What does a home inspector check?

A home inspector checks the roof, foundation, structural framing, electrical system, plumbing, HVAC equipment and visible signs of water intrusion, pest damage or deferred maintenance, then documents the condition of each in a written report. The inspection is visual and non-invasive, meaning the inspector does not open up walls or move furniture, so some issues can still go undetected. Specialized concerns like mold, wells, septic systems or termites usually require a separate inspection beyond the standard scope. A buyer should read the full report rather than rely on a verbal summary alone.