Beyond the Pretty Paint: What a Home Inspection REALLY Looks For

When you’re buying a home, it’s easy to be charmed by freshly painted walls, sparkling stainless steel appliances, and perfectly manicured lawns. These cosmetic touches create that instant “wow” factor. But here at NexLevel Inspections, we know that a home’s true value—and potential liability—lies far beneath the surface.

A professional home inspection isn’t about counting ceiling fan blades or critiquing the wallpaper. It’s a deep, non-invasive dive into the most critical and costly components of a property. Our mission is to give you a transparent, unbiased view of the home’s health, helping you make a truly informed decision.

So, what exactly are we looking for when we go Beyond the Pretty Paint?

1. The Foundation and Structure: The Home’s Skeleton 🦴

This is the bedrock of the entire property. Issues here are often the most expensive and complex to fix.

• What We Look For:

  • Cracks and Movement: We differentiate between minor, non-structural hairline cracks and larger, stair-step cracks that indicate shifting, settling, or bowing walls.

  • Water Intrusion: Signs of dampness, efflorescence (white, powdery mineral deposits), or evidence of past flooding in the basement or crawl space.

  • Sill Plate and Support: We check the main support beams, floor joists, and connections for rot, damage, or improper alterations.

2. The Roof: The First Line of Defense 🛡️

The roof is arguably the most important element for keeping the rest of the home dry and protected. Its failure can lead to widespread damage to the attic, walls, and interior finishes.

• What We Look For:

  • Shingle/Material Condition: Missing, cracked, curled, or damaged shingles that reduce the roof’s lifespan. We also look for excessive granule loss, a key sign of an aging asphalt roof.

  • Flashing and Seals: The metal work around chimneys, vents, and valleys is prone to leaks. We check for proper installation and sealant integrity.

  • Gutter and Drainage Systems: Ensuring that water is effectively diverted away from the foundation is crucial for preventing basement leaks.

3. Electrical System: Safety and Functionality 💡

A faulty electrical system is not just an inconvenience—it’s a serious fire hazard. We focus heavily on safety and code compliance.

• What We Look For:

  • Panel Health: We inspect the main service panel for proper wiring, corrosion, correctly sized breakers, and signs of overheating.

  • Grounding and Bonding: Essential safety features that ensure electricity can be safely diverted away from people and the structure in an emergency.

  • Outdated or Hazardous Wiring: Identifying systems like knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring, which may be functional but often require specialized or expensive insurance/upgrades.

  • GFCI/AFCI Protection: Testing Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (in wet areas) and Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (in living areas) to confirm they function properly and meet current safety standards.

4. Plumbing System: Flow and Drainage 💧

Our inspection covers both the water supply coming in and the waste drainage going out.

• What We Look For:

  • Active Leaks: Dripping pipes, especially in hard-to-see areas like under sinks or in the crawl space.

  • Water Heater Condition: Checking the tank for corrosion, proper pressure relief valve operation, and adequate venting.

  • Pipe Materials: Identifying materials like polybutylene (known for failure) or checking for signs of corrosion in galvanized or older copper pipes.

  • Drainage and Venting: Ensuring toilets, sinks, and tubs drain properly and that the waste lines are correctly vented through the roof.

5. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) 🌡️

We assess the current condition and estimated life expectancy of the home’s climate control systems.

• What We Look For:

  • Functionality: Testing the system to ensure it heats and cools the home effectively.

  • Venting and Exhaust: Checking furnaces and hot water tanks to ensure combustion gases are venting safely outside and not leaking into the living space.

  • Filter and Coil Condition: Signs of neglect, which can drastically reduce the system’s efficiency and lifespan.

The NexLevel Difference: Knowledge is Power

At NexLevel Inspections, our comprehensive report doesn’t just list deficiencies; it provides context and priority. We categorize issues by severity so you know which items are safety hazards (must be fixed), which are major defects (high-cost repairs), and which are simply maintenance items (good to know).

When you choose us, you’re not just getting an inspection; you’re getting peace of mind. Don’t let pretty paint hide a $20,000 problem.

Ready to see beyond the surface?

• Contact NexLevel Inspections today to schedule your comprehensive home inspection and gain the confidence you need in your next real estate purchase!