What to Check After Your Home Inspection Is Complete

After your home inspection, immediately review the full report, categorize issues by severity, verify all areas were covered, and follow up on any unclear findings within 24-48 hours to maximize your negotiation window and decision-making time.

How do you properly review your home inspection report?

The moment you receive your inspection report, resist the urge to skim through it quickly. Start by reading the executive summary, which highlights the most critical issues discovered. Then systematically work through each section—structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and exterior. Pay close attention to the inspector's language: terms like 'immediate attention,' 'safety concern,' or 'further evaluation recommended' signal high-priority items. Don't just focus on the problems; note what's in good condition too, as this information proves valuable during negotiations and helps you understand the overall property condition.

What should you verify was actually inspected?

Ensure your inspector covered all agreed-upon areas by checking these key sections:

• Structural elements including foundation, framing, and load-bearing components
• All major systems: electrical panels and outlets, plumbing fixtures, heating and cooling equipment
• Exterior components: roofing, siding, windows, doors, and drainage systems
• Interior elements: walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, and built-in appliances
• Attic and basement/crawl space areas (if accessible)
• Garage, deck, and other attached structures
• Pool, spa, or other specialty features (if included in scope)

How should you categorize the inspection findings?

Organize discovered issues into priority levels to guide your next steps:

1. Safety hazards requiring immediate attention (electrical issues, structural problems, gas leaks)
2. Major systems needing repair or replacement (HVAC, roof, plumbing, electrical panels)
3. Maintenance items that should be addressed soon (minor leaks, worn weatherstripping, caulking)
4. Cosmetic or minor issues that can wait (paint touch-ups, small drywall repairs)
5. Items requiring specialist evaluation (foundation settling, unusual electrical configurations)

What questions should you ask your inspector after reviewing the report?

Contact your inspector within 24-48 hours with clarifying questions. Ask for rough cost estimates on major repairs, timeline urgency for safety items, and recommendations for qualified specialists. If photos seem unclear or you need additional context, request a brief phone consultation—most reputable inspectors include this follow-up service. Don't hesitate to ask about items that weren't accessible during the inspection and whether a re-inspection would be beneficial once repairs are completed. Understanding the inspector's level of concern for each item helps you prioritize your response strategy.

How do you verify the inspection was thorough and complete?

Cross-reference the report against your inspection agreement to ensure all promised areas were covered. Check that photos accompany significant findings and that explanations are clear and detailed. A thorough report should include both problems and confirmations of good condition. If entire sections seem missing or overly brief, contact your inspector immediately. Look for consistent formatting and detail level throughout—dramatic variations might indicate rushed work in certain areas. Professional inspectors document their limitations (locked areas, weather conditions, etc.) clearly in the report.

What immediate actions should you take after receiving your report?

Complete these essential steps within 48 hours:

• Read the entire report thoroughly, not just the summary
• Create a prioritized list of all findings by severity level
• Calculate estimated repair costs for major items
• Schedule specialist evaluations for complex issues
• Contact your inspector with any clarifying questions
• Share relevant findings with your real estate agent
• Document your concerns and desired repairs for negotiations
• Review your purchase contract deadlines and contingency periods
• Research local contractors for potential repair work
• Prepare your negotiation strategy based on findings

How do you handle unclear or concerning findings?

When inspection findings seem vague or particularly concerning, take immediate action to gain clarity. For items marked 'recommend evaluation by qualified professional,' schedule those consultations right away. If the inspector noted limitations that prevented full assessment of certain areas, consider whether additional investigation is worth pursuing. Document everything—take your own photos if needed and keep detailed notes of all follow-up conversations. Sometimes a second opinion from another qualified professional provides valuable perspective, especially for expensive or safety-critical issues.

What role should your real estate agent play in the post-inspection process?

Your agent should help interpret the market impact of inspection findings and guide your negotiation strategy. Share the complete report with them, not just highlights. They can provide insight into which issues are typical for the area and property type versus genuine concerns. Experienced agents know local contractors and can suggest reliable professionals for estimates or specialist evaluations. They'll also help you understand how inspection findings might affect the property's value and your negotiating position. However, remember that agents aren't technical experts—rely on qualified professionals for technical assessments.

What documentation should you keep for future reference?

Maintain these important records throughout and after your home purchase:

• Complete original inspection report with all photos and appendices
• All specialist evaluation reports and estimates obtained
• Written responses from sellers regarding requested repairs
• Receipts and warranties for any completed repair work
• Before and after photos of significant repairs
• Contact information for all contractors and specialists involved
• Documentation of items that couldn't be inspected and why