What Does A House Inspector Look For?
Published by Cash Flow Deals · Last updated 2026-08-05 · Published and reviewed for compliance by Camilo Palacio, a Florida Licensed Realtor
A home inspector checks the house's major systems and structure: roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and safety issues. They're not grading your decorating. They're flagging what's broken, unsafe, or near the end of its life.
| Factor | Traditional Route | Cash Flow Deals |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection findings | Can trigger repair requests or a price renegotiation | No buyer-ordered inspection contingency to renegotiate around |
| Repair responsibility | Often falls on seller to fix or credit | House purchased as-is, no repair credits needed |
| Timeline risk from findings | Can delay or kill a deal | No inspection-driven delay to the closing date |
The Structure And Foundation
Inspectors look for cracks, settling, water intrusion, and signs of movement in the foundation and framing. Hairline cracks in a slab are usually normal. Wide cracks, uneven floors, or doors that won't close right can point to bigger structural movement that needs a specialist to evaluate further.
The Roof And Attic
From the ground or the roof itself, inspectors check shingle condition, flashing around chimneys and vents, and signs of leaks. In the attic, they look for water stains, inadequate insulation, and ventilation problems, since poor attic ventilation can shorten a roof's life and cause moisture issues.
Electrical System
Inspectors test outlets, check the electrical panel for outdated or unsafe wiring types, confirm GFCI protection in kitchens and bathrooms, and look for exposed or improperly connected wiring. Older panel brands with known safety recalls are a common flag on older homes.
Plumbing
Water pressure, visible pipe material and condition, water heater age and condition, and any active leaks under sinks or around fixtures all get checked. Older pipe materials with known failure history are noted even if they're not currently leaking, since they factor into a buyer's repair timeline.
HVAC And Major Systems
The inspector runs the heating and cooling systems to confirm they work, checks the age of the equipment, and looks for maintenance red flags like rust, unusual noise, or a unit clearly near the end of its typical service life.
What's Not Included
A standard home inspection is visual and non-invasive. Inspectors don't cut into walls, move furniture, or test for things like mold, radon, or pests unless those are ordered as separate specialty inspections. A clean general inspection doesn't rule those out on its own.
Common questions
How long does a home inspection take?
Most general home inspections take two to four hours depending on the size and age of the house, plus time for the inspector to write and deliver the report.
Do inspectors check the roof from on top of it?
Many will walk the roof if it's safely accessible; on steep or fragile roofs, they typically inspect from ladder level or with a drone or binoculars instead.
Does a home inspection include a termite check?
Not usually. Wood-destroying organism inspections are typically a separate, specialized inspection, often required by lenders in certain situations or for certain loan types.
What's the most common thing found on an inspection report?
Minor electrical issues, roof wear, and plumbing fixture problems are among the most frequently cited items, alongside general maintenance deferred by the current owner.
Can a seller be present during the inspection?
It's common practice for sellers to leave the house during the buyer's inspection so the inspector and buyer can work through the house without pressure.
Keep reading
What this means for your options
Every path to selling a house has real tradeoffs. Cash Flow Deals is built for the middle: faster than a traditional listing, more money than a cash investor.
Wait and see
Keep the property as-is and hope conditions improve. The mortgage, insurance, and upkeep keep costing money while you wait, with no set date for things to turn around.
List with a traditional agent
Standard MLS listing, typically 5-6% in commission, and a financed buyer whose deal depends on appraisal, inspection, and lender approval — any of which can fall through after weeks on market.
Sell to Cash Flow Deals
No repairs, no showings, no financing contingency on your side — our novation structure connects you with a bank-financed buyer at a price locked at signing. Usually within one business day.
See your selling options before you decide anything.