One of the biggest questions buyers have is: What exactly does a home inspection cover? The short answer is: quite a lot, but not everything.

During a typical Massachusetts home inspection, you can expect your inspector to look at the roof, siding, windows, doors, basement, attic, foundation, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, and electrical systems. If something looks unsafe or not working properly, it will be noted in your report.

But there are also limits. Inspections don’t check for cosmetic issues like chipped paint. We don’t guarantee how long a roof or furnace will last. And we don’t take things apart to look inside. The inspection is meant to give you a clear overview of the home’s current condition—not predict the future.

If we see something that needs a closer look, we’ll recommend a specialist. For example, you may need a chimney sweep, septic inspection, or sewer scope depending on the home.

Knowing what’s included—and what’s not—helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises.