What to Expect During Your First Home Inspection: A Guide for New Homeowners

By the Mercury Team

Between touring homes, making offers, and sorting through paperwork, there’s a lot to keep track of during the home buying process. But as a first-time buyer, there’s one important step in the process you shouldn’t overlook—a home inspection.

Whether you’re eyeing your dream home or considering buying a fixer-upper house, this guide will walk you through what a home inspection includes, how to prepare, what questions to ask, and how to use the findings to make smart, confident decisions.

What to Expect During a Home Inspection

A home inspection is a comprehensive visual review of your future home. They’re carried out by licensed or certified professionals who are trained to identify subtle warning signs that you might not notice, such as early signs of water intrusion, improper wiring, or structural shifts. They usually belong to national organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or InterNACHI, which set high standards for quality and ethics.

After your offer is accepted (but before you close), an inspector comes in to assess the property’s condition. They will inspect key areas such as the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more. Most inspections take about 2 to 4 hours, and you’ll get a detailed report within a couple of days that highlights any issues—big or small.

While it’s not mandatory, it’s highly recommended that you attend the home inspection. You can ask questions, get on-the-spot insights, and learn how to care for your new home. Seeing things firsthand can also make the final report much easier to understand.

Home Inspection Checklist

Your home inspector will follow a detailed checklist to evaluate your future home’s condition—from the roof to the foundation. Here’s what they typically cover:

Exterior

• Roof, gutters, and downspouts
• Siding and exterior walls
• Windows and doors
• Foundation, grading, and drainage

Interior

• Walls, ceilings, and floors
• Stairs, railings, and doorways
• Windows and interior doors
• Signs of water damage, cracks, or settling

Major Systems

• Plumbing (faucets, water pressure, visible pipes)
• HVAC (furnace, air conditioner, vents)
• Electrical (outlets, switches, breaker panel, wiring)

Other Areas

• Built-in appliances (stove, dishwasher)
• Attic (insulation, ventilation, roof structure)
• Basement/crawl space (moisture, pests, foundation concerns)

What Do Home Inspectors Look For?

Your home inspector is there to spot issues that could cost you money—or peace of mind—down the road. They’ll start by checking the structure of the home, including the roof, foundation, walls, and framing, to make sure everything looks solid and stable.

Next, they’ll look for safety hazards, like exposed wiring, missing handrails, or carbon monoxide risks. If the home has outdated systems, like an old electrical panel or aging furnace, they’ll call that out, too.

One of the biggest things inspectors flag is water damage or mold, which can lead to expensive repairs and health problems if ignored. They’ll watch for leaks, stains, or musty smells in areas like basements and bathrooms.

How Long Does the Home Inspection Take?

Most home inspections take 2 to 4 hours, depending on the home’s size, age, and condition. Smaller condos or townhomes may take less time, while large or old houses with more complex systems could take longer.

Your inspector will need time to thoroughly check everything from the roof to the foundation, so try not to rush the process. If you plan to attend (which is a smart move), set aside enough time to follow along and ask questions.

Home Inspection for Buyers

As a buyer, you should never skip a home inspection. Even if a home looks move-in ready, an inspection can uncover hidden problems like roof leaks, foundation issues, or unsafe electrical wiring.

One of the biggest benefits of an inspection is the leverage it gives you. If serious problems come up, you can renegotiate with the seller, ask for repairs, request a price reduction, or, in some cases, walk away entirely without losing your deposit—as long as your contract includes an inspection contingency. This way, you’ll have a chance to go over the results, weigh your options, and decide if it still feels like the right move before you commit to closing.

Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

Your home inspection is an excellent time to ask questions and get a clearer picture of what you’re buying. A good inspector will be happy to walk you through it. Here are a few smart ones to keep in mind:

• What are the most pressing issues you see?
• Would you buy this home if you were in my shoes?
• Which repairs are urgent, and which are mostly cosmetic?
• Can you walk me through this part of the report? I’m not sure I understand it.

Home Inspection Tips

Your home inspection is a great opportunity to learn more about your future home. Here are a few tips to help you prepare and get the most value out of the experience:

• Bring a notepad or checklist: This way, you can jot down notes, concerns, or things to follow up on later.
• Stick with the inspector during the walkthrough (with their permission): It’s the best way to see what they see and ask questions in real-time.
• Keep the group small: It’s best to bring just the key decision-makers so you can focus without distractions.
• Dress for the job: Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes in case you need to check out a crawl space, attic, or basement.

What Is the Biggest Red Flag in a Home Inspection?

Not all inspection issues are deal-breakers, but some should definitely raise concerns. Here are three of the biggest red flags inspectors look for:

Major Foundation Issues

Foundation problems are some of the most serious and expensive to fix. Large cracks, sloping floors, or doors that won’t close properly can point to structural instability, and these issues may require a structural engineer to inspect them further.

Faulty Electrical or Plumbing Systems

Another major concern is faulty electrical or plumbing systems. Outdated wiring or overloaded electrical panels can be a fire risk, while plumbing problems can lead to water damage or mold if left unaddressed.

Water Damage or Mold

If you notice musty smells, dark stains, or visible mold during the inspection, there’s a good chance there’s been a leak—and it might still be an issue. You may think mold is just a cosmetic problem, but it can actually lead to serious health concerns and usually points to ongoing moisture issues behind walls or under floors.

What Fails a Home Inspection?

Technically, a home inspection doesn’t result in a “pass” or “fail.” However, some issues are serious enough to make buyers back out or renegotiate. Here are a few common problems that can throw up major red flags:

• Safety hazards: Things like exposed wires, loose railings, or unstable flooring can be dangerous and require immediate attention.
• Roof or foundation damage: A sagging roof, cracked foundation, or signs of shifting can mean big repair bills and long-term stability concerns.
• Outdated systems: Old electrical panels, plumbing, or HVAC systems that don’t meet current code can be expensive to update—and sometimes required for insurance.
• Pest infestations: Termites, rodents, or other pests can damage the structure and lead to costly repairs if not caught early.

Home Inspection Process

Knowing what to expect during the home inspection process can help you feel more prepared and confident about buying a home. Here’s how it typically works

Step 1: Schedule the Inspection

Once the seller accepts your offer, you’ll typically have a limited window (usually about 7 to 10 days) to get the inspection done. Your real estate agent can recommend licensed inspectors, or you can use tools from ASHI or InterNACHI to find one in your area.

Step 2: Attend the Inspection

As mentioned earlier, the inspection takes about 2 to 4 hours. The inspector will examine the home’s major systems and structure, taking photos and making notes along the way. You’ll follow along room by room as they check the roof, foundation, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, appliances, windows, doors, and more.

Step 3: Receive the Inspection Report

Within 24 to 48 hours, you’ll get a detailed written report outlining any issues. This report will include photos, descriptions, and recommendations for repairs, replacements, or follow-up evaluations.

A general home inspection is non-invasive, meaning the inspector only checks what's visible and accessible. Here’s what is usually included and excluded:

For anything not included, ask your inspector if they recommend a separate specialist or add-on inspection.

Wrapping Up: First-Time Homebuyer Home Inspection

If you’re buying a home for the first time, you likely won’t know what to look for or what repairs might cost. A thorough home inspection can help you avoid unpleasant surprises after move-in, like leaky plumbing, faulty wiring, or foundation issues that weren’t visible during the showing.

The inspection report can also help you plan and budget for future repairs. Even if the home is in good shape, systems like HVAC, roofing, or appliances have limited lifespans. Knowing what’s aging (but still functional) gives you time to prepare and prioritize.

Once you’ve found the right home, don’t forget to protect it with the right homeowner insurance. Mercury offers reliable, cheap home insurance that doesn’t cut corners on coverage. Plus, our local agents can customize a policy that fits your needs and help answer the question, “What is covered under home insurance?”

Contact us today, for a fast free quote!

Frequently Asked Home Inspection Questions

What can inspectors guarantee?

Home inspectors provide a snapshot of the home’s current condition based on what they can see and access. They can’t predict future issues, and they don’t offer guarantees or warranties. If something breaks after move-in that wasn’t visible during the inspection, it typically isn’t covered.

What happens after the inspection?

Once you receive your report, review it carefully, especially any flagged issues. Talk to your real estate agent about next steps, whether that’s requesting repairs, negotiating the price, or walking away if the problems are serious.

What should I focus on in the report?

Prioritize safety issues, structural concerns, and costly repairs. Don’t stress too much about cosmetic flaws, like paint or outdated fixtures.