Your home inspection at a glance.
- Get the home ready. Ask your agent to confirm utilities are on and inspection access is clear.
- Show up. Ask questions. Attend the inspection if possible. Bring your concerns and take notes.
- Know the limits. An inspection checks accessible areas. Hidden issues may not be visible.
- Ask about extras. Radon, sewer scope, mold and wood-destroying organism (WDO) inspections may be separate services.
- Make a plan. Read the full report. Start with safety concerns, major defects and recommended evaluations.
What does a home inspection cover?
A general home inspection reviews accessible systems and components: exterior, roof, attic, major structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior, crawlspace and basement, where present. Your signed inspection agreement defines the scope.
It is a visual review of the property’s condition on inspection day. Finished walls, stored belongings, weather and inaccessible areas can limit what can be inspected. Review the limitations in your report alongside the findings.
How to prepare for inspection day.
Coordinate with your agent so the seller can provide access to electrical panels, attic hatches, crawlspace entries and equipment. Confirm that water, gas and electricity are on. Share any concerns before the appointment and ask when to arrive for the inspection.
Confirm the inspection’s expected length, included services, price and report delivery time when scheduling.
Common buyer questions.
Should I attend my home inspection?
If possible, attend the inspection. It gives you a chance to ask about findings, routine maintenance, and the locations of the main water shutoff and electrical disconnect.
Are radon testing and sewer scopes included?
They may be separate services. Confirm what is included in your appointment. Radon testing measures radon levels; a sewer scope uses a camera to assess accessible sewer piping. Ask which additional services fit the property.
Does a renovated or new home still need an inspection?
New finishes and new construction do not establish the condition of every system. An inspection can identify visible defects and help you understand the home’s maintenance needs and inspection limitations.
What should I do after receiving my inspection report?
Read the full report and ask your inspector about unclear findings. Prioritize safety concerns, significant defects and further evaluation. Work with your agent on deadlines and next steps; obtain qualified contractor evaluations and estimates where recommended.
Ask your inspector: “What needs attention now, and what can I plan for later?”
Buying a home in Chicago or nearby?
Oversee Residential Inspections serves Chicago and surrounding Illinois communities. Check our service area and call with the property address to confirm availability.
Call (708) 527-0076