof and Attic
Age, visible wear, and any signs of past or active leaks. A roof nearing the end of its life is a real negotiating point, not just a maintenance note.
Electrical
Panel condition, obvious code issues, and whether the system has been updated or is original to an older home. Older knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, if present, is worth a specialist follow-up.
Plumbing
Water pressure, visible leaks, water heater age and condition, and for older homes, the material of the supply lines.
HVAC
Age and functioning condition of heating and cooling systems, which are expensive to replace and easy to overlook during a quick walkthrough.
When to Bring in a Specialist
A general inspector flags issues but isn’t always a specialist. For hillside properties, bring in a geological or soils specialist. For anything electrical or foundation-related that looks serious, a licensed specialist in that trade should follow up before you finalize your decision. If the inspector notices an addition or converted space that looks newer than the rest of the house, that’s also worth checking against permit history for unpermitted additions and ADUs before you rely on that square footage.
Use the Report to Negotiate, Not Just to Worry
An inspection report is a negotiating tool. Real issues can be addressed through a price adjustment, a credit, or a seller repair, not just a reason to panic or walk away.
If you’d like guidance interpreting an inspection report for a specific property, get in touch.
