Why Home Inspections Are Essential
There are a handful of common situations where getting a home inspection is essential. Let’s look at some of the most common situations that may require a home inspection:
Renewing Home Insurance – Whether you’re shopping for a new insurance provider, or renewing your current home insurance policy, you may be asked for a current 4 point inspection report. This report helps underwriters understand the condition of your home’s four main systems: Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC. The goal is to verify that these systems are in good working order and do not pose an undue risk.
Seeking Insurance Discounts – Many people schedule a wind mitigation inspection because insurance carriers in Florida are required to provide a discount on wind insurance premiums for properties that are proven to have wind-resistant features. This inspection report provides the documentation needed to qualify for these discounts, helping you save money on your insurance premiums.
Planning Ahead – It is always a good idea to have an accurate understanding of your home’s condition. Many people get a roof inspection simply to obtain clarity into the useful life (in years) remaining on their roof so they can make financial plans for their next roof replacement, or to identify any areas which need repair. This inspection is also typically requested by insurance providers as an assessment of risk in underwriting a new insurance policy on your home.
Real Estate – Many buyers and sellers opt to get a full home inspection before buying or selling a house. A full home inspection looks at a home from top to bottom, literally. This report provides insights into the home’s overall condition with detailed notes and photos of every room and system. Identifying existing problems and safety hazards (or the lack thereof) can help buyers and sellers negotiate pricing and provide clarity throughout the process.
But what exactly is looked for in a home inspection? Let’s take a room-by-room look at what’s included.
Exterior Inspection
The first stop in a home inspection is the property’s exterior.
What’s inspected:
- Roofing – Condition of shingles, tiles, flashing, gutters, and downspouts
- Siding and walls – Cracks, damage, water stains, or rot
- Foundation – Visible cracks, settling, drainage issues
- Windows and doors – Proper sealing, weatherstripping, and function
- Driveways and walkways – Uneven surfaces or tripping hazards
- Garage and carports – Structural integrity and electrical connections
This portion of the inspection helps identify structural concerns and potential water intrusion issues that could lead to costly repairs. A wind mitigation inspection and full home inspection go into the most detail compared to a 4 point inspection or roof certification inspection.
Interior Inspection
During a full home inspection, inspectors evaluate all visible areas of the home.
What’s inspected:
- Walls, ceilings, and floors – Cracks, stains, uneven surfaces
- Windows and doors – Proper operation, locks, and seals
- Stairs and railings – Safety, stability, and code compliance
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – Presence and functionality
The interior section of the home inspection checklist ensures that everyday living spaces are safe and properly maintained.
Plumbing System
The plumbing system is critical for comfort, safety, and insurability. During a 4 point inspection and full home inspection, your inspector will look at your plumbing system.
What’s inspected:
- Pipes and fixtures – Leaks, corrosion, and material type
- Water heater – Age, safety valves, and efficiency
- Water pressure – Proper flow from taps and showers
- Drains – Signs of clogs, backups, or slow drainage
Inspectors note both visible problems and warning signs that could indicate hidden leaks or future failures.
Electrical System
A safe and functional electrical system is one of the top concerns in a home inspection. Your inspector will need to look at your electrical system if they are performing a full home inspection or a 4 point inspection.
What’s inspected:
- Service panel – Proper grounding, breaker function, and labeling
- Wiring – Type of wiring, condition, and safety compliance
- Outlets and switches – GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces
- Lighting fixtures – Proper operation and safety
This step ensures the home’s electrical system is both up-to-date and safe from fire hazards.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
A home’s comfort relies heavily on its HVAC system, especially in Florida. When you get a four point inspection or full home inspection, your inspector will take a close look at your HVAC system to ensure everything is functioning properly.
What’s inspected:
- Furnace/air handler – Age, maintenance, and performance
- Air conditioning unit – Cooling capacity and efficiency
- Ductwork – Leaks, insulation, and airflow
- Thermostat – Operation and accuracy
Inspectors often recommend maintenance schedules and may flag units that are nearing the end of their lifespan.
Kitchen Inspection
The kitchen receives close attention because it’s one of the most frequently used rooms. Only during a full home inspection will your inspector take detailed notes on your kitchen, but during a four point inspection, your inspector will look at your kitchen plumbing.
What’s inspected:
- Appliances – Built-in ovens, stovetops, dishwashers, and exhaust fans
- Cabinets and counters – Functionality, safety, and condition
- Sinks and faucets – Water pressure and drainage
- Electrical outlets – GFCI protection near water sources
Inspectors focus on both function and safety in this high-traffic area.
Bathroom Inspection
Bathrooms are another high-priority space due to frequent water usage. During both a four point inspection and full home inspection, your inspector will need to look in your bathroom to document your bathroom’s condition.
What’s inspected:
- Toilets, tubs, and showers – Leaks, drainage, and water pressure
- Ventilation – Fans or windows to reduce moisture buildup
- Tile and grout – Condition and water damage
- Fixtures – Secure installation and proper operation
Water damage and mold prevention are key considerations in this part of the home inspection checklist.
Attic
The attic provides valuable insight into the home’s structural strength and roof condition. Especially during a wind mitigation inspection, your inspector will need clear access into your attic to look at structural components.
What’s inspected:
- Roof deck attachment – how the decking is secured to the trusses
- Secondary water resistance – extra layers that prevent leaks if shingles blow off
- Roof-to-wall connections – clips, straps, or other reinforcements)
These details often reveal whether the home is structurally sound and identifies if your home has wind-resistant features like a strong roof to wall connection.
Basement and Crawl Spaces
Not all Florida homes have basements, but crawl spaces are common.
What’s inspected:
- Foundation walls – Cracks, leaks, or moisture
- Pest activity – Termites, rodents, or wood-destroying organisms
- Support structures – Beams, posts, and joists
Moisture issues in these areas can impact the entire home’s safety and livability.
Home Inspection Checklist Summary
Our licensed home inspectors follow a standardized home inspection checklist that typically includes:
- Roof, exterior, and structure
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
- Interior, kitchen, and bathrooms
- Attic, insulation, and crawl spaces
This ensures that every critical part of the home is reviewed for safety, performance, and maintenance needs. What is looked for in a home inspection depends on the type of home inspection you are receiving. For a complete list of what is looked for in each type of home inspection, check out our blog Home Inspection Checklist: What Is Looked for in a Home Inspection?
What Is Looked for in a Home Inspection? The Big Picture
When homeowners ask, what is looked for in a home inspection? the answer is simple: everything that impacts the safety, function, and value of the property. While inspectors don’t evaluate cosmetic issues, they do focus on the systems and structures that matter most.
Final Thoughts: Why Every Buyer Needs a Home Inspection
A professional home inspection not only provides peace of mind by identifying potential risks before they become costly surprises, but also is often required by your insurance provider. By following a detailed home inspection checklist, inspectors offer an unbiased, room-by-room evaluation of the property’s condition.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or you’re renewing your home insurance policy, knowing what is looked for in a home inspection gives you the knowledge to make informed decisions and may even save you money on your insurance premiums.
Looking for trusted home inspections near you? We have licensed home inspectors in your area. Contact our team today to schedule an inspection and get a detailed report you can rely on.