A home inspection covers more than 1,700 items across the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, attic, interior and other major systems. See exactly what inspectors check, what they don’t, and how to use your inspection report.
A home appraisal estimates a property’s market value, primarily for the mortgage lender. A home inspection evaluates the property’s physical condition for the buyer. An appraisal tells you what the home is worth, while an inspection identifies defects, safety concerns, and potential repairs. Most financed buyers need an appraisal and should also obtain an inspection because the two serve different purposes.
Michigan does not require home inspectors to hold a state license, making it especially important for buyers to evaluate credentials, insurance, experience, inspection technology, report quality, and pricing. This guide explains what to look for when choosing a qualified home inspector in Michigan and which warning signs to avoid.
A sewer scope inspection can uncover tree roots, cracks, collapsed pipes, offset joints, corrosion, and other costly sewer-line problems before you buy a home. Learn how the inspection works, what it costs, and when Southeast Michigan homebuyers should order one.
Wondering if a home inspector can condemn a house in Michigan? Learn who actually has that authority and what red flags to watch for before you buy.
By Dan Joandrea, Total House Inspection Inc. A standard home inspection is thorough. A good inspector works through a long checklist covering every major system: roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, attic, and more. But every single one of those checks depends on what the inspector can actually see. That’s the limit, and it’s a real one. […]
Buying a home is exciting, but the home inspection can feel like the moment of truth. Everything may look great during a showing, but once an inspector starts checking the roof, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, attic, and basement, hidden issues can quickly come to light. For buyers and sellers in Rochester Hills, understanding the common […]
By Dan Joandrea, Total House Inspection Inc. What is a home inspection, and why does it matter for your walk-away decision? A home inspection is a licensed professional’s visual assessment of a home’s major systems — roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — completed before closing so buyers can identify defects while they still have contract […]
Learn why you need an independent home inspection before closing on a new build, what inspectors check, and when to schedule each inspection.
