What is Included in Most Home Inspections?

Home inspections serve to protect you from buying a home with structural, plumbing, or any other issues that you may not be aware of. A home inspection is different from a home appraisal, and is not always required, but it is a good idea. As the buyer, you would be responsible for finding a home inspector. You may be wondering what a home inspection entails. Here is a guide on what to expect from your home inspector. 

What Does a Home Inspector Do? 

A home inspector will visually inspect areas of your home that are accessible. They will take photos of any potential problem areas and provide a report for you to go over on your own or with your real estate agent. 

What Does a Home Inspector Look for? 

Structural Components



When assessing the structural integrity of your future home, an experienced home inspector will look at your foundation, basement or crawl space, framing, and load-bearing walls or columns. They will look for existing damage or overall issues with these areas. 

Home Exterior

On your home’s exterior, a home inspector will assess the state of the siding, stucco, or brick, windows and doors, trim and eaves, decks, balconies, porches or patios, walkways and driveways, fencing and retaining walls, and foundation and grading. Any damage or problems with these components will be photographed and added to the report. 

Roof 

When inspecting your roof, a home inspector looks at the roofing material, flashing and underlayment, gutters and downspouts, chimneys, skylights, and any roof penetrations. If your home inspector finds anything wrong in these areas, it will be reported to you. 

Plumbing 

A professional home inspector will also assess your plumbing. The plumbing inspection includes water supply lines and fixtures, drain, waste, and vent pipes, water heaters, sump pumps, and water pressure and flow. Any issues with your plumbing will be added to the report. 

HVAC Systems 

Inspection of the HVAC systems in your home is typically included in a home inspection. HVAC system inspection includes furnaces, boilers, or heat pumps, air conditioners or evaporative coolers, ductwork and vents, and thermostats. The condition of these components will be included in your report. 

Electrical 

Electrical components are very important as they power your home and are a fire hazard when damage arises. A good home inspector will check your service entrance, electrical panels, circuit breakers and fuses, wiring, junction boxes, outlets, switches, light fixtures, grounding, and bonding. The home inspector will let you know if they find any problems. 

Insulation and Ventilation 

An inspection of your insulation and ventilation includes assessing the state of the insulation in your attic, crawl space, walls and ceilings and the ventilation fans and exhaust as well as your roof ventilation. Any problems in these areas will be photographed for your report. 

Home Interior 

Your home inspector will also assess the general interior of your home. This includes the state of your walls, ceilings and floors, performance and effectiveness of windows and doors, stability and appearance of stairs and railings, functionality and appearance of cabinets and countertops, and safety of fireplaces and chimneys. All of these should be included in your report if any problems are discovered. 

Appliances 

Inspection of your appliances includes built-in ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, and microwaves, laundry appliances such as washers and dryers, garbage disposals, and range hoods. 

Other Areas

A professional home inspector can also assess your garage or carport, pool or spa systems, irrigation systems and even detached structures like sheds and guest houses. 

Home Inspection Reports

A licensed home inspector will do a walk-through of your home, and will give you a general statement about the overall condition of your home. If they find any major damage throughout the home inspection, the home inspector will tell you right away if anything needs immediate attention. The inspector will also tell you about any minor damages that need to be watched or maintained. You will receive a detailed home inspection report with images within 24 hours of the inspection. 

Do You Need a Home Inspection in the Charlotte & Lake Norman, NC Areas?

No matter why you are wanting a home inspection, Fireline Inspection is prepared to provide a thorough home inspection for you. Using the instant quote survey on our website, you can even get an instant quote on your inspection price! We serve the Charlotte, Lake Norman, Mooresville, Kannapolis, and Huntersville areas. If you are in need of a home inspection in any of these areas, contact us today!