What Buyers Always Ask: “What Should I Look for at the Home Inspection?”
It’s inspection day for one of our latest escrow properties, and we’re answering one of the most common questions we hear from first-time homebuyers:
“What should I be looking for during the home inspection?”
In this blog, we’re breaking it down with insights from our 35+ years of real estate experience, along with expert tips from our go-to home inspector, Jerry with Inspection Industries.
What a Veteran Realtor Looks for at an Inspection
Christopher Mahr, our team’s lead Realtor with over 35 years of experience, shared his approach:
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He begins each inspection by walking the property to spot anything that stands out.
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Renovation experience helps him identify potential issues—sometimes even before the report comes in.
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At the end of the inspection, he always does a wrap-up with the inspector to review findings and discuss which issues are most important.
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The main focus is always the major components of the home—anything that could result in costly repairs for the buyer.
Christopher notes that specific concerns often depend on the property. For example, if the home has skylights in a condo complex, it’s important to know whether those are covered by the HOA or if they’re the homeowner’s responsibility. Small details like that can impact how you negotiate repairs or plan for future maintenance.
Is There Ever a Perfect Home?
Short answer: No.
Even new construction homes rarely make it through an inspection with a blank report. That’s because builders typically leave a customer service trailer on site for the first year to make ongoing corrections and repairs. So whether the home is brand new or decades old, something always comes up—though many issues are minor or just informational. As a buyer, it’s important to distinguish between cosmetic flaws and major issues that could affect the value or safety of the home. Not every item in an inspection report is worth negotiating. Some are simply there to help you plan ahead.
The Five Key Things Every Inspector Looks For
When we spoke to Jerry from Inspection Industries, we asked him what five things he checks on every home inspection. Here’s what he said:
1. Roof Condition
The roof is one of the most expensive components to repair or replace. Jerry checks for signs of aging, wear, and potential leaks. He also estimates how many years of life the roof has left.
2. Plumbing System
This includes verifying hot and cold water function, drainage, and most importantly—checking the condition of the water heater. Everything should flow properly and safely out of the home.
3. Electrical System
The panel needs to be in good shape, and all outlets, switches, and light fixtures should function correctly. Jerry checks for any wiring issues that could be unsafe or outdated.
4. Heating and Cooling Systems (HVAC)
Especially in Orange County, the air conditioning needs to be working efficiently. Jerry evaluates the condition and age of the AC unit to ensure it’s not at the end of its lifespan.
5. Structural Integrity
This includes checking the attic, insulation, roof sheathing, and any crawlspaces or concrete slabs. A home needs strong “bones” to hold up over time.
Final Thoughts for Orange County Buyers
Whether you’re buying your first condo or your dream home, the home inspection is one of the most important steps in the process. It’s your chance to make sure there are no surprises after you move in—and it’s also a powerful tool in your negotiations.
Just remember:
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No home is perfect—even brand-new builds have minor issues.
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Focus on major systems: roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and structure.
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Don’t panic over minor wear and tear.
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Always work with an experienced inspector and real estate team who can walk you through what matters—and what doesn’t.
Want to Know More?
Have questions about what comes up during a home inspection? Or want help preparing for one? Drop us a message—we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
