Understanding the Home Inspection: What It Is (and Isn’t)
What exactly happens during a home inspection, and how is that different from an appraisal—plus why it isn’t a pass/fail test?
A home inspection is your chance to understand the condition of a property before you buy. It’s an objective, non‑judgmental look at how things work (or don’t), not a stamp of approval or denial.
What Is a Home Inspection?
When you’re buying a home, a home inspection is a professional visual examination of the property’s major systems and components. A licensed inspector will typically check the:
• Roof, attic, and insulation
• Foundation and structural elements
• Electrical and plumbing systems
• Heating and cooling systems
• Windows, doors, and exterior features
The goal is to identify visible and accessible issues that may affect the home’s safety or function—not to evaluate cosmetic details.
Why a Home Inspection is Not Pass/Fail
One of the biggest misconceptions is that an inspection “passes” or “fails” a home. That’s not how it works.
An inspection:
• Documents the condition of what the inspector sees
• Highlights concerns and areas needing attention
• Provides context about maintenance and future costs
It does not:
• Approve the home as perfect
• Disqualify a home from being purchased
• Guarantee future performance of systems
Instead, the inspection report gives you information and clarity—you decide what’s significant and how to respond.
What an Appraisal Really Is
A home appraisal serves a different purpose. It’s ordered by your lender to determine the market value of the property, based on:
• Comparable sales
• Market conditions
• Size and features of the home
An appraisal doesn’t assess how well things work or what needs fixing; it estimates what the property is worth.
Inspection vs. Appraisal — A Snapshot
| Feature | Home Inspection | Appraisal |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Condition and safety evaluation | Market value estimate |
| Ordered by | Buyer (typically) | Lender |
| Outcome | Detailed condition report | Valuation statement |
| Pass/Fail? | No | No |
Why This Matters for You
Understanding the inspection process empowers you to make smart decisions with confidence. It’s about awareness, not judgment.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into the buying process and learn what to expect every step of the way, download my free Buyer’s Guide tailored for the Fort Leavenworth and Kansas City area.
