Stories and reactions following home inspections have been going viral this past week, maybe you caught some? Threads on Reddit and reels on Tiktok have been making waves as renters express real frustration and share their reactions following some pretty ridiculous inspections. From pointing out unkempt toddler toys to an unmade bed, it brought up the question “what is the POINT of a home inspection?” Because, as Realtors, we want you to know nitpicking someone’s tidiness is NOT it. Whether you are considering renting or buying, we want you to know what's reasonable and expected during a home inspection so you can feel more confident and prepared.

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is an examination of the physical structure and systems of a house or an apartment, conducted by a certified professional. The main purpose is to identify any potential problems or safety concerns that could affect your decision to rent or buy the property. It's crucial to have a home inspection done, as it can save you from costly repairs and headaches down the road.

1. Home Inspection vs. Rental Inspection: Key Differences

While both home inspections and rental inspections involve examining the property, there are some key differences between the two:

• Purpose: A home inspection is typically conducted when you're considering purchasing a property. It helps you identify potential issues that could affect your decision or the property's value. A rental inspection, on the other hand, is performed before moving into a rental property to ensure it's in good condition and to document any existing issues, like chipped paint, water stains or broken railings. 

• Responsibility: In a home inspection, the prospective buyer usually hires and pays for the inspector. For a rental inspection, the landlord may hire the inspector or conduct the inspection themselves. In some cases, a prospective tenant might also request and pay for an inspection to avoid any future disputes about the property's condition.

• Negotiations: When issues are identified during a home inspection, the buyer can negotiate with the seller to make repairs or adjustments. In a rental inspection, the tenant and landlord can negotiate repairs or maintenance tasks to be performed before the lease begins.

• Documentation: Both types of inspections result in a report outlining the property's condition and any issues found. For rental inspections, it's crucial to have a clear record of the property's state at the beginning of the lease, as it can help resolve any disputes about damages or repairs when the tenant moves out.

  2. The Reasonable Scope of an Inspection

It's important to know what to expect from a home inspection. A standard inspection covers the following areas:

• Structural components: Foundation, walls, floors, ceilings, and roof.

• Exterior: Siding, windows, doors, drainage, walkways, driveways, and landscaping.

• Roofing: Material type, age, and condition of the roof, gutters, and downspouts.

• Plumbing: Water supply, drainage, waste systems, and water heating equipment.

• Electrical: Service entrance, grounding, panels, circuits, outlets, switches, and wiring.

• Heating and air conditioning: System types, components, distribution, and fuel sources.

• Interior: Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairs, and insulation.

• Ventilation and insulation: Attics, basements, crawl spaces, and insulation materials.

• Fireplaces and solid fuel-burning appliances.

Keep in mind that an inspector won't dismantle or cause any damage to the property. They'll only examine what's visible and accessible.

3. What's Not Typically Included

Home inspectors are not responsible for checking every tiny detail of the property. Some things that are not usually included in a standard inspection are:

• Pest control or termite inspections

• Swimming pools or spas

• Environmental hazards like asbestos or lead

• Detailed assessment of appliances

• Chimney inspections

If you're concerned about any of these items, you may need to hire a specialized inspector.

4. The Inspection Report

Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide you with a detailed report. This document outlines any issues they found, along with recommendations for repairs or improvements. It's essential to carefully review this report and discuss any concerns with the inspector.

5. Negotiating Repairs or Adjustments

If the inspection uncovers any significant issues, you can negotiate with the seller or landlord to make repairs or adjustments. In some cases, they might agree to fix the problem or lower the price. However, keep in mind that not every issue is a deal-breaker. Some minor repairs can be addressed after you move in, or you can use them as a bargaining chip to negotiate a better deal.

A home inspection is an essential step in the process of renting or buying a property. It helps you make an informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls. By understanding what's reasonable and expected during a home inspection, you'll be better equipped to navigate this crucial phase, though potentially less likely to go viral.