Hiring a home inspector is one of the smartest moves you can make when buying a house. But just booking the inspection isn’t enough. To get the most value from the process, you need to ask the right questions. A good home inspector will welcome your questions and take the time to explain things clearly. Here are some key questions to ask your home inspector to help you feel more confident about what you’re walking into.
Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector
What Do You Check During the Inspection?
Asking what’s included in the inspection might seem obvious, but it’s a good place to start. Understanding what’s inspected—and what’s not—can help set expectations. Most inspectors check the roof, structure, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, attic, insulation, and major systems. But they usually won’t move furniture, open walls, or inspect things that aren’t visible. Knowing this up front helps you understand the scope of the report and avoid surprises later.
What Are the Most Serious Issues You See?
Not everything that shows up in an inspection report is a dealbreaker. Some items might be minor repairs or simple maintenance issues. But if the inspector sees something major—like foundation movement, roof damage, or outdated electrical—it’s important to know how serious it is. Ask them to separate the big issues from the minor flaws so you can prioritize.
How Soon Do I Need to Fix These Things?
Some problems need attention right away, while others can wait. Ask your inspector to help you understand the urgency of any issues they uncover. That way, you’ll know what should be addressed before closing, what can wait a few months, and what can be handled over time.
Do You Recommend Any Specialists?
Home inspectors are generalists. They’re trained to spot issues across all the systems in a home, but they may suggest that a licensed contractor, roofer, electrician, or HVAC specialist take a closer look. This doesn’t mean something is definitely wrong—it just means it’s worth digging a little deeper. A good inspector will be honest about what’s outside their wheelhouse.
The Most Important Question to Ask Your Home Inspector: Can You Explain That a Little More?
Don’t be afraid to speak up if something isn’t clear. Inspectors often use industry terms that might sound foreign to you. If they mention something like “double-tapped breakers” or “negative grading,” ask them to break it down in plain language. A good home inspector won’t just give you a list of problems—they’ll help you understand what each one means and what it could lead to if ignored.
The goal of a home inspection is to give you the information you need to make a smart decision. Asking good questions helps turn a report full of technical language into a clear, useful roadmap for your home’s future.
Quantum Home Inspections offers home inspections in Southeast Georgia. Contact us to schedule an inspection today.