Ask Nanci
What is a home inspection and what does it cover?
Short Answer
A home inspection is a professional, non-destructive review of a home's major systems and structure, done after your offer is accepted. It typically covers the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and major appliances, looking for visible defects and safety concerns. The inspector's report gives you the facts you need to negotiate or, in some cases, walk away.
What an inspection is
A home inspection is an objective look at the condition of a property by a licensed professional. The inspector examines what can be seen without taking the home apart and documents anything that is defective, unsafe, or at the end of its useful life.
It is not a pass or fail test. It is a detailed report that tells you the condition of the home before you commit to owning it.
What is covered
A standard inspection covers the structure, the roof, the exterior, the foundation, the electrical system, the plumbing, the heating and cooling systems, and major built-in appliances.
It also checks visible signs of water intrusion, poor drainage, and other issues that could become expensive later.
What is not covered
A standard inspection does not check for everything. It is not a code inspection, it does not guarantee the condition of the home, and it will not catch issues hidden behind walls.
Specialized inspections handle the rest: termite and pest inspections, mold testing, sewer line scopes, pool inspections, and in Florida, a wind mitigation report that can matter for insurance.
What happens with the report
After the inspection, you receive a written report with photos and a summary of findings. Your agent helps you separate the meaningful issues from the cosmetic ones.
You can then ask the seller to repair items, adjust the price, or give you a credit, or you can accept the home as it is. In rare cases, the findings are serious enough to walk away.
South Florida inspection priorities
In South Florida, a few items deserve extra attention: the roof and its age in a storm-prone climate, the HVAC system working hard in the humidity, signs of past water intrusion, and termite activity.
Each of these can be a large expense, so knowing their condition before you buy is worth the time.
Why you should never skip it
The inspection is your chance to learn what you are actually buying before the deal is final. The fee is small compared with the surprises a thorough report can prevent.
It also gives you real information for negotiating, which can save you thousands over the life of the home.
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