What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?

The primary purpose of a home inspection is to assess the condition of a home and identify any potential issues. Home inspections are typically conducted when a property is being bought, sold, or rented, providing a thorough evaluation of the home’s structure, systems, and components. This includes looking at the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, and more. By identifying problems or deficiencies, the inspector helps inform the buyer or owner about the property's condition, allowing for informed decisions regarding repairs, maintenance, or negotiations during a real estate transaction.

While determining market value can be influenced by the inspection findings, that is not the primary goal of a home inspection. Also, while providing renovation recommendations can be beneficial, it is not the fundamental aim of the inspection process. Verifying compliance with local building codes is important, but it is usually outside the scope of a general home inspection, which focuses more on the current state of the home rather than regulatory adherence.