35 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector
The complete 2026 list — organized into before you hire, during the inspection, about the findings, and after the report. Check off questions as you ask them. Save your progress. Email yourself the PDF.
Interactive checklist
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Upload the PDF and HomeScore's Inspection Analyzer ranks every finding by financial and safety risk — with 2026 repair-cost ranges and a negotiation brief.
Frequently asked
How many questions should I ask my home inspector?+
Plan to ask 10–15 questions on-site during the wrap-up, then 5–10 more after reading the written report. The 35 questions in this checklist cover every category — pick the 15 most relevant to your home's age, systems, and the issues that surface during the walk-through.
What is the most important question to ask a home inspector?+
Hands-down: 'Of everything you found, which 3 items are the biggest financial risks — and what's a realistic cost range for each?' Most inspection reports list 80+ items, but only 3–8 actually matter for your negotiation and budget. Forcing the inspector to prioritize gives you the leverage map.
When should I ask questions during a home inspection?+
Three windows: (1) before hiring — qualifying questions about licensing, experience, and add-ons; (2) during the wrap-up on-site — the highest-value 30–45 minutes you'll spend in the home; (3) after reading the written report — clarifying questions and prioritization.
Should the buyer attend the home inspection and ask questions?+
Yes — being present for at least the final 30–45 minutes is the single highest-leverage decision you can make as a buyer. Inspectors will walk you through major findings in person, point out shut-off locations, and answer questions a written report can't fully capture.
What questions should I NOT ask a home inspector?+
Avoid 'Should I buy this house?' (they can't legally advise) and 'How much will the seller credit me?' (that's your agent's job). Stick to factual, systems-based questions. Inspectors will give you straight answers on condition, cost ranges, and risk — not on the purchase decision itself.