What a Home Inspection Covers (and What It Doesn’t)

A home inspection gives you a clearer picture of a house before you buy or sell. It is a visual assessment of the property’s condition on the day. Knowing what it covers, and what it does not, avoids surprises.

What a standard inspection looks at

Structure. Foundation, framing, walls, floors and ceilings.
Roof. Coverings, flashing, gutters, penetrations and visible attic areas.
Exterior. Siding, trim, windows, doors, decks, drainage and grading.
Plumbing. Visible supply and drain lines, fixtures, water heater, and signs of leaks.
Electrical. Panel, visible wiring, outlets, switches and safety devices.
Heating and cooling. Operation of the HVAC system and visible components.
Interior. Doors, windows, stairs, fireplaces and built-in appliances.

What is usually not included

Areas that are not accessible or visible on the day.
Specialised tests such as mould, radon, lead, asbestos or environmental testing, unless ordered separately.
Wood-destroying insect inspections, which are usually a separate service.
Pools, spas, septic and sewer lines, unless added.
Predictions of how long a system will last, or a guarantee that nothing will go wrong.

Reading the report

Start with the summary of the most important findings.
Separate safety issues and major repairs from routine maintenance.
Look at the photos, and ask the inspector about anything unclear.
Get quotes from licensed contractors for larger items before you negotiate.

Choosing an inspector

In Texas, inspectors are licensed by TREC. Ask to see the license and proof of insurance. Vetted Teams asks to see both before the first assignment.

Need this done?

Tell us what you need, where and by when on our contact page, or email [email protected]. We confirm the provider, the scope and the price before anything starts. See how we vet providers and our full list of services.