Why a Home Inspection

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, a home inspection is one of those steps you really don’t want to skip.

If you're buying, a home inspector will take a thorough look at the property and make sure everything from the foundation to the roof is in solid shape. They'll check for serious damage or issues that could end up costing you a lot of money down the road. No one wants to move in and suddenly find out there's a major plumbing issue or hidden structural damage — that’s where an inspector has your back.

On the flip side, if you’re selling a home, not having a clean inspection report can make things tricky. Buyers might walk away or try to renegotiate if the inspector finds problems, which can delay your sale or impact your final selling price.

A typical home inspection includes:

Structural elements: This covers things like the foundation, walls, ceilings, floors, and roof — basically making sure the bones of the home are solid.
Exterior: Inspectors look at landscaping, grading (how the yard slopes), drainage, siding, windows, trim, and more.
Roofing: They’ll check the condition of the roof, gutters, flashing, and ventilation — because nobody wants to deal with leaks.
Plumbing: Pipes, drains, toilets, showers, sinks — everything that keeps water flowing the way it should.
Electrical: This includes checking the main panel, circuit breakers, outlets, wiring, and fixtures to ensure safety and functionality.

Appliances: Built-in appliances like the oven, dishwasher, and garbage disposal are tested to make sure they’re working properly.

If you’re a buyer, the inspection gives you peace of mind — or a chance to walk away or renegotiate if major issues pop up. And if you're the seller, it's a chance to get ahead of any problems before listing, so there are no surprises once an offer is on the table.

Either way, a home inspection is a smart move. It gives everyone a clearer picture of the home’s condition and helps avoid unpleasant (and expensive) surprises later on.