What to Expect During the Home Inspection Process

haakerteamco
Jul 2
2 min read

Whether you’re buying your first home or selling a longtime property, the home inspection can feel like one of the most stressful parts of the real estate process. But it doesn’t have to be.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what to expect during a home inspection, who’s involved, and how to prepare—so you can approach it with confidence.

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a non-invasive visual assessment of a property’s condition, typically performed by a licensed inspector. It usually occurs after a buyer's offer is accepted, but before the final closing.

The inspector checks the home’s structure, systems, and safety to identify any current or potential problems. The goal? To give the buyer peace of mind and the opportunity to renegotiate or request repairs before closing.

What Does a Home Inspector Look At?

Inspectors typically review:

Roof: Shingles, gutters, signs of leaks or age
Foundation & Structure: Cracks, settling, framing integrity
Plumbing: Pipes, water heater, pressure, drainage
Electrical System: Outlets, breakers, wiring, panel
HVAC: Heating, air conditioning, ductwork
Interior/Exterior: Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors
Attic & Insulation: Ventilation, insulation levels
Appliances: Basic function (if included in sale)

They may also call out signs of pests, mold, water damage, or code violations.

How Long Does It Take?

A standard home inspection takes about 2–4 hours, depending on the size and condition of the property. Older or larger homes may take longer.

Buyers are usually encouraged to attend—this gives them a chance to ask questions in real time and better understand the inspector’s findings.

What Happens After the Inspection?

Within a day or two, you’ll receive a written inspection report. It includes photos, descriptions of any issues found, and recommendations.

As the buyer, you typically have these options:

Accept the home as-is
Request repairs or credits from the seller
Renegotiate the price
Back out of the deal (if within your inspection contingency window)

Sellers should be prepared for possible requests and open to negotiations if issues arise.

How to Prepare (Buyers & Sellers)

For Buyers:

Choose a reputable, licensed inspector.
Come prepared with questions.
Bring a notebook, flashlight, and your agent.

For Sellers:

Clean the home and declutter.
Unlock all doors (attic, garage, basement, electrical panel).
Ensure utilities are on (water, gas, electricity).
Fix small issues ahead of time (leaky faucets, burned-out bulbs, loose handles).

Final Tip: Don’t Panic Over the Report

Every home—even new ones—will have issues. The key is understanding which issues are serious (safety, structural, major repairs) and which are cosmetic or easily fixable. A good real estate agent can help you interpret the report and guide next steps.

Have questions about inspections or preparing your home for sale? Reach out anytime—I’m happy to guide you through it!