What's Covered
What a Home Inspection Actually Covers
From the roof down to the crawl space, here's everything a good inspector puts eyes on.
Bottom line: an inspection is a visual check of the home's big systems and structure — the stuff that's expensive to fix. Knowing what's on the list helps you follow along and ask better questions on the day.
The core checklist
Bottom line: the inspector reviews everything they can safely see and reach.
- Roof and gutters
- Foundation and crawl spaces
- Heating and cooling (HVAC)
- Plumbing and electrical
- Major appliances that stay with the home
- Attic and insulation
- Windows, doors, and general structure
The Lowcountry extras
Bottom line: here, moisture and pests get special attention.
In our humid subtropical climate, a good inspector looks harder at signs of moisture intrusion, wood rot, and pest damage. These problems can develop faster around here than in drier regions, so they're worth flagging early. For the bigger picture on climate and homes, see our Lowcountry climate checklist.
What it's not
Bottom line: it's a visual review, not a demolition.
The inspection is non-invasive — the inspector won't open walls or ceilings. They test accessible systems and note surface-level warning signs, but anything hidden behind finishes or heavy storage may not show up. Good to keep in mind so your expectations match reality.
Follow along on the day
- Roof, gutters, and attic
- Foundation and crawl space
- HVAC, plumbing, electrical
- Windows, doors, structure
- Moisture, rot, and pest signs
This is part of our bigger guide, Home Inspections in Summerville, Explained.
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