Blog · Guide
A clear breakdown of every system and component a professional inspector evaluates — so you know exactly what you're getting before you schedule.
If you've never been through a home inspection before, it's natural to wonder what actually happens during one. The short answer: a qualified inspector evaluates every major system and accessible component of the home — from the roof down to the foundation — and documents the findings in a written report. The longer answer is worth understanding, because knowing what's covered helps you get the most out of the process.
Here's what Gio evaluates during a standard home inspection in Metro Detroit, system by system.
The roof is evaluated from the exterior — either from a ladder at the eave line or, when safely accessible, by walking the surface. Gio looks at the condition of the shingles or roofing material, the flashing around penetrations like vents and chimneys, the condition of the gutters and downspouts, and any visible signs of past repairs or patches. In Metro Detroit, ice dam damage, flashing failures at valleys, and shingle granule loss from age and wind exposure are among the most common findings.
When accessible, the attic is one of the most revealing areas of a home. Gio checks insulation type, depth, and coverage — gaps in insulation are extremely common, especially in older Metro Detroit homes where blown-in material has settled over decades. He also evaluates ventilation (soffit baffles, ridge vents, gable vents), looks for signs of past or present roof leaks, and checks whether bathroom exhaust fans are vented to the exterior or are dumping moisture into the attic space.
The structural evaluation covers the foundation walls, floor framing, load-bearing walls, and any visible structural connections. In Metro Detroit, most homes have either poured concrete or concrete block foundations — each ages differently and shows different types of wear. Gio looks for cracking patterns, signs of water intrusion, efflorescence on block walls, and any evidence of movement or settlement. Floor joists and beams are examined from the basement for sagging, notching, or improvised modifications.
The electrical inspection starts at the main panel — Gio opens the cover to examine the breaker configuration, wiring connections, panel brand and age, and whether the system is appropriately sized for the home. He tests a representative number of outlets throughout the house for proper polarity and grounding, verifies that GFCI protection is present in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exterior locations, and checks for visible wiring issues like exposed splices, double-tapped breakers, or aluminum wiring in homes from the 1960s and 1970s.
Plumbing evaluation covers the supply system (the pipes that bring water in) and the drain/waste system (the pipes that take it out). Gio identifies the pipe materials — copper, galvanized steel, PEX, CPVC, or a mix — and looks for signs of corrosion, leaks, or improper connections. He runs water at multiple fixtures simultaneously to evaluate pressure and flow, checks beneath sinks for active drips, and evaluates the water heater for age, condition, proper venting, and safety components.
The heating and cooling systems are tested for operation and evaluated for age and condition. Gio runs the furnace and air conditioning (when weather permits safe operation), checks the thermostat response, evaluates the ductwork for visible issues, inspects the filter and blower compartment, and checks the flue connection and combustion air supply. In Metro Detroit, furnace age is one of the most common discussion points — many homes still run furnaces that are 20 to 30 years old, which are functional but approaching or past their expected service life.
The exterior inspection covers siding, trim, windows, doors, the garage and its door system, driveways, walkways, porches, decks, and retaining walls. Gio pays particular attention to grading — how the land around the home directs water. Improper grading is one of the most frequent contributors to basement moisture problems, and it's often the easiest issue to correct. He also evaluates the condition of caulking and sealants around windows and penetrations, which deteriorate steadily in Michigan's freeze-thaw climate.
Inside the home, Gio examines walls, ceilings, and floors for cracking, staining, or unevenness that might indicate structural or moisture issues. He tests windows and doors for operation, checks for proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, evaluates stairways and railings for safety, and inspects fireplaces and chimneys from the interior. Closets, utility areas, and crawl spaces are all part of the evaluation — not just the rooms that show well.
A standard home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation. It does not include moving furniture, cutting into walls, or dismantling systems. It also doesn't cover specialty concerns like radon, mold, sewer scope, pest infestation, or environmental hazards — though many of these can be added as separate services. Gio offers radon testing and mold testing as add-ons, and he's straightforward about when they're worth doing and when they're not.
Every finding is documented in a same-day written report with photos, descriptions, and prioritization. The report is organized by system so you can reference it during negotiations, share it with contractors for repair estimates, and keep it as a maintenance reference after closing. Gio's reports are written in plain language — not inspector jargon — because the goal is clarity, not complexity.