A home inspection includes checking for any structural issues such as foundation cracks, roof leaks, plumbing issues, electrical wiring, heating/cooling systems, insulation, windows, doors, chimneys, etc. Depending on how big the property is, a home inspection typically takes 2-3 hours.

Ensure all inspection points are free from clutter, including any closets that might lead to a crawlspace or attic, and clear some space around your home’s perimeter. Your inspector will check the functionality of all built-in appliances, electrical, gas, and plumbing components, so please make sure utilities are turned on. If you don’t plan to attend the inspection, make sure your inspector has access to the home, and all pets are properly contained or moved.

A home doesn’t pass or fail an inspection. Instead, a home inspection is a thorough audit of your home’s components. In most cases, there will be concerns marked on your home inspection report, but these are strictly informative.

While you can legally skip a home inspection in many cases, doing so could mean you may end up buying a home that has major issues that need to be fixed.

While a home inspector may recommend some minor repairs, they are not qualified to make major repairs. He or she can provide information about what needs to be repaired — and it might be helpful to know that information — but the decision to actually do the work lies solely with the homeowner. Not only does this give you the freedom to choose your contractors, but it also helps prevent a conflict of interest.

A home inspection can affect appraisals for two reasons: 1) The inspector may find something wrong with the property that would lower the value of the home and 2) the inspector may find things that need repair which could increase the value of the home. If the inspection finds issues that require repairs, then the seller has to decide whether they want to fix them themselves or hire someone else to do it. If the buyer wants to purchase the home, he/she must be willing to pay for those repairs.