What does a home inspection cover?
Short answer
A general home inspection typically covers the major visible and accessible systems and components of a property, including structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and interior areas. The exact scope depends on the inspection agreement and what can be accessed on the day of the inspection.
Written by Bri Bond-Erwin
The full explanation
What a general inspection typically includes
A home inspector evaluates what they can see and access. A general inspection commonly covers:
- Structure and foundation: visible foundation components, accessible structural elements, exposed framing
- Roof and attic: roofing material, gutters, flashing, visible attic structure and insulation
- Exterior: siding, trim, grading and drainage conditions, decks, walkways
- Electrical: main panel, visible wiring, outlets, switches, GFCI protection, visible safety concerns
- Plumbing: supply and drain lines, water pressure, water heater, fixtures
- Heating and cooling: HVAC equipment, accessible ductwork, filter condition
- Interior: walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, stairs
- Garage: structure, door operation, safety components
The exact scope is defined by the inspection agreement. What's covered can vary by inspector, property, and what is accessible on inspection day.
What a standard inspection does NOT cover
A general inspection evaluates visible, accessible conditions. It does not typically include:
- Conditions behind walls, under flooring, or in inaccessible areas
- Sewer scoping or septic evaluation
- Radon, mold, or air quality testing
- Wood-destroying insect (termite/pest) inspection
- Structural engineering evaluation
- Chimney interior
- Pool and spa equipment
- Well water testing
- Future failures or latent defects not yet producing visible symptoms
Depending on the property and what the general inspection reveals, specialty evaluations may be worth discussing with your agent.
For a full walkthrough of the inspection process, see: [What Happens During a Home Inspection? →](/resources/articles/what-happens-during-a-home-inspection/)
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