What Does a Home Inspection Check?
- Marketing Alpha
- May 1
- 6 min read
Many people who have bought homes in the United States are familiar with the term "home inspection . " A home inspection typically occurs after the seller accepts an offer. However, given the fierce competition in the Bay Area housing market, most sellers prepare a home inspection report before listing their home to identify potential issues and provide buyers with greater peace of mind.
So what exactly does it check? Let’s find out with Axis Realty!
1. What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a detailed assessment of the overall condition of a home during a real estate transaction, typically included in a sales contract. Its purpose is to identify potential problems or repairs, thereby helping the buyer make a more informed purchasing decision .
A home inspection costs anywhere from $350 to $800, generally increasing with the price of the home. This fee depends on the size and type of home. While a home inspection is generally comprehensive, it doesn't include a termite inspection. In places like the Bay Area, where termite infestations may be a concern, buyers can consult a specialist inspector if they're concerned.
2. Main inspection contents
A home inspection typically takes two to three hours, and buyers can choose to be present or not. However, the Axis Realty Team recommends that it's best to be present. The inspector will walk through the property, explaining any precautions or issues, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the property's value.
The inspection mainly includes the basic structure of the house (Structure), roof and exterior (Roof and Exterior), power supply system (Electrical Systems), plumbing system (Plumbing System), heating and cooling equipment (Heating and Air Conditioning Systems), interior (Interior), insulation and ventilation (Ventilation and Insulation), waterproofing and drainage system (Drainage and Waterproof System).
01-Structure
Inspect the home's foundation, walls, roof, floors, ceilings, and siding to identify structural problems.
Generally speaking, there are four types of foundations: basement, crawlspace, concrete slab, and pier and beam. However, in the Bay Area, only two types are common: crawlspace and concrete slab. Different foundations can present very different problems. Generally, the foundation, roof, and termites are considered the most important, primarily because they are often the most expensive to repair. Of these, foundation issues are the most complex . For more information , see our previous post for a detailed introduction to foundations!
Possible problems and words for Structure
"Cracked Foundation"
(Foundation Cracks)
“Structural movement”
(Structure Movement)
“Sagging floors”
(Floor sag)
“Failing Foundation”
(Foundation subsidence)
“Inadequate support”
(Insufficient support)
“Rotting wood”
(Wood rot)
These problems can cause walls to tilt, floors to be uneven, and even threaten the overall stability and safety of the house; or they can weaken the structural integrity of the house and increase the risk of collapse, especially in natural disasters such as earthquakes.
02-Roof and Exterior
Besides the foundation, the roof is also a key point during a home inspection. Damage or leaks in the roof itself can be a significant problem, especially for wooden houses. Most roofs are between 30 and 40 years old. Replacing a roof can be a major undertaking, costing tens of thousands of dollars. We've also published a dedicated post explaining how to maintain and repair roofs. Check it out!
The exterior will check the condition of exterior components such as gutters, chimneys, windows, doors, exterior wall coverings, etc.
Possible questions and words for Roof and Exterior
“Roof leaks”
(Leaking roof)
“Missing or damaged shingles”
(Missing or damaged tiles)
“Poor drainage”
(Poor drainage)
“Cracked or broken windows”
(Broken window)
“Deteriorated siding”
(Aging of exterior wall cladding)
These issues can lead to internal water damage, including mold growth and rot in ceilings, walls, and floors, increasing repair costs. In particular, aging or damaged exterior wall coverings can allow water to penetrate, causing structural damage and affecting wood. This can also create a habitat for termites and reduce the thermal insulation and aesthetics of the home. Therefore, regular roof maintenance inspections every 10-15 years are recommended.
03-Electrical System
Inspect electrical panels, wiring, outlets, switches, circuit breakers, light fixtures, etc. to ensure they meet safety standards.
Electrical System possible questions and words :
“Outdated wiring”
(Old electrical wires)
“Double tapped breakers”
(Double wiring of circuit breaker)
“Exposed wires”
(exposed wires)
“Improper Wiring”
(Incorrect wiring)
“Non-GFCI outlets near water sources”
(No ground fault circuit interrupter outlets near water sources)
“Overloaded circuits”
(Circuit overload)
These issues can lead to electrical fires, endangering the lives of residents. Overloaded circuits or improper wiring can easily cause electrical system short circuits or equipment damage, resulting in power outages or even more serious fire risks.
04-Plumbing System
This will include the identification of pipe materials used for drinking water (for example, copper pipes are better and will not rust like aluminum pipes), drainage, water heater and exhaust pipe inspections, etc. The main inspections will be of toilets, bathrooms, sinks, and faucets to check for leaks, aging, or non-compliant issues.
Plumbing System possible questions and words :
“Leaking pipes”
(Leaking pipe)
“Low water pressure”
(Low water pressure)
“Corroded pipes”
(Pipeline Corrosion)
“Slow drainage”
(Drainage is slow)
“Water heater near end of life”
(The water heater is about to be scrapped)
These problems can lead to serious water damage, mold growth, structural damage, and potential drinking water contamination, potentially affecting health. Others can cause drainage backflow, leading to waterlogging in bathrooms or basements, disrupting daily life and creating sanitation issues. While leaks in your home require prompt repair, chronic leaks can compromise your home's structure and safety.
05-HVAC
HVAC stands for Heating and Air Conditioning Systems, and mainly checks heating equipment, air conditioning equipment, ventilation systems, pipes, and filters.
Possible HVAC questions and words :
“Faulty Gas Line (Gas Leak)”
Pipeline leak
“Inadequate heating/cooling”
(Insufficient heating/cooling)
“Dirty or clogged filters”
(Filter is dirty or clogged)
“Refrigerant leaks”
(Refrigerant leak)
“Aging furnace”
(Aging furnace)
“Poor ventilation”
(Poor ventilation)
These issues can cause the system to operate inefficiently, increasing energy consumption and operating costs, and affecting occupant comfort. In particular, poor ventilation or clogged filters can lead to poor indoor air quality and increase health risks such as asthma or allergies.
06-Interior
Including indoor walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, door and window frames, etc.
Possible questions and words for Interior :
“Cracked walls or ceilings”
(Cracks in walls or ceilings)
“Stains indicating leaks”
(Stains indicate a water leak)
“Warped or uneven flooring”
(Warped or uneven floors)
“Damaged trim or molding”
(Damage to decorative strips or moldings)
“Peeling paint”
(Paint peeling)
Cracks in walls or ceilings could be a sign of structural problems and unsightly conditions that need repair. Warped or uneven floors can increase trip hazards and may require replacement, increasing maintenance costs.
07-Ventilation and Insulation
Assess insulation and ventilation in attics, walls, basements, etc.
Possible questions and words for Ventilation and Insulation :
“Insufficient insulation”
(Insufficient insulation)
“Poor attic ventilation”
(Poor attic ventilation)
“Signs of mold or mildew”
(Signs of mold or mildew)
“Blocked vents”
(The vent is blocked)
“Excessive moisture”
(Excessive moisture)
These problems can lead to inefficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, increasing energy bills and reducing living comfort. In severe cases , they can lead to mold growth, which can negatively impact the health of the home and its occupants.
08-Drainage and Waterproof System
Check the waterproofing condition of the basement, foundation, and exterior walls, and the effectiveness of the drainage system.
Possible questions and words for Drainage and Waterproof System :
“Basement leaks”
(Basement leak)
“Poor grading”
(Poor ground slope)
“Water pooling”
(Water accumulation)
“Foundation water intrusion”
(Foundation Water Intrusion)
“Dampness or efflorescence”
(wet or salty)
Basement leaks or foundation water intrusion can cause serious structural damage, mold and mildew problems, and increase repair costs. Poor drainage can cause water to pool around your home, eroding your foundation and increasing the risk of foundation shifting or sinking.
Conclusion
The above are the key issues of home inspection. After the inspection process is completed, the inspector will send an inspection report to the customer (usually within 24-48 hours). The report covers the inspection results and is accompanied by pictures, analysis and suggestions.
Buyers and sellers can decide how to handle these issues based on this information . The issues that may arise in each property can vary greatly.If you have any questions about the inspection items or report content, please contact Axis Realty. We will provide professional interpretation and advice .
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