A standard home inspection averages around two to four hours and covers the major systems of the home. It includes a general review of every room and a written report that lists what the inspector found.
If this is your first home inspection going through the process, it can feel like a lot all at once. Knowing what to expect makes your report easier to read and understand, so you can focus on the details that matter most to you.
What Home Inspector Looks For During An Inspection
Inspectors evaluate the home’s major systems and structure: roof, foundation, exterior grading, electrical panel and wiring, plumbing, HVAC, attic, and crawlspace where accessible. They’re checking for both current issues and signs of future concerns.
They’re not evaluating any cosmetic items. Think paint colors or the layout of the kitchen. The focus stays on function and safety, so don’t be surprised if your first home inspection report reads a little dry. It’s meant to be a factual record.
Can I Attend My First Home Inspection?
Yes. It’s recommended. Walking through with the inspector gives you context that a written report can’t fully capture, like seeing the location of a crack or which door sticks when it closes.
Most inspectors welcome buyers at the final 20 to 30 minutes of the inspection, once the bulk of the technical work is done. That’s enough time to look through the major findings together and ask questions in person.
Determining Which Defects Need Your Attention
Major issues typically involve safety, structural integrity, or expensive systems, such as electrical hazards or foundation movement. Minor issues are more maintenance- or low-cost items, like a loose cabinet hinge or a cracked outlet cover.
The TLC inspection report will organize and explain findings for you. That said, if you have questions, you can ask your inspector or agent to walk you through what’s urgent versus what can wait. Not every item on the report will need to become a negotiating point.
Should I Be Worried If the Report Has a Lot of Findings?
Not necessarily. Even newer homes have defects. Inspectors are thorough by design and note small items alongside significant ones. A long report isn’t automatically a red flag. It just means the inspector did their job carefully.
What matters more is the nature of the findings from your first home inspection. A report with twenty minor notes is different from one with three major structural or safety concerns.
What Happens After the Inspection Report Comes Back?
Once you have the report, you and your agent will decide which items, if any, to bring back to the seller as a repair request or credit negotiation. This process usually needs to happen within a specific window defined in your contract, so timing matters.
Not everything needs to be negotiated. Some buyers choose to handle minor items themselves after closing and focus their negotiating power on the bigger-ticket findings, which tends to keep the process smoother for everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a home inspection take?
A standard home inspection usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and age of the home. Larger or older properties can run longer.
Can I attend my own home inspection?
Yes, and most inspectors welcome buyers for at least the final portion of the visit. It’s a good opportunity to see findings firsthand and ask questions before reading the full report.
How soon will I get the inspection report?
Most reports arrive within 24 to 48 hours after the inspection, delivered digitally with photos and a summary of findings organized by severity.
Is a long inspection report a bad sign?
Not necessarily. Even newer homes generate multiple findings, since inspectors document every defect they notice. Focus on the severity of the findings rather than the total number.
