What Is The Most Important Thing To Look For In A Home Inspection?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The most important item to look at during a home inspection is

the structural integrity of the home

. For the most part, almost all homes have strong structural components.

What does a whole house inspection include?

A complete inspection includes a

visual examination of the building from top to bottom

. The inspector evaluates and reports the condition of the structure, roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing, heating system, central air-conditioning system, visible insulation, walls, windows, and doors.

What should be included in a home inspection?

The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the

home’s heating system

; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing system; electrical system; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; and the foundation, basement and …

What typically fails a home inspection?

A home inspector will evaluate each part of a subject property looking for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and structural issues. Some things that fail a home inspection include

anything from drainage issues in the yard to cracks in the foundation

.

What is checked on a home inspection?

It will include

any significant building defects or problems such as rising damp, movement in the walls (cracking)

, safety hazards or a faulty roof. It is usually carried out before you exchange sale contracts so you can identify problems which, if left unchecked, could prove costly to repair.

What fixes are mandatory after a home inspection?

  • Mold or water damage.
  • Pest or wildlife infestation.
  • Fire or electrical hazards.
  • Toxic or chemical hazards.
  • Major structural hazards or building code violations.
  • Trip hazards.

What is a red flag on a home inspection?

Potential red flags that can arise during a property home inspection include

evidence of water damage, structural defects, problems with the plumbing or electrical systems

, as well as mold and pest infestations. The presence of one or more of these issues could be a dealbreaker for some buyers.

Is the seller present during a home inspection?

Dawn Wilson, Keller Williams: “Generally,

the seller should not be present during the home inspection

because it may make the buyer feel uncomfortable and may create tension in the process going forward dealing with the buyer and the buyer agent. … The seller should not be present without his agent.”

Can you get a home inspection before making an offer?


It’s entirely possible to inspect a home before making

an offer to buy it. You would just need permission from the homeowner / seller, in order to schedule the inspection and give the inspector access to the property. … In many cases, it’s actually the buyer’s real estate agent who submits the offer to the seller.

Do sellers get a copy of home inspection?


The seller shall have the right, upon request, to receive without charge a copy of a

home inspection report from the person for whom it was prepared. The inspector may not provide the report or even discuss the findings with the seller or listing agent unless the client were to provide written permission.

What is a deal breaker in a home inspection?

Home inspection deal breakers are

red flag issues found by licensed inspectors

. These issues are either too costly, too irreparable, or too time-consuming to fix. Some people will embrace inspection deal breakers because it saves them tons of money up front on the house. However, it can often come back to bite them.

What should I ask seller to fix after inspection?

  • Which repairs are mandatory? …
  • How much will repairs cost? …
  • Do you have to hire a professional or can you DIY the repairs? …
  • How much credit will you have to offer if you don’t opt to do the repairs before closing?

Do home Inspectors always find something wrong?



The first thing for people to realize when selling their house is the inspector is always going to find something wrong

,” said David Tamny, owner of Professional Property Inspection in Columbus, Ohio. … Still, it’s in a seller’s best interest to have the home as ready as possible before the inspection.

Who attends a home inspection?


The home inspector is the only

person who has to be present — they are conducting the inspection, after all. In some cases, your real estate agent will hire the inspector and set up the appointment. However, it’s important to remember that you have a say in which home inspector you choose.

Can you negotiate after home inspection?


You can realistically negotiate for anything after a home inspection

, but getting the seller to agree to your terms is the real trick. You will need plenty of evidence such as pictures and repair estimates, as often a seller will actually be unaware of the defect in question.

When can I walk away from home inspection?

We’ll say it again:

there’s no hard and fast rule for when to walk away

from a home after an inspection. … A home that needs a lot of repairs may not get appraised at the value of the selling price. In a situation like this, you may have no option but to walk away from the property because the loan will not fund.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.