The Professional Who Checks the Home.
A home inspector gives you an independent, expert read on the physical condition of the property you're about to buy — before you're committed to it. Here's what an inspection covers, how it differs from an appraisal, and where it fits into your purchase and your mortgage.
What a home inspector does
An objective, top-to-bottom look at the home's major systems, with a written report so you understand what you're buying.
Examines the foundation, framing, walls, floors and visible structural elements for signs of movement, water damage or deterioration.
Reviews roofing, flashing, gutters, grading, siding and drainage — the components that keep water out and protect the home over time.
Looks at the panel, visible wiring, outlets and safety concerns to flag issues that may need a licensed electrician's attention.
Tests visible supply and drain lines, fixtures and water heating for leaks, function and signs of past problems.
Assesses the heating, cooling and ventilation equipment, noting age, apparent condition and how the systems are performing.
Delivers a written report describing the condition of what was inspected, along with observations, maintenance items and areas to watch. It documents accessible, visible components — not hidden defects behind finished walls.
Inspection vs appraisal
Both happen around the same stage of a purchase, but they answer very different questions.
The home inspection
A home inspection is about condition. You typically arrange and pay for it to understand the physical state of the property and to make an informed buying decision. It's most often tied to a home-inspection condition in your offer, giving you a window to review the findings and decide how to proceed.
Learn more about the process on our home inspections page.
The appraisal
An appraisal is about value. A lender may require one to confirm the property supports the amount being borrowed. It's ordered as part of the financing process, and the appraiser reports an estimate of market value rather than a detailed condition report.
See how valuation works on our appraisers page.
How it fits your purchase
The inspection usually happens early — often within the conditional period after your offer is accepted, alongside arranging your financing. The report can shape your decision: you may proceed with confidence, ask the seller to address items, renegotiate, or walk away if your conditions allow it.
Understanding what the inspection turns up also helps as we structure your mortgage around the offer's conditions and timelines. A home inspection is general due diligence for the buyer and is separate from any lender requirement — final lending decisions rest with the lender and depend on the borrower, the property, documentation and lender guidelines.
To see how the inspection sits within the wider buying process, walk through the mortgage journey.
Related pages
Home Inspections
The inspection process, what to expect on the day, and how to read the report.
Professional Partners
The team of professionals who support a home purchase, and what each one does.
Appraisers
How property valuation works and why a lender may require an appraisal.
Buying a Home
A plain-English guide to the steps of buying and financing a home.
Lining up your purchase team?
We'll structure financing around your conditions.