What Does a Home Inspection Include?

Short answer: A standard home inspection covers 120 individual checkpoints across 9 home systems — roof, attic, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, exterior, interior, and appliances. It takes 2.5–4 hours. You get a full digital report within 24 hours. Get your price in 30 seconds →

The 9 systems we inspect (and what we look for)

1. Roof & attic

Shingle condition, flashing around chimneys/vents/skylights, ridge vents, soffit ventilation, gutters, downspouts, attic insulation depth and type, attic framing/rafters, signs of past leaks, ice dam damage. We walk every safe roof. Thermal imaging can reveal hidden moisture invisible to the eye.

2. Foundation & structure

Foundation cracks (we differentiate cosmetic from structural), water intrusion signs, beam and joist integrity, sill plates, support posts, settlement evidence. Apple Valley homes on clay soils show predictable patterns we know to look for.

3. Electrical system

Main panel and any sub-panels (manufacturer, amp rating, double-tapped breakers, exposed wiring), every accessible outlet tested, GFCI/AFCI breakers tripped, grounding verified, smoke and CO detectors checked, attic and crawlspace wiring evaluated. Aluminum wiring (common in 1970s Burnsville homes) is flagged.

4. Plumbing

Supply lines (visible runs and material — copper, PEX, PB), drains, water heater (age, T&P valve, flue, capacity), water pressure, fixtures, signs of leaks under sinks and around toilets, water meter test for hidden leaks.

5. HVAC

Furnace (age, manufacturer, heat exchanger if visible, filter, flue, condition), A/C (age, refrigerant lines, condition), ductwork condition, register temperatures, thermostat function. We give you remaining-life estimates on equipment.

6. Exterior

Siding (wood rot, cracks, missing pieces), trim, soffits, fascia, decks (ledger boards, posts, railings, stairs), grading toward foundation, drainage, walks, driveway. Cedar siding rot is common on 1980s Greenleaf and Palomino Hills homes — we probe what we can.

7. Interior

Walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows (operation and seals), stairs, railings, trim. We look for signs of moisture, settlement cracks, and previous repairs that may indicate hidden problems.

8. Built-in appliances

Range, oven, microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal — all tested for basic function. Refrigerators checked but not run through full cycles. Washer/dryer hookups verified.

9. Garage

Door operation (auto-reverse, photo-eye safety), opener, door rails, fire-rated door from garage to interior, slab condition, electrical and lighting.

What's NOT included in a standard inspection (and how to get it)

Honest inspectors tell you what they don't do. Here's what's outside the standard scope:

• Inside walls or behind drywall — we use thermal imaging to find hidden moisture and missing insulation, but we don't open walls
• Sewer line interior — book a sewer scope add-on (essential on pre-1980 homes)
• Radon — separate 48-hour test, $150-$200
• Mold — visual identification only; lab sampling is a separate service
• Lead paint — pre-1978 homes; specialty test required
• Asbestos — visual identification of suspect materials only; lab sampling separate
• Septic systems — visual and tank-lid evaluation; we don't pump or open
• Wells — visible components only; water-quality testing is separate
• Pools/spas/hot tubs — typically excluded from standard scope

How long does each section take?

• Roof & exterior: 30–45 minutes
• Attic & insulation: 15–25 minutes
• Interior systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC): 60–90 minutes
• Foundation & basement/crawlspace: 30–45 minutes
• Appliances and final walkthrough: 15–30 minutes
• Report writing: separate, delivered within 24 hours

Total: 2.5–4 hours on-site, depending on home size and condition.

What happens if the inspector finds problems?

Every inspection finds something — that's the point. Findings get categorized into:

• Safety items — must be addressed (e.g., reverse-polarity outlets, missing GFCIs near water, deck rail height violations)
• Major defects — significant cost to repair (e.g., failing roof, cracked heat exchanger, foundation movement)
• Minor defects — should be addressed eventually (worn caulking, loose trim, dripping faucet)
• Monitor — note for future (e.g., a small foundation crack that's not currently moving)

Your real estate agent uses this report to negotiate repairs, credits, or price reductions. We're happy to walk you through findings on the phone after delivery — call us anytime.

Related guides

• How to read a home inspection report
• How much does a home inspection cost in MN?
• How long does a home inspection take?
• What to do after a bad home inspection
• Ice dam damage in MN homes
• Radon levels in Dakota County
• Aluminum wiring in 1970s Twin Cities homes
• Cedar siding rot in Twin Cities homes

Ready to schedule yours?

Now that you know exactly what's included, the next step is your real number. The instant estimate calculator shows your price based on square footage, plus any add-ons you choose. 30 seconds. No phone call required.