Home Inspections Explained
Buying a home is a major investment. A professional home inspection helps you understand the property’s condition, identify potential concerns, and move forward with greater confidence.
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation of a home’s readily accessible systems and components. For buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals, it provides valuable insight into repair needs, maintenance considerations, and potential safety issues.
What Does a Home Inspector Evaluate?
Your MAHI inspector evaluates the visible and accessible portions of the home’s major systems. The scope depends on the property, accessibility, and the services outlined in your inspection agreement.
Structural Components
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Foundation, basement, and accessible crawl spaces
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Visible framing and roof structure
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Signs of movement, deterioration, or moisture intrusion
Roofing
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Roof coverings and their visible condition
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Gutters, downspouts, and roof drainage
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Accessible chimneys, flashing, and skylights
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Visible signs of leaks or damage
Exterior
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Siding, trim, and exterior surfaces
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Grading and drainage around the foundation
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Walkways, driveways, and exterior steps
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Porches, decks, and railings
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Garage structure and garage door operation
Plumbing
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Visible water supply and distribution piping
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Accessible drain, waste, and vent piping
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Water heating equipment
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Plumbing fixtures and faucets
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Visible leaks and drainage concerns
Electrical
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Accessible service entrance components and electrical panels
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Visible wiring and a representative sample of outlets and switches
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Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection
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Observable electrical safety concerns
Heating & Cooling
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Installed heating and central air conditioning equipment
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Accessible ductwork and distribution components
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Normal operating controls, where conditions permit testing
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Visible portions of fireplaces and associated venting
Insulation & Ventilation
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Visible insulation in accessible unfinished areas
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Attic and crawl space ventilation
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Accessible bathroom and kitchen exhaust systems
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Signs of inadequate ventilation or moisture buildup
Interior
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Walls, ceilings, and floors
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A representative sample of windows and doors
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Stairs, steps, and railings
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Visible separation between an attached garage and living areas
What Are the Limits of a Home Inspection?
A home inspection provides a snapshot of the property’s visible condition at the time of the inspection. It cannot reveal every concealed defect or predict how long a system or component will last.
A standard inspection generally does not include:
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Opening walls, lifting flooring, or other destructive testing
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Moving furniture, stored belongings, or insulation
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Mold, asbestos, radon, or other environmental testing
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Engineering evaluations or structural calculations
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A comprehensive building code compliance review
Specialized testing or further evaluation may be appropriate based on the property and the inspector’s findings. Ask your inspector which additional services they offer and whether a qualified specialist should be consulted.
How Long Does an Inspection Take?
Most residential inspections take approximately two to four hours, depending on the home’s size, age, condition, and accessibility. Larger or more complex properties may require additional time.
Whenever possible, plan to attend. It is an opportunity to ask questions, see concerns firsthand, and learn about the home’s systems and ongoing maintenance needs.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Your inspector will provide a written report describing the areas inspected, significant observations, and recommendations for repairs or further evaluation. Reports commonly include photographs to help explain the findings. Confirm the expected delivery time with your inspector when scheduling.
The report can help you discuss repair requests with your real estate professional, prioritize improvements, and plan future maintenance. A home inspection is not a pass-or-fail test—it gives you a clearer understanding of the property so you can make informed decisions.
Ready to schedule your inspection?