A "General Home Inspection" in real estate is a comprehensive, non‑invasive visual examination of a residential property's overall condition performed by a licensed professional—most often after an offer is accepted and before closing. The inspector assesses structural elements, construction quality and the operation of major systems (plumbing, electrical, heating/cooling, roofing and basic safety features) and produces a written report of defects, safety hazards and recommended repairs to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.
A general home inspection is usually ordered by the buyer after their offer is accepted and often tied to an inspection contingency in the purchase contract—commonly giving the buyer about 7–10 days to complete inspections and negotiate based on findings. Sellers also use pre‑listing inspections to find and address issues before marketing the home. The inspection report serves as due diligence: it clarifies the property's condition, identifies safety concerns and creates leverage for negotiating repairs, credits or price adjustments.
The inspector delivers a written report (sometimes with photos) that documents defects, recommended repairs and safety issues. Common outcomes include: acceptance of the property "as is," requests for specific repairs, a seller credit or price reduction, or—rarely—cancellation of the contract if critical problems are discovered.
Example 1: A buyer orders a general home inspection on a 20‑year‑old house and the inspector finds leaking roof flashing and outdated knob‑and‑tube wiring. The buyer requests repairs or a price credit before closing.
Example 2: A seller hires a pre‑listing inspection, repairs a few deferred maintenance items and resolves a safety issue, which reduces surprises and speeds the sale.
A "General Home Inspection" is a vital due‑diligence step in most residential real estate transactions. It provides a professional, visual assessment of a home's condition, highlights safety concerns and defects, and equips buyers and sellers with the information needed to negotiate, budget for repairs or decide whether to proceed with the purchase.
