Buyer guide
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive review of a house’s major systems—structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and interiors—performed by a licensed inspector so buyers and owners can decide what to repair, negotiate, or investigate further.
A plain-language guide to home inspections: what they cover, what they are not, and how the report is used when you buy or sell a house.
Prinsto does not hire inspectors, take bookings, or sell inspections. This page is for people hiring a licensed inspector elsewhere.
What a home inspection covers
Most residential inspections walk the accessible parts of the property: roof covering and drainage (from the ground or roof if it is safe), attic or crawl space when there is an opening, exterior cladding and grading, foundation, electrical service and panel, plumbing fixtures and visible supply/drain lines, heating and cooling equipment, and interior finishes.
The inspector records what they can see, operate, and photograph that day. They do not typically open walls, run invasive tests, or guarantee that nothing will fail later. Weather, furnishings, and locked rooms all limit what can be observed.
What a home inspection is not
It is not a code-compliance audit, an appraisal, a pest or mold lab, or a title search. Public property records (year built, beds, baths) can help an inspector prepare, but they are not a substitute for being on site.
There is no official pass or fail. The report describes condition and may recommend repair or further evaluation. Buyers, sellers, and agents use that information in negotiations.
Who this page is for
This page defines the service. If you are hiring an inspector for a purchase, use the buying and scheduling guides. If you perform inspections for a living, Prinsto is software for that workflow—not a place for buyers to book a stranger.
Common questions
- How long does a home inspection take?
- A typical single-family home takes two to four hours on site, plus time to finish the written report. Size, age, and access (attic, crawl space, occupied vs. vacant) change the schedule.
- Can I book an inspector on Prinsto?
- No. Prinsto is software used by licensed inspectors. Hire through your agent or a licensed inspector in your area.
How long does a home inspection take?
A typical single-family home takes two to four hours on site, plus time to finish the written report. Size, age, and access (attic, crawl space, occupied vs. vacant) change the schedule.
Can I book an inspector on Prinsto?
No. Prinsto is software used by licensed inspectors. Hire through your agent or a licensed inspector in your area.