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16 Things Your Home Inspector Wish You Knew

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Your home inspector can’t say everything they’re thinking—some things just aren’t politically correct and due to regulations. But here’s what they wish you knew before the inspection:

1. Don’t skimp on the inspection. A cheap inspection might save you money upfront, but missing a major issue could cost you big later. You’re paying for peace of mind.

2. In a seller’s market, sellers might not fix anything, no matter what the inspection finds.

3. Read the report yourself. It’s your responsibility to understand it—no one’s going to explain it to you line by line.

4. Inspectors won’t tell you whether to buy the home or not. That’s your call.

5. You don’t need to write down everything your inspector says – the report will be detailed

6. You decide what to ask the seller to fix, not just your real estate agent.

7. Almost anything can be fixed—if you have the time, money, and patience.

8. Don’t stress over small stuff. No house is perfect.

9. Inspectors can’t see through walls.

10. Things will break once you move in. Home inspectors can't see the future.

11. If you’re present during the inspection, let the inspector focus. Save your questions for the end.

12. This isn’t a family outing. Too many people asking questions can distract the inspector from doing the job that you are paying.

13. Home inspections aren’t pass/fail, and they’re not code inspections.

14. They won’t catch everything. 

15. Things will break after you move in—inspectors aren’t fortune tellers.

16. Inspectors are knowledgeable but not specialists. For detailed HVAC or plumbing advice, you’ll need a contractor.

The bottom line? Most buyers don’t fully understand what a home inspection is. It’s a visual snapshot of the home’s condition at that moment, giving you the knowledge to negotiate with the seller and plan for future repairs. Be prepared, ask questions, and use the inspection to make informed decisions about your new home!