What Makes a Good Home Inspection (Especially for New Homeowners)

Welcome to the world of homeownership! 🎉 Whether you’ve just signed your first mortgage or are eyeing that dream home, there’s one step you definitely don’t want to skip: the home inspection.

Let’s be real—buying a house can be overwhelming. Between financing, paperwork, and moving boxes, it’s easy to treat the inspection like just another box to check. But here’s the thing: a good inspection for new homeowners can save you thousands of dollars and a ton of future stress.

Let’s break down what makes a home inspection actually good—and how to make sure yours is worth every penny.

What Is a Home Inspection, Really?

Think of a home inspection like a health check-up—but for your house.

A certified home inspector comes in and gives the home a top-to-bottom review, checking everything from the roof to the foundation. The goal? To find out what’s working, what’s not, and what might become a problem down the road.

It’s not an appraisal. It’s not a code compliance check. And it’s definitely not a guarantee. But it is your best chance to understand what the homes current condition is and what you’re actually buying.

Why an Inspection for New Homeowners Is a Total Must

Here’s the truth: first-time buyers often don’t know what to look for. And that’s totally normal!

You’re not expected to know how to spot faulty wiring or hidden water damage—but a good home inspector will. Skipping the inspection or going with the cheapest option might save you a few bucks now, but it could cost you big later. We’re talking surprise foundation issues, busted HVAC units, or a roof that leaks the first time it rains.

Getting a solid inspection for new homeowners means you walk in eyes wide open—and maybe even with a little negotiating power before you close the deal.

What a Good Home Inspection Covers (And What It Doesn’t)

A quality inspection should include all the major systems and components of the home, like:

• Roof and attic
• Electrical systems
• Plumbing
• HVAC (heating and cooling)
• Foundation and structure
• Windows, doors, insulation
• Built-in appliances
• Safety features like smoke and CO detectors

But heads up: there are a few things inspectors don’t usually cover unless you request it. That includes things like:

• Swimming pools
• Mold testing
• Radon
• Termite/pest inspections
• Sewer scope inspections

At Inspected Moore, we’ll always let you know exactly what’s included—and help you decide if any add-ons make sense for your situation.  There are also great resources like realtor.com that will give you even more insight into what a home inspector looks for.  https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/what-does-a-home-inspector-look-for/

How to Spot a Good Home Inspector (Hint: We Know a Guy 😉)

Not all inspectors are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• Certified and insured – Always non-negotiable.
• Sample reports – A good inspector won’t hesitate to show you what their reports look like.
• Detailed, easy-to-read findings – No vague “everything looks fine” summaries.
• Photos and notes – A picture really is worth a thousand words when it comes to home repairs.
• Great reviews – Word of mouth matters.

At Inspected Moore, we take pride in being thorough, approachable, and 100% honest. We’re not here to scare you—but we are here to make sure you know what you’re buying.

What to Do Before, During, and After Your Inspection

Here’s how to get the most out of your inspection experience:

Before:

• Be present! (If possible)
• Make a list of questions or concerns
• Bring a phone or notepad to take notes, sure you will get a report later but this is a great idea also

During:

• Follow your inspector (we’ll explain everything in plain English)
• Ask questions—we love curious homeowners!
• Take pictures or videos for your own reference.  Again you will get lots from us but having more eyes on the home is awesome!

After:

• Read the full report carefully
• Ask for clarification on anything that’s unclear
• Talk with your agent about negotiating repairs or credits
• It’s unlikely but if there’s something major, don’t be afraid to walk away

A great inspection gives you knowledge—and knowledge is power when you’re making one of the biggest investments of your life.

Quick Tips to Make the Most of It

• Ask your inspector about regular maintenance tips—especially if it’s your first home.
• Don’t ignore “small” issues. They can add up.
• Focus on the big-ticket items: roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing.
• If the home has special features (chimney, septic, etc.), ask if extra inspections are recommended.

The Smart Way to Start Your Homeowner Journey

Buying a home is a huge deal—and a little scary, too. But with a solid inspection, you can walk confidently and clear-headed, ready to turn that house into a home.

At Inspected Moore, we specialize in inspections for new homeowners. We’ll take the time to walk you through the process, explain the report in simple terms, and make sure you feel totally informed—no jargon, no nonsense.

If you’re in the process of buying a home (or just thinking about it), schedule your inspection with Inspected Moore today. We’ve got your back from the basement to the roof.

Ready to book your inspection?

👉 Contact Inspected Moore and let’s make sure your new home is everything it should be.