Homebuyers often feel like they know everything they need to know about a property by the time their offer is accepted. In reality, there’s almost always more going on than you can see at first glance.
That’s where a professional home inspection comes in.
At Cornerstone Home Inspectors, we follow the InterNACHI Standards of Practice to provide a clear, honest picture of a home’s condition for buyers throughout Alabama, Southwest Georgia, and the Santa Rosa Beach area of Florida.
This page explains:
- What a home inspection is (and isn’t)
- How it fits into your purchase contract
- What’s on our home inspection checklist
- What we don’t inspect
- How to use your report after the inspection
What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough, visual evaluation of the home’s major systems and components. The goal is to identify material defects, safety concerns, and significant issues that may affect your decision to move forward, negotiate, or walk away.
Key points:
- Inspections are non-invasive. We don’t open walls or remove finishes.
- We focus on what’s visible and safely accessible on the day of the inspection.
- Attics and crawlspaces are inspected when they are accessible and safe to enter.
Most inspections uncover a mix of minor issues (maintenance, age, cosmetic items) and sometimes a few bigger concerns. When significant issues are found, buyers often:
- Negotiate repairs or concessions
- Ask for further evaluation by a specialist (roofer, plumber, electrician, etc.)
- In some cases, decide not to move forward with the purchase
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
Home inspection pricing depends mostly on:
- Square footage and age of the home
- Additional outbuildings
- Optional add-on services (radon, mold, pool, etc.)
Typical inspections for single-family homes start in the mid-hundreds and increase with size and complexity.
For a detailed breakdown, including examples by square footage and services, see our full Home Inspection Cost page.
Home Inspection vs. Home Appraisal
Buyers are sometimes surprised to learn that the appraisal does not replace the home inspection.
- An appraisal is ordered by your lender to estimate market value.
- An inspector is hired by you to evaluate the home’s condition.
Appraisers do not perform the kind of detailed, system-by-system evaluation that a home inspector does. Their goal is to protect the lender’s interest. A home inspection is designed to protect yours.
How the Home Inspection Fits Into Your Purchase Contract
In most transactions, the inspection is tied to a “home inspection contingency” in your purchase agreement.
What that means for you:
- Your obligation to purchase the home depends on the inspection results.
- You must complete the inspection and any follow-up evaluations within the time frame in your contract (often 7–14 days in our region).
- Within that time frame, you decide whether to:
- Move forward as-is
- Request repairs or concessions
- Cancel under the terms of the contingency
Your agent will guide you through the contract deadlines. Our job is to help you understand the home so you can make a confident decision inside that window.
Choosing a Home Inspector
You can often get referrals from your agent, friends, or past clients. It’s also wise to search online and read recent reviews.
When choosing an inspector, look for:
- Proper licensing (if required in your state), bonding, and insurance
- Solid experience and a strong track record of reviews
- Clear, modern reports with photos and plain-language explanations
You can read more about our experience and see what buyers and agents say about working with Cornerstone.
What to Expect on Inspection Day
On inspection day, your inspector will:
- Walk the exterior, roof (when safe and accessible), and site
- Evaluate major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical
- Inspect the attic, crawlspace, basement, and interior rooms (if accessible)
- Take photos and notes for your digital report
We also provide:
- A clear, digital report (typically within 24 hours)
- An audiovisual walk-through recording of the inspector’s findings
- The opportunity to call or text with follow-up questions
No home is perfect. Our goal is not to “pass” or “fail” the house, but to help you understand its condition and any significant issues you should factor into your decision.
Our Home Inspection Checklist: What We Inspect
During a standard home inspection, we evaluate the following major areas, in line with the InterNACHI Standards of Practice.
You can use the sections below as a high-level checklist of what we look at.
- Roof and Exterior
We evaluate:
- Roof covering (shingles, tiles, etc.) from the ground and accessible areas
- Gutters, downspouts, and how water is directed away from the home
- Visible flashing, roof penetrations, and chimney exteriors
- Exterior walls, siding, trim, and cladding
- Windows, exterior doors, and frames
- Porches, decks, balconies, railings, and steps
- Walkways, driveways, and grading where it may affect the structure
We look for signs of:
- Active leaks or past water intrusion
- Rot, damage, or excessive wear
- Unsafe or deteriorated walking surfaces
- Foundation, Basement, Crawlspace, and Structure
We evaluate:
- Visible foundation walls and footings where accessible
- Basement and crawlspace conditions (moisture, drainage, ventilation)
- Structural components such as visible beams, joists, and columns
We look for:
- Significant cracking, bowing, or movement
- Wood in contact with soil or signs of rot and infestation
- Evidence of active water penetration
- Attic, Insulation, and Ventilation
We evaluate:
- Accessible attic spaces
- Visible roof framing and sheathing from the attic
- Insulation type and approximate depth
- Attic ventilation (ridge vents, soffit vents, gable vents, etc.)
We look for:
- Staining or damage suggesting roof leaks
- Inadequate insulation or obvious gaps
- Poor or missing ventilation that can lead to moisture issues
- Interior: Rooms, Doors, Windows, and Stairs
We evaluate:
- Representative doors and windows (operation, latching, general condition)
- Floors, walls, and ceilings for significant damage or staining
- Interior stairs, handrails, guards, and landings
- Garage vehicle doors and openers (basic operation and safety reversal)
We look for:
- Stains that suggest leaks or moisture problems
- Significant cracks or signs of movement
- Loose or unsafe railings and stair components
- Kitchens and Bathrooms
We evaluate:
- Sinks, faucets, and visible plumbing under sinks
- Toilets (flushing, stability, leaks at the base)
- Showers and tubs (functional drainage, visible sealing and caulking)
- Built-in appliances (basic operation, where applicable)
- Exhaust fans and their venting paths (where visible)
We look for:
- Active leaks or past water damage
- Loose fixtures or soft spots around plumbing areas
- Poor sealing that may lead to future moisture problems
- Plumbing System
We evaluate:
- Main water supply shut-off (location, where visible)
- Water heater (type, fuel source, basic condition, and venting where applicable)
- Visible interior supply and drain piping
- Functional flow at fixtures using normal operation
- Functional drainage at sinks, tubs, and showers
We look for:
- Active leaks or corrosion on visible piping
- Inadequate hot/cold configuration at fixtures
- Safety issues with water heater installation or venting
- Electrical System
We evaluate:
- Service drop and mast (overhead service) where visible
- Main service disconnect and panelboard (cover on, no intrusive testing)
- Representative outlets and switches throughout the home
- Ground-fault (GFCI) protection where required or recommended
- Presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
We look for:
- Exposed wiring or unsafe DIY modifications
- Missing panel knockouts or unsafe conditions at the service panel
- Non-functioning or improperly wired outlets in tested locations
- Heating and Cooling Systems
We evaluate:
- Permanently installed heating systems using normal operating controls
- Central air conditioning systems when weather conditions allow safe testing
- Thermostat locations and basic operation
We look for:
- Systems that fail to operate under normal controls
- Obvious safety concerns, visible rust, or damaged components
- Venting or flue issues where visible
- Safety and General Observations
Throughout the inspection, we also note:
- Missing or inoperative smoke/CO detectors
- Obvious trip hazards or other safety concerns
- Conditions that may require further evaluation by a specialist
What Home Inspectors Do Not Inspect
A general home inspection is not technically exhaustive and is not a code inspection.
We do not:
- Move heavy furniture, stored items, or personal belongings to gain access
- Open walls, ceilings, or floors
- Inspect underground piping, septic tanks, well systems, or drainfields
- Evaluate pools, spas, or specialized recreational equipment (unless separately arranged)
- Perform environmental testing (mold, radon, asbestos, lead, etc.) unless explicitly added as a service
- Guarantee the remaining life of any system or component
We follow the InterNACHI Standards of Practice, which clearly define what’s included and excluded in a general home inspection. You can view the full SOP on our Standards of Practice page.
How to Use This Home Inspection Checklist
Think of this checklist as:
- A guide to what we’ll be looking at for you
- A way to understand your inspection report more quickly
- A reference you can bring to your own walkthroughs and questions
Here’s how to get the most from your inspection:
- Before inspection day
- Review the major sections above so you know what’s coming.
- Ask your agent to ensure the seller has cleared access to the attic, crawlspace, electrical panel, and major systems.
- During and after the inspection
- Read our inspection report and/or attend the inspection if possible.
- Use the checklist to organize your questions about specific systems or concerns.
- After you receive the report
- Focus on the items your inspector flags as safety issues or significant defects.
- Work with your agent to decide what to request from the seller and what you’re comfortable handling later.
Need a Professional Inspection?
If you’re under contract—or close—and ready for a professional, unbiased opinion on the home you’re about to buy, we’d be glad to help.
Cornerstone Home Inspectors serves clients across Alabama, Southwest Georgia, and the Santa Rosa Beach area of Florida. Schedule your inspection, send us your questions, and we’ll help you go into your purchase with clear eyes and confidence.
