Know the Home Before You Buy.
A home inspection is your chance to understand the true condition of a property before you commit. It is a professional, top-to-bottom look at the parts of a home most buyers can't fully assess on their own — giving you a clearer picture, and fewer surprises after closing.
What an inspection covers
A qualified inspector examines the accessible, visible components of a home and reports on their condition. Scope varies by inspector and property, but a typical inspection looks at areas like these.
Visible signs of settlement, cracking, or movement in foundations, framing, and load-bearing elements.
Roofing surfaces, flashing, gutters, soffits, siding, and grading around the home where accessible.
The panel, visible wiring, outlets, and safety concerns such as outdated or improperly modified systems.
Supply and drainage, water pressure, visible pipes, water heater, and signs of leaks or past repairs.
Furnace, air conditioning, ventilation, and the general age and operation of the equipment.
Evidence of water intrusion, dampness in basements or attics, and the condition of insulation and ventilation.
Windows, doors, floors, ceilings, stairs, railings, and the presence of smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
An inspection is generally a visual assessment of what can be safely reached on the day. It usually will not include areas hidden behind finishes, and specialized concerns — such as detailed structural engineering, environmental testing, or septic and well systems — may require separate specialists. Read the inspector's report and any exclusions carefully so you know what was and wasn't reviewed.
Inspection vs appraisal
People often confuse the two, but they answer very different questions and serve different parties.
Home inspection — condition, for you
An inspection is arranged for the buyer's benefit. It focuses on the physical condition of the property so you can make an informed decision, plan for repairs, or renegotiate. The inspector works for you and reports to you.
Appraisal — value, for the lender
An appraisal estimates the property's market value and is generally ordered to support the lender's decision. It protects the lender's interest in the collateral, not your assessment of the home's condition. Learn more on our home appraisals page.
Where it fits
Often written into the offer as a condition
In many purchases, buyers include a home-inspection condition in their offer. This gives you a defined window to have the property inspected and to review the findings before your offer becomes firm. Depending on what the inspection reveals, you may proceed, ask the seller to address certain items, or walk away within the terms of your agreement.
Market conditions and local practice vary, and the wording of any condition is a matter for you and your real estate professional and lawyer. Where an inspection fits in the broader buying process is laid out step by step on our mortgage journey page. Note that a home inspection is separate from your financing — general information here is not advice or a commitment to lend, and any mortgage remains subject to lender approval based on the borrower, property, documentation, and lender guidelines.
Finding an inspector
Work with a qualified professional
A good inspector is experienced, carries appropriate credentials and insurance, and provides a clear written report. It is worth asking about their qualifications, a sample report, and what their inspection does and doesn't include before you book. We're glad to point you toward home inspectors among our professional partners — these are factual references to help you compare, not endorsements, and you are always free to choose your own inspector.
Related pages
Home Appraisals
How lenders estimate a property's value and why it matters for your mortgage.
Home Inspectors
Professional partners who can help you assess a property's condition.
Buying a Home
A plain-English overview of the home-buying process from search to closing.
Mortgage Journey
See where inspections, conditions, and financing fit along the way.
Planning a purchase?
We'll help you line up financing around your conditions.