You've made an offer to buy a house, it's been accepted, and things are moving forward — that's exciting, right?
But before you get too comfortable picturing your furniture in every room, there’s an essential step you can’t afford to overlook: the home inspection.
A home inspection is your opportunity to understand what you’re buying — not just the beauty you saw during the tour, but the reality behind the walls and under the floors.
Nearly 90% of buyers hire a professional home inspector, and for good reason. A thorough inspection can uncover issues that may not be visible at first glance and help you decide how to move forward with a home purchase.
What Is a Home Inspection, Exactly?
Think of a home inspection as a health checkup for the house. A licensed home inspector will spend several hours evaluating the property’s major systems and structural elements. This includes:
The roof, foundation, and exterior.
Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
Attic insulation and ventilation.
Doors, windows, and built-in appliances.
Signs of mold, water damage, or pest issues.
You’ll typically receive a detailed written report with notes, photos, and recommendations. The report can look intimidating — most homes, even well-maintained ones, come with a list of minor issues. What matters is identifying anything serious enough to affect your safety, finances, or decision to proceed.
Why the Inspection Matters
No house is perfect. The goal of an inspection isn’t to find a flawless home — it’s to uncover major red flags or costly repairs that could surprise you later.
Depending on what the inspector finds, you may have options:
Ask the seller to fix certain issues before closing.
Request a price reduction to cover repair costs.
Back out of the deal entirely, if your offer included an inspection contingency and the problems are too big to take on.
Skipping the inspection may seem like a shortcut in a hot market, but it could cost you thousands of dollars if you discover serious problems after moving in.
The Importance of Staying Organized
The inspection is just one part of a fast-moving home-buying process — and there’s often a short window to respond, negotiate, or adjust your offer.
With Trustworthy's Family Operating System®, you can keep your inspection report, contractor estimates, and any related correspondence secure, private, and accessible. That way, you won’t be digging through emails when it’s time to make a decision — and you’ll have everything neatly archived for future reference once you move in.
Should You Attend the Inspection?
Yes — if you can, plan to be there.The report is useful, but it can’t replace walking through the home with the inspector and asking questions in real time.
During the inspection, you can:
See issues firsthand and better understand their severity.
Ask the inspector what's urgent versus what can wait.
Learn about the home’s systems and get maintenance tips.
Start your homeowner to-do list for after you move in.
Being there also gives you a better feel for the home and can help you feel more confident in your decision — whether that’s to move forward or to renegotiate.
What an Inspection Doesn’t Cover
A standard home inspection is thorough, but it’s not exhaustive. There are limits to what the inspector can check without specialized equipment or invasive procedures.
You may need additional inspections for:
Radon, mold, or asbestos.
Sewer lines and septic systems.
Chimneys and fireplaces.
Swimming pools or hot tubs.
Termites or other pests.
Your inspector may flag concerns that require a specialist’s opinion. Depending on your area and the home’s age, these follow-up inspections could be worth the investment.
What If the Inspection Turns Up Problems?
It probably will — and often that's OK. Most reports include minor wear and tear, small repairs, or things you’ll want to address eventually.
But you'll have decisions to make if the inspector finds major structural issues (like foundation cracks or roof damage), outdated or unsafe wiring or plumbing, evidence of water intrusion or mold, or other problems requiring big-ticket repairs.
The Bottom Line
A home inspection gives you the information you need to move forward wisely. It protects your investment, your peace of mind, and in some cases, your safety.
It may feel like one more hurdle in an already stressful process — but skipping it could mean walking into a financial minefield. Hire a qualified inspector, read the report carefully, and stay organized with tools like Trustworthy to help keep everything on track.
You’re not just buying a house — you’re making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Make it with your eyes wide open.
We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to email us with any questions, comments, or suggestions for future article topics.
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