What Does a Home Inspection Cover? A Room-by-Room Breakdown

A standard home inspection is a visual, non-invasive review of a property's major systems and components. Here's exactly what's covered — and what isn't — in a typical inspection.

Exterior and structure

Roof covering, flashing, and gutters; siding and exterior trim; foundation (visible portions); grading and drainage around the home; walkways, and any visible structural components. Roof inspections are typically done from the ground, ladder, or roof surface when safely accessible.

Attic and insulation

Roof structure viewed from inside the attic, insulation type and coverage, ventilation, and visible signs of moisture intrusion or past leaks.

Foundation and crawl space

On slab foundations, visible cracking and evidence of movement; on homes with a crawl space, the inspector typically enters to check framing, moisture conditions, and insulation. See our crawl space and slab foundation guide for more detail on what's specific to Oklahoma construction.

Major systems

HVAC equipment (visual inspection and functional test, not a full mechanical teardown), plumbing supply and drain lines, water heater, electrical panel and visible wiring, and all readily accessible outlets and switches.

Interior rooms

Windows and doors, walls, ceilings, and floors for visible damage, and a functional check of built-in appliances that convey with the sale.

What's typically excluded

Radon, sewer scope, mold testing, and well/septic evaluation are separate services, not automatically included. Inspections are also non-invasive — inspectors don't cut into walls, move furniture, or dismantle equipment, which means some hidden defects simply can't be seen during a standard visit.

Key takeaways

• A standard inspection covers the roof, exterior, foundation, attic, major systems, and every interior room.
• Crawl space entry is standard when accessible; slab foundations are checked for visible cracking and movement.
• Radon, sewer scope, mold, and well/septic testing are separate add-ons.
• Inspections are visual and non-invasive, so some hidden defects can go undetected even in a thorough report.