Complete Home Inspection

A Complete Home Inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of a property’s structure, systems, and safety conditions with a report delivered on the condition of the property’s many components. This service provides buyers, sellers, and property owners with a clear, informed understanding of a home’s current condition, enabling confident decisions, accurate planning, and reduced risk. Each inspection is performed  following recognized industry standards to ensure consistency, accuracy, and reliability.

What Is a Complete Home Inspection?

For a broader educational overview, see our in-depth Home Inspection Guide for additional context on standards, expectations, and common findings.

A Complete Home Inspection involves a detailed visual and functional assessment of the home’s major components. The goal is to identify existing issues, potential risks, and areas that may require maintenance or repair, while providing practical guidance for protecting the property’s long-term value.

Definition and Purpose

• Professional evaluation of structural and mechanical components
• Identification of safety hazards and functional deficiencies
• Documentation of findings with photos and recommendations
• Support for informed real estate and maintenance decisions

Who Benefits From a Complete Home Inspection

Buyers

• Uncovers hidden defects before purchase
• Reduces the likelihood of costly surprises
• Strengthens negotiation leverage

Sellers

• Allows proactive repairs before listing
• Builds buyer confidence
• Minimizes delays and failed negotiations

Realtors

• Helps facilitate smoother transactions
• Supports transparency and trust
• Aids in accurate property representation

Common Misconceptions

• A Complete Home Inspection is not a pass/fail test. It is a report on the condition of the home’s many components
• It does not determine market value. Appraisers provide a statement of value.
• Inspectors identify issues; they do not perform repairs
• Older homes are not inherently inferior to newer construction

Scope of a Complete Home Inspection

Each Complete Home Inspection includes a  non-invasive visual inspection of structural elements, mechanical systems, and interior/exterior components.

Structural Components

• Roof structure, vents, flashings, and trim
• Skylight, chimney, and roof penetrations
• Eaves, soffit, fascia, gutters, and downspouts
• Foundation, basement, and crawlspace
• Grading and drainage
• Water penetration and foundation movement
• Decks, stoops, porches, walkways, and railings
• Fireplace damper door and hearth

Exterior Systems

• Exterior wall coverings
• Windows, doors, and locks
• Insulation and ventilation
• Weather barriers and moisture protection

Mechanical and Safety Systems

• Heating systems
• Cooling systems
• Main and branch waterlines
• Water heating systems
• Interior plumbing fixtures and faucets
• Drainage sump pumps and accessible floats
• Electrical service lines and meter box services
• Electrical panels, breakers, and fuses
• Grounding and bonding
• GFCI and AFCI protection

Safety and Environmental Checks

• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Carbon monoxide and combustible gas leak testing
• Proper venting of appliances and exhaust systems

Functional Testing of Built-In Appliances

• Stove and oven
• Dishwasher
• Built-in microwave

Home Energy and Efficiency Review

A Complete Home Inspection also includes a basic home energy assessment to highlight efficiency concerns and improvement opportunities.

Energy Review Includes

• Insulation and vapor barriers
• Weather-stripping
• Ductwork, registers, and returns
• Thermostats
• Heating and cooling system performance

While not a full energy audit, this review provides valuable insight into energy loss, comfort issues, and optimization potential.

The Complete Home Inspection Process

Step-by-Step Process

1. Scheduling with a certified inspector
2. On-site evaluation of all accessible areas
3. Functional testing of systems and components
4. Documentation with photos and notes
5. Detailed written report delivery
6. Discussion of findings and recommendations

What the Final Report Includes

• Summary of major concerns
• Identified safety hazards
• Photo documentation of issues
• Recommended repairs categorized by urgency
• Maintenance observations and guidance

Common Findings During a Complete Home Inspection

Structural Issues

• Cracked foundations caused by settling or moisture
• Sagging roof structures from poor support
• Significant wall cracks indicating movement

Electrical and Plumbing

• Outdated or unsafe wiring systems
• Double-tapped breakers
• Leaking or corroded pipes

HVAC and Ventilation

• Aging or inefficient systems
• Improper venting increasing carbon monoxide risk
• Dirty or restrictive filters reducing efficiency

Pre-Listing Complete Home Inspections

Benefits for Sellers

• Reduces last-minute renegotiations
• Increases buyer transparency
• Strengthens listing appeal
• Speeds up closing timelines

Preparation Tips

• Clean and declutter key areas
• Provide access to attics and crawlspaces
• Ensure utilities are active
• Secure pets and remove obstacles

Choosing a Qualified Inspector for a Complete Home Inspection

Recommended Qualifications

• Membership in ASHI or InterNACHI.
• Many positive reviews.
• Proven inspection experience.
• Knowledge of construction practices.

Important Questions to Ask

• What does your inspection include?
• How detailed is the final report?
• What standards of practice do you follow? Our Standards of Practice
• Can you provide sample reports?
• More questions answered here.

Warning Signs

• Unusually low pricing
• No available reviews. We have more than 400 Google Reviews.  More than any of our competitors. Read them here.
• Lack of sample documentation. 
• View our Sample Inspection Report
• View our Sample Inspection Agreement

Interpreting Your Complete Home Inspection Report

Severity Levels

• Minor: Cosmetic wear or small defects
• Moderate: Aging components approaching failure
• Major: Structural damage or significant safety issues

Recommended Next Steps

• Review findings carefully
• Obtain repair estimates
• Prioritize safety concerns
• Use findings in negotiations or planning

Complete Home Inspection Standards

All Complete Home Inspections are conducted in accordance with the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors Standards of Practice, ensuring consistent procedures, ethical guidelines, and professional accountability.

Each inspection also includes a 90-Day Limited Warranty, reinforcing our commitment to quality, reliability, and long-term client confidence.

Why Choose a Complete Home Inspection

A Complete Home Inspection provides clarity, protection, and peace of mind. Whether purchasing, selling, or maintaining a home, this service ensures you have accurate knowledge of your property’s true condition, allowing you to make decisions with confidence and authority.