Buying a home is exciting, but it is also one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. Before you commit to purchasing a property, it is important to understand what you are buying beyond the paint colors, flooring, kitchen cabinets, and curb appeal.
That is where a home inspection comes in.
A professional home inspection can uncover problems you might not notice during a showing. Issues with the roof, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, or heating and cooling equipment can turn into expensive repairs after you move in.
So, should you get a home inspection? What does an inspector actually look for? Is it worth the additional expense?
Let’s take a closer look.
Is a Home Inspection Necessary When Buying a House?
A home inspection is not a legal requirement for most home purchases, and mortgage lenders typically require an appraisal instead.
However, the Fairway Heartland team strongly recommends that buyers consider getting an independent home inspection before closing.
Think about it this way. When you purchase a vehicle, you might have a mechanic inspect it before handing over thousands of dollars. Buying a home deserves at least the same level of attention.
Even a home that looks beautiful and well-maintained can have hidden problems. A fresh coat of paint might make a room look great, but it will not tell you whether there is water damage behind the walls or an aging plumbing system underneath the house.
A home inspection helps you understand the property’s condition before you become responsible for its maintenance and repairs.
What Does a Home Inspector Check?
A standard home inspection is a visual examination of the home’s major systems and accessible components. The inspector looks for visible defects, potential safety concerns, and areas that may require repair or further evaluation.
Here are the major areas typically included.
Roof and Exterior
The roof and exterior protect the home from weather and moisture. Problems in these areas can cause costly damage if left unaddressed.
An inspector typically examines:
Roof covering, shingles, and visible signs of damage.
Gutters and downspouts.
Flashing around roof penetrations.
Exterior siding and trim.
Doors and windows.
Grading and drainage around the home.
Decks, porches, and attached structures.
The inspector looks for missing shingles, signs of roof leaks, deteriorating siding, poor drainage, and areas where water could enter the home.
Foundation and Structural Components
The foundation supports the entire house. Structural problems can be expensive and, in some cases, affect the home’s safety.
An inspector typically looks for:
Visible foundation cracks.
Signs of water intrusion.
Uneven or sloping floors.
Evidence of structural movement.
Visible damage to floor joists and support beams.
Conditions in accessible basements and crawl spaces.
Not every crack means there is a serious structural problem. Some are associated with normal settling, while others may indicate a more significant concern.
The inspection helps identify conditions that may need additional evaluation.
Electrical System
Electrical problems can create fire and shock hazards.
An inspector typically checks:
Electrical panels and visible wiring.
Outlets and switches.
Visible grounding and bonding components.
GFCI protection where required by applicable standards.
Visible signs of damaged wiring or unsafe electrical conditions.
Operation of accessible lights and electrical fixtures.
The goal is to identify visible safety concerns and defects that may require attention.
Plumbing System
Plumbing problems can cause water damage, expensive repairs, and everyday headaches.
An inspector typically examines:
Water supply lines.
Drain and waste piping.
Faucets and sinks.
Toilets and showers.
Water pressure and visible leaks.
Water heater condition and operation.
Visible plumbing connections.
The inspector may also look for signs of previous water damage, corrosion, leaking pipes, and drainage problems.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Your heating and cooling equipment plays an important role in comfort and energy expenses, especially in South Dakota, where winters can be demanding.
An inspector typically evaluates:
Furnace operation.
Air conditioning operation, when weather conditions permit.
Thermostats and accessible controls.
Visible ductwork.
Venting and exhaust systems.
Accessible filters and other components.
The inspection can identify visible problems or equipment that is not operating properly. However, a standard inspection is not a complete mechanical evaluation or guarantee of how many years the equipment has left.
Interior, Windows, and Doors
The inspector also examines the home’s interior for visible damage, safety concerns, and signs of moisture or structural problems.
This typically includes:
Walls and ceilings.
Floors and stairs.
Interior doors and windows.
Garage doors and openers.
Visible water stains.
Signs of moisture or deterioration.
Fireplaces, when included in the applicable inspection standards.
These areas may reveal problems that are not obvious during a typical showing.
Attic, Insulation, and Ventilation
The attic can tell an inspector quite a bit about the home’s condition.
Depending on accessibility, the inspector may examine:
Visible roof framing.
Insulation levels and condition.
Attic ventilation.
Signs of roof leaks.
Evidence of moisture or condensation.
Visible signs of pest activity.
Poor ventilation or moisture problems can contribute to deterioration over time.
What Does a Standard Home Inspection NOT Cover?
This is an important distinction.
A home inspection is not a guarantee that every problem will be discovered. It is primarily a visual inspection of accessible areas and does not involve taking apart walls, floors, or mechanical equipment.
Some conditions require separate inspections or specialized testing.
Examples include:
Mold testing.
Lead-based paint testing.
Asbestos testing.
Sewer line inspections.
Septic system inspections.
Well water testing.
Pest and termite inspections.
Chimney inspections beyond the standard visual examination.
If you are purchasing a rural property in South Dakota, pay particular attention to the water source and wastewater system. A private well or septic system may require additional testing or inspection.
Ask what the inspector’s standard service includes and whether additional testing is appropriate for the property.
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
The cost depends on several factors, including:
Size of the home.
Age of the property.
Property type.
Location.
Additional testing or specialized inspections.
Buyers typically pay for their own home inspection.
While it may feel like another expense during an already expensive homebuying process, consider the potential financial benefit.
Spending money upfront to identify a major issue could help you avoid thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs later.
The value is not simply finding problems. It is having better information before making a significant financial commitment.
Should I Attend the Home Inspection?
Yes. Our team recommends attending if your schedule allows.
The written inspection report is valuable, but being present lets you see potential problems firsthand and ask questions.
You can learn:
How to operate and maintain major home systems.
Where the water shutoff valve is located.
Where the electrical panel is.
How to maintain the furnace and air conditioning equipment.
Which repairs should receive immediate attention.
Which items are routine maintenance rather than major concerns.
You may also learn about smaller maintenance items that can help prevent bigger problems down the road.
Think of the inspection as an opportunity to learn about your new home, not just a way to identify defects.
What Happens If the Home Inspection Finds Problems?
First, do not panic.
Almost every home has something that needs attention. Even newer homes can have installation issues, maintenance concerns, or items that were overlooked during construction.
An inspection report may identify several types of findings:
Routine maintenance: Items such as missing caulking, dirty filters, or minor adjustments.
Minor repairs: Small plumbing leaks, damaged fixtures, or loose electrical components.
Major concerns: Roof damage, significant water intrusion, structural concerns, or potentially unsafe electrical conditions.
Further evaluation: Situations where the inspector recommends having a qualified specialist investigate an issue more closely.
Once you receive the report, you can review the findings and determine how to proceed.
Depending on your purchase agreement, inspection contingency, and the nature of the findings, you may have options to request repairs, negotiate a credit or price adjustment, continue with the purchase, or terminate the agreement within the applicable terms and deadlines.
The important thing is to understand your options before deciding.
Does a Home Inspection Affect My Mortgage Approval?
A home inspection and a mortgage appraisal serve two very different purposes.
A home inspection is primarily for the buyer. It evaluates the property's physical condition and helps identify potential problems.
A mortgage appraisal is ordered for the lender to help establish the property’s market value and determine whether it meets applicable lending requirements.
An appraisal is not a substitute for a home inspection.
For example, an appraiser may determine that a home is worth $300,000, but that does not mean the roof, plumbing, electrical system, and foundation have all been thoroughly evaluated.
Certain loan programs, including FHA and VA, have property condition and safety requirements that appraisers must consider. However, the appraisal still does not provide the same level of detail as an independent home inspection.
Understanding the difference matters because one protects the lender’s financial interest, while the other helps protect you as the buyer.
Final Thoughts: Is a Home Inspection Worth It?
Our recommendation is simple: Do not skip a home inspection just to save a few hundred dollars.
You are making a substantial financial commitment, and knowing as much as possible about the property before closing is a smart decision.
A home inspection can uncover expensive problems, identify safety concerns, provide valuable maintenance information, and give you a better understanding of what you are buying.
Remember, the goal is not to find a perfect house. No house is perfect.
The goal is to make an informed decision, understand the potential costs of ownership, and avoid surprises after moving in.
If you are preparing to purchase a home in Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Tea, Brandon, or anywhere in South Dakota, having the right information and a good understanding of the homebuying process can make a tremendous difference.
Have questions about getting started with a home purchase or understanding the mortgage process? Contact the loan officers at Fairway Heartland. Our team is happy to help you understand the steps involved so you can move forward with confidence. Reach out today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Inspections
Is a home inspection required to get a mortgage?
No. A standard home inspection is not typically required for mortgage approval. Lenders usually require an appraisal, which serves a different purpose. Certain property conditions identified during the appraisal may require repairs before closing.
How long does a home inspection take?
A typical single-family home inspection takes approximately two to four hours, depending on the home’s size, age, condition, and accessibility.
Should I get a home inspection on a new construction home?
Yes. New construction does not guarantee that everything was installed correctly or is operating properly. An independent inspection can identify construction defects, incomplete work, and potential safety concerns.
Can a home fail an inspection?
No. A standard home inspection is not a pass-or-fail examination. The inspector documents the home’s condition, identifies concerns, and recommends further evaluation when necessary.
What happens if the seller refuses to make repairs?
Your options depend on the purchase agreement and any applicable inspection contingency. You may be able to negotiate repairs, request a credit, proceed as agreed, or terminate the agreement if your contractual rights allow it.
Is a home inspection the same as an appraisal?
No. An appraisal estimates the property’s market value for the lender. A home inspection evaluates the property’s physical condition for the buyer.
Should I get a home inspection if I am buying a house as-is?
Yes, an inspection can still provide valuable information. Buying a property as-is does not prevent you from learning about its condition. However, whether you can request repairs or terminate the agreement depends on your purchase contract.
Fairway Heartland, Branch 8350 of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. This article is for general information only. Loan approval is subject to credit, income, and property review, as well as VA underwriting requirements.