31 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

Before hiring, ask about credentials, scope, exclusions and report timing. During the inspection, ask what was observed, what could not be checked and which concerns need a specialist. After the report, clarify priorities and collect evidence for your next decision. Use the questions below to keep unresolved issues visible.

Reviewed 2026-09-25

Before you hire

What credentials and insurance do you carry, and how can I verify them?
Ask which licensing requirements apply where the home is located.
What experience do you have with homes of this age and construction type?
Mention additions, unusual systems and any known concerns when you book.
Which inspection standard do you follow, and what training supports your work?
Ask for the standard and written agreement before hiring.
Can I review a redacted sample report from a similar home?
Look for clear locations, photos, explanations and follow-up recommendations.
How do your agreement and insurance handle a concern about a missed defect?
Request the actual terms; do not assume that coverage guarantees reimbursement.
Who will perform the inspection, and how can I review their qualifications?
Confirm the name of the person assigned to your appointment.
What is excluded, and which additional inspections should I consider for this property?
Ask about property-specific needs such as sewer, radon, pest or chimney evaluation.
Can I attend, and when should we discuss your findings?
Agree on a useful time for questions without interrupting the inspection.
When will I receive the written report, and what does the quoted fee include?
Leave time for follow-up before the deadlines in your purchase contract.
Do you have any business relationships or referral arrangements I should know about?
Compare inspectors independently and ask about potential conflicts.

During the inspection

What roof condition can you observe, and which areas could you not inspect?
Record visible findings and access limits; request available installation or repair records.
What can you tell me about the HVAC equipment, operation and service history?
Record model details and distinguish observed performance from unknown maintenance history.
What electrical equipment or findings need evaluation by a licensed electrician?
Ask for the equipment identification and report reference to share with the electrician.
What plumbing materials and visible conditions did you identify?
Ask which concerns need a plumber or testing beyond the inspection scope.
What water-heater details and visible concerns should I record?
Keep the model information, location and any recommended follow-up together.
Do any foundation or structural observations need further evaluation?
Ask which finding prompted the recommendation and what remains unknown.
What could you observe about attic insulation and ventilation?
Record inaccessible areas and ask what additional assessment would resolve a concern.
Did you observe signs of water intrusion, and what follow-up would clarify the cause?
Keep the location and photos; ask what was observed versus what is still uncertain.
Where are the main water, fuel and electrical shut-offs?
Record their locations and ask a qualified professional about unfamiliar equipment.
Which safety concerns need prompt professional attention?
Ask about urgency and who should evaluate each concern; do not use this checklist to delay action.

Findings and priorities

Which findings need the most attention, and where do I need written repair estimates?
Separate confirmed defects, unresolved questions and routine maintenance.
Which findings concern safety, function or maintenance?
Ask the inspector to explain the categories used in this report.
Do any visible alterations need permits, records or specialist review?
Request documentation without assuming when work occurred or who performed it.
Which unresolved findings should remain in my ownership plan?
Record a next step and responsible person for each item you carry forward.
Which equipment details or findings should I send to my insurance provider?
Ask the insurer directly about its requirements for this property.
Which findings need a specialist, and what should that specialist evaluate?
Bring the relevant report pages and ask for a written scope and estimate.

After the report

How can I ask follow-up questions, and are there time limits or fees?
Save the contact information and the terms offered by this inspector.
Can you clarify the report references for the issues I plan to discuss with my agent?
Use the written findings when discussing options within your contract deadlines.
Do you offer a follow-up visit after repairs, and what does it cover?
Confirm scope, access, timing, written documentation and price before booking.
What important uncertainties remain for me to resolve before deciding?
Use the answers with specialist findings and advice from your buying team.
Which maintenance tasks should I plan first if I buy this home?
Keep professional recommendations, service records and manufacturer instructions with your plan.

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Turn answers into next steps

These examples show how to record uncertainty and choose a next step. They are not findings about your home or repair estimates.

Hypothetical examples: turn a finding into a follow-up plan
Finding	Question	Evidence to collect	Next action
A ceiling stain is visible	What did you observe, and is the source known?	Report location, photos and any repair records	Ask which professional should investigate the cause and document the next step.
Cooling equipment was not operated	Why was it not tested, and what is needed to assess it?	Inspection limitation, equipment details and service records	Arrange appropriate follow-up and confirm timing with your buying team.
The report recommends electrical evaluation	Which observation prompted the recommendation?	Report reference, photos and equipment identification	Request a licensed electrician’s evaluation and written scope before budgeting work.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions should I ask my home inspector?

Use these 31 questions as a menu. Start with the ones relevant to your property, then add questions about the actual findings and inspection limitations. Leave with a clear next step for each unresolved concern.

What is the most important question to ask a home inspector?

Ask which findings need prompt attention or specialist evaluation, and why. Then ask what evidence supports each recommendation and which questions the inspection could not answer.

When should I ask questions during a home inspection?

Discuss scope and timing before hiring. Agree on time to review findings during the visit, then follow up after reading the written report. Schedule further evaluation early enough to inform decisions within your contract deadlines.

Should I attend my home inspection?

If possible, attend so the inspector can explain observations in person. Confirm attendance arrangements ahead of time and ask when questions will be most useful.

Can a home inspector tell me whether to buy the house?

Ask the inspector to explain condition, limitations and recommended follow-up. The purchase decision also depends on your budget, contract, insurance and tolerance for unresolved issues. Bring those questions to the appropriate members of your buying team.

Sources and how to use these questions

HomeScore organized these editorial questions around four buyer decisions: hiring, understanding the home, prioritizing findings and planning follow-up. The sources below explain inspection scope and the buying process. Adapt the questions to your property, inspection agreement and local requirements. A visual inspection has limits; it does not guarantee future condition, repair costs or insurance eligibility.

Continue with your next decision

Keep unresolved findings and professional recommendations for your home plan. Starting a plan does not transfer this checklist or upload an inspection report automatically.

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