What a North Carolina home inspection is
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation of readily visible and readily accessible installed systems and components at the time of the inspection. It helps you understand the home’s condition; it is not a pass/fail test, a warranty or a guarantee that every issue will be found.
Hidden, intermittent, concealed or future conditions may not be apparent. We use normal operating controls and do not dismantle finished surfaces or perform destructive testing. Obstructed, locked, buried, unsafe or inaccessible areas may be limited or not inspected. Conditions can change after inspection because of weather, use, repairs, leaks, occupancy or system failures.
The inspection is not technically exhaustive and is not an engineering evaluation, code compliance inspection, environmental assessment, appraisal or warranty.
How clients and sellers can prepare
- Sign the inspection agreement before the appointment. We cannot perform the inspection without it.
- Confirm that utilities and fuel supplies are on. Electricity, water, gas or propane must be available for systems to be operated safely. Coordinate this with the seller or listing agent.
- Arrange access. Confirm keys, lockbox access, gates, garages and any detached structures included in the agreement.
- Clear major systems and access openings. Electrical panels, HVAC equipment, water heaters, attic hatches, crawlspace doors and plumbing cleanouts should be reachable. Clear under sinks and around appliances.
- Secure pets and prepare appliances. Pets should be safely contained; installed appliances should be empty and ready for safe operation.
- Avoid overlapping repairs. Contractors, cleaners or movers can restrict access or create safety concerns during the inspection window.
- Share known concerns. Tell us about leaks, repairs, odors, moisture or electrical concerns. Allow enough time; inspection length varies with the home and services ordered.
What systems and components are generally included
North Carolina home inspections follow the NC Home Inspector Licensure Board Standards of Practice. The general scope below applies to installed systems and components that are readily visible and accessible, within the agreement and safe inspection conditions.
- Structure
- Visible foundations, floors, walls, columns or piers, ceilings and roof structure, including basements, crawlspaces and attics where accessible.
- Exterior
- Wall cladding, doors, representative windows, decks, porches, stairs, railings, eaves, soffits, fascia, driveways and walkways, grading and drainage as related to the building, and garage door operation and safety controls.
- Roofing
- Roof coverings, visible drainage, flashings, skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations, using the method determined safe and appropriate.
- Plumbing
- Interior supply and visible drain, waste and vent piping; fixtures, faucets, functional flow and drainage, leaks, water heating equipment, fuel storage and distribution, and sump pumps.
- Electrical
- Service entrance and equipment, grounding, panels where safe, branch circuits at panels, representative lights, switches and receptacles, GFCI protection in required inspected areas, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where applicable and readily accessible.
- Heating and cooling
- Permanently installed equipment, normal controls, distribution, filters, registers and visible vents or flues, when weather and conditions permit safe operation.
- Interior
- Walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, railings, counters, representative built-in cabinets, doors and windows, and visible evidence of water penetration or abnormal condensation.
- Insulation and ventilation
- Insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished areas; attic and foundation ventilation; kitchen, bathroom and laundry venting; and readily accessible attic ventilation fans when temperature permits.
- Built-in kitchen appliances
- Basic operation of installed dishwashers, ranges, cooktops, ovens, trash compactors, disposals, range hoods or ventilation equipment, and installed microwave ovens when safe to operate.
What is outside a standard inspection
Some concerns need separate testing, specialists or agreements. Their mention here does not mean Grounded offers every type of evaluation.
- Environmental conditions: mold, air quality, asbestos, lead, toxins, contaminants, noise and similar concerns are not determined by a standard inspection.
- Pests: WDIR or termite inspections, rodents, insects and other pest evaluations are separate.
- Radon, water quality, wells and septic: testing or specialized evaluations are separate unless specifically ordered.
- Code compliance and permits: the inspection does not verify all codes, ordinances or permits.
- Hidden or inaccessible areas: items behind walls, finishes or stored belongings, underground, locked or unsafe may not be inspected.
- Cosmetic conditions: ordinary paint, wallpaper, carpet, window treatments and similar finishes are generally outside the required scope unless related to a defect or moisture concern.
- Repair pricing and design: the report does not provide cost estimates, engineering calculations, design opinions or detailed repair methods.
- Future performance: the inspection does not predict remaining life or guarantee future operation.
Optional inspection and testing services
Radon levels and water quality cannot be established by looking at a home. Discuss the property, loan requirements, timeline and your concerns with us before deciding on additional services.
- Radon testing measures radon separately from the visual inspection.
- Water quality testing provides results for the selected laboratory panel.
- WDIR / termite inspections and septic inspections are coordinated through qualified third-party providers.
- Mold spore sampling and indoor air quality services address a specific sampling question and are separate from the standard inspection.
Specialized contractor evaluations may also be appropriate. Optional services are separate unless ordered; laboratory and third-party reports have their own timelines. Explore our inspection services.
What happens on inspection day
We confirm access, review the property and begin evaluating visible and accessible systems. The sequence may change with weather, safety, access, utilities, occupancy and property conditions.
The exterior and roof, interior rooms and systems, and accessible attic, crawlspace, basement and mechanical areas are evaluated within the inspection scope. Roof inspection methods may include observations from the ground, a ladder, the roof edge or windows; walking the roof occurs only when safe and appropriate. Entry into attic or under-home spaces depends on safe access and conditions.
Limitations are documented in the report as required and applicable. We welcome questions about observed conditions and the report, but cannot provide legal, appraisal, engineering or negotiation advice.
Can I attend, and when should I arrive?
You are welcome to attend when the property access arrangement allows. It is often best to arrive near the end for a review of findings and time for questions. Confirm your review time with us rather than assuming a fixed inspection length.
Please do not enter unsafe spaces, climb ladders, enter crawlspaces or operate systems during the inspection. In occupied homes, respect the seller’s belongings and privacy.
How to understand your inspection report
Read the full report, not just the summary. The summary highlights important findings; the full report provides additional context, photographs, limitations, maintenance items and recommendations.
Photos illustrate findings and may not show every occurrence or affected area. Normal wear is expected. The report focuses on observed defects, safety concerns, items not functioning as intended, and conditions needing monitoring or further evaluation.
Where the report recommends a licensed contractor or specialist, arrange the evaluation or repair before closing when possible. Ask us promptly about anything you do not understand. Discuss repairs, credits, negotiations and contract deadlines with your Realtor or attorney as appropriate.
Your Grounded home inspection report is delivered within 24 hours. Separate laboratory and third-party reports follow their own schedules.
Important reminders before closing
- Read the entire report promptly. Leave time before your due diligence or repair-request deadline.
- Ask questions early. Clarify the meaning of findings and recommended follow-up.
- Get qualified evaluations. Use licensed contractors or appropriate specialists for major defects, safety concerns and further-evaluation recommendations.
- Verify repairs. Receipts are helpful; visually verify completed work where possible and appropriate.
- Complete a final walkthrough. Look for changes, new leaks, missing items or incomplete repairs after inspection.
- Keep your report. Use it alongside specialist evaluations, disclosures, repair receipts and final walkthrough observations, and retain it for maintenance planning.
An inspection will not make a home perfect. Our goal is to help you understand the property and make informed decisions about what needs attention.