When buying or selling a home, one of the most important steps in the transaction process is the home inspection. This comprehensive evaluation ensures both parties understand the condition of the home and can proceed with confidence. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or preparing to sell, knowing how to schedule a home inspection and interpret the results can save time, money and stress.
At Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, we believe a successful transaction is built on transparency and expert guidance. That’s why our agents work closely with clients to coordinate trusted inspections, explain findings and help them make informed decisions.
This guide covers everything you need to know about home inspections—how they work, what they cost, and how Howard Hanna supports you each step of the way.
1. What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough evaluation of a property’s structure and systems, conducted by a licensed third-party inspector. It identifies existing issues, safety hazards and potential maintenance concerns. The inspector provides a written report that buyers and sellers can use to guide repair decisions or negotiations.
2. Why Are Home Inspections Important?
For buyers, inspections reveal costly issues before closing, offer leverage to request repairs or credits, and provide peace of mind in making a significant investment. For sellers, inspections help identify and fix problems before listing, prevent surprises that could delay or derail a sale, and build trust with buyers. Many sellers choose a pre-listing inspection to streamline the sales process.
3. When Should You Get a Home Inspection?
Buyers typically schedule an inspection after an offer is accepted but before closing. This window allows time for review and possible renegotiation. Sellers may arrange a pre-listing inspection to address concerns proactively. Howard Hanna agents help manage the timing and scheduling to align with key contract deadlines.
4. How to Get a Home Inspection
Start by consulting your Howard Hanna agent, who can recommend certified inspectors, coordinate appointments and prioritize inspection areas. Choose a licensed inspector affiliated with ASHI, InterNACHI or a state licensing board. Schedule the inspection promptly, typically within days of offer acceptance. While not mandatory, attending the inspection allows you to ask questions and see issues firsthand. Afterward, review the report with your agent and decide whether to request repairs, negotiate credits or move forward as-is.
5. What Does a Home Inspection Cover?
A standard inspection covers the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical system, HVAC, interior and exterior features, attic insulation, and built-in appliances. Inspectors also assess fireplaces and chimney venting. The report summarizes each system’s condition and includes photos and recommendations.
6. What Home Inspections Don’t Include
Some issues fall outside a standard inspection, such as mold, radon, asbestos, lead paint, pest infestations, septic systems, sewer lines and pools. If needed, Howard Hanna agents can help coordinate these additional inspections through trusted service providers.
7. Cost of a Home Inspection
A home inspection generally costs between $300 and $600, depending on property size and location. Additional specialty inspections range from $100 to $300 each. Your Howard Hanna agent can provide accurate cost estimates and referrals to reputable professionals.
8. How to Choose a Home Inspector
Ask potential inspectors about their licensing, insurance, experience, and what their inspection includes. Request a sample report and verify that they carry errors and omissions insurance. Howard Hanna’s preferred inspectors are vetted for professionalism, reliability, clear reporting and timely service.
9. Common Home Inspection Findings
Even newer homes may have issues. Common findings include worn roofs, outdated wiring, plumbing leaks, HVAC inefficiencies, drainage problems, termite damage, faulty windows and poor insulation. Your Howard Hanna agent will help you determine which issues are serious and which are routine maintenance.
10. What Happens After the Inspection?
After reviewing the report, you may decide to accept the home as-is, request repairs, negotiate a seller credit, reduce the purchase price or, if allowed, cancel the contract. Howard Hanna agents are skilled negotiators who advocate for your best interests throughout the process.
11. Howard Hanna’s Role in Your Inspection Process
Howard Hanna agents support every step of the inspection, including recommending inspectors, coordinating appointments, ensuring contract deadlines are met, assisting with negotiations, and connecting you to trusted service providers through our HomeAdvantage program. Our in-house mortgage, insurance and title teams streamline your experience.
Tips for Sellers: Preparing for a Home Inspection
Sellers should clean and declutter, provide access to basements, attics and utility systems, replace HVAC filters, fix minor issues and disclose known problems to their agent. Preparation helps ensure a smooth inspection and minimizes surprises.
Tips for Buyers: Getting the Most From the Inspection
Buyers benefit from attending the inspection, asking questions, taking notes and focusing on structural and safety concerns. Your agent can help you evaluate which items are urgent and which can be addressed later.
After the Inspection: Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
To maintain your home’s condition, schedule regular HVAC servicing, clean gutters, inspect roofs and foundations annually, monitor plumbing for leaks, and maintain seals around windows and doors. Preventive maintenance protects your investment and minimizes repair costs.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
A home inspection is a vital part of protecting your real estate investment. Whether you’re buying or selling, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is here to guide you with expert advice, trusted partnerships and exceptional service.
