Maintenance
What Home Inspectors Check, and What They Miss
By David Golovin · September 6, 2026 · 4 min read
A home inspection is one of the best few hundred dollars you will spend in a purchase. It is also narrower than most buyers think. Know what it covers, and what it quietly leaves out.
What the inspector checks
A standard inspection covers what is visible and accessible: roof condition from the ground or eaves, foundation and structure, electrical panel and outlets, plumbing fixtures and visible supply lines, HVAC operation, windows and doors, attic insulation and ventilation, and drainage around the house. You get a report with photos, usually within a day or two.
What it quietly leaves out
Inspectors do not open walls, scope the sewer line, dismantle the furnace, test for mold or asbestos, or certify how long the roof will last. Pools, wells, and septic systems are often separate add-on inspections, though some inspectors do cover pools. “Functioned normally on inspection day” is not a warranty. The most expensive surprises, sewer collapses, failing heat exchangers, slow leaks inside walls, live in exactly these blind spots.
The add-ons worth paying for
A sewer scope runs a camera through the main line and is worth it on almost any home older than about 25 years. Termite inspections matter anywhere wood-destroying insects are common. Radon testing is worth doing where radon is prevalent. Each one costs a small fraction of the repair it can catch.
How to read the report
Every report lists dozens of items, and most are maintenance notes. Focus on the big four: structure, water, electrical, and HVAC. Use those to negotiate repairs or credits. Findings like foundation movement, water intrusion, or DIY electrical deserve the hardest look, and only you can decide how much project you are willing to take on.
FAQ
What does a standard home inspection cover?
The visible and accessible condition of the roof, structure, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC operation, windows, doors, attic, and drainage. It is a visual snapshot of how the house performs on inspection day.
What does a home inspection NOT cover?
Anything hidden or specialized: the inside of walls, the sewer line, HVAC internals, mold and asbestos testing, and how many years the roof has left. Pools, wells, and septic systems are often separate add-ons, though some inspectors do cover pools.
Which add-on inspections are worth paying for?
A sewer scope on homes older than about 25 years, termite inspection in wood-destroying-insect regions, and radon testing where radon is common. Each one can catch a problem far more expensive than the inspection itself.
What inspection findings should make a buyer walk away?
There is no universal answer. Every buyer has their own wants, needs, and appetite for projects, so it depends on how much you are willing to take on yourself. Weigh each finding against your budget, your timeline, and your comfort level, and decide what works for you.