No one wants a costly surprise after closing day.
That’s why a home inspection is one of the most important steps in the homebuying process. It helps buyers understand the true condition of a property and gives inspectors the opportunity to identify routine maintenance needs and serious red flags.
A professional home inspection highlights everything from minor wear and tear to major issues that might cost thousands to repair. This guide breaks down what’s typically included in a standard home inspection—plus a visual you can save or share.
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:
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.
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:
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:
This includes:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
Some inspections include optional services that go beyond a standard home inspection. These extras can uncover hidden issues that aren’t visible during a general walkthrough.
Availability and pricing of these services vary by inspector and location, but they can provide valuable peace of mind, especially for older homes or properties with known risk factors.
Once the inspection is complete, the client receives a detailed home inspection report outlining the findings. A clear, well-organized report helps everyone involved—from the buyer to the agent to the inspector—make confident, informed decisions.
The format may vary depending on the software the inspector uses, but the essentials should be the same: clear descriptions, high-quality images, and objective insights. If the inspector uses Spectora, the report will be interactive, mobile-friendly, and easy to understand, making next steps even easier to navigate.
Whether you’re reviewing an inspection or writing one, the report should be easy to navigate and built for action. Spectora makes it easier to deliver high-quality reports—and understand them. Sign up for your free trial today.