Home Inspection: Types, Reports and Options
by stazhkova on 07.10.2025
Hello. At this stage you have already made an offer to purchase real estate, it has been accepted, and now one of the most important processes begins—the inspection of the property. This is a check of the technical condition of the property that allows you to identify hidden defects and make an informed decision about proceeding with the transaction. Today I will explain how to properly organize the inspection, what types of checks exist, and what decisions can be made based on its results.
What the inspection period is
The inspection period is the time frame established by the contract during which the buyer has the right to check the condition of the property. Depending on the condition and specifics of the property, you may need one or several inspections. The more complex the property, the more detailed the inspection should be.
Types of inspections
The main types of checks include:
• General inspection — a basic assessment of the building’s condition and major systems;
• Plumbing and piping inspection — detection of leaks, wear, and hidden defects in the utilities;
• Roof inspection, checks for mold or asbestos — assessment of elements that affect the building’s safety and durability;
• Specialized inspections — pools, elevators, ventilation/HVAC systems, electrical.
Your realtor will help select reliable inspectors and coordinate the process.
Analyzing the inspection report
Following the inspection, you will receive a detailed report listing all identified deficiencies. After that, you have several options:
- Accept the property in its current condition if the deficiencies are not critical;
- Require that the problems be remedied at the seller’s expense;
- Negotiate a price reduction if you will handle the repairs;
- Decline the purchase if the property’s condition does not meet your expectations.
Buying “as is” (AS-IS)
If the property is being sold “as is,” the seller does not undertake to fix identified deficiencies. However, during the inspection period you still have the right to withdraw from the deal if the property’s condition proves unsatisfactory.
Seller’s duty to disclose known defects
In some jurisdictions, including Florida, sellers are required to provide a disclosure form listing known issues with the property. This information should be given to the inspector before the inspection.
Waiving the inspection period
Sometimes buyers waive the inspection to make their offer more attractive. This is possible in highly competitive conditions, but in that case it is recommended to conduct a check immediately after the purchase to quickly identify potential problems and plan their remediation.
Conclusion
An inspection is your tool for making an informed purchase decision. It helps assess the real condition of the property and determine what additional expenses may be required. In the next material, we will cover the process of obtaining final loan approval after a successful inspection.
