🧾 What Does a Home Inspection Report Include? A Buyer’s Guide for 2025

hillstophomeinspec
3 days ago
3 min read

If you're buying a home in Nashville, TN or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, a professional home inspection is one of the most important steps in the process. But what happens after the inspection is complete?

The answer: your home inspection report—a detailed document that tells you everything you need to know about the property's condition.

In this post, we’ll walk you through what’s included in a home inspection report, how to read it, and why it matters.

📋 What Is a Home Inspection Report?

A home inspection report is a written summary of the inspector’s findings, usually delivered within 24 hours of the inspection. At Hill’s Top Home Inspections, our reports are:

Digital and mobile-friendly
Packed with high-resolution photos and video (when needed)
Easy to understand with color-coded sections
Ready to share with your real estate agent or builder

🔍 What’s Included in a Home Inspection Report?

Every component of the home is reviewed. Here’s what you can expect to find:

1. General Overview

A quick summary of:

Property address and details
Inspector’s name and license
Date and time of inspection
Weather and site conditions

2. Exterior Findings

Roof, shingles, flashing, gutters
Siding, trim, soffits, and fascia
Walkways, driveways, grading, and drainage
Porches, decks, handrails, and railings

3. Interior Evaluation

Walls, ceilings, and floors
Windows and doors
Staircases and railings
Signs of water damage or settlement

4. Roof and Attic

Roofing materials
Chimneys and vents
Insulation levels
Proper attic ventilation
Any signs of leaks or moisture

5. HVAC (Heating and Cooling)

Unit age and condition
Filter condition
Thermostat function
Improper venting or airflow issues

6. Plumbing

Visible pipes and supply lines
Water heater
Faucets and fixtures
Drain flow and pressure
Leaks or corrosion

7. Electrical System

Service panel and breakers
GFCI/AFCI protection
Exposed wiring
Outlet grounding
Lighting and fixture safety

8. Crawlspace or Basement

Moisture or standing water
Vapor barrier condition
Foundation walls and footings
Pest evidence (like termites or rodents)

🧠 Interpreting the Report: What Do the Colors Mean?

At Hill’s Top, we use a color-coded system to help prioritize findings:

🟢 Green = Normal
🟡 Yellow = Minor issue / maintenance item
🔴 Red = Major defect or safety concern

Each section includes:

A written summary
High-res photos
Clear recommendations
Contractor referral (if needed)

📦 Are Cost Estimates Included?

While we don’t provide specific pricing, we often suggest:

The urgency of the repair
Whether it’s DIY or needs a licensed contractor
If it affects safety, structure, or livability

Your real estate agent can use this info to negotiate repairs or price adjustments.

📲 How Will I Receive My Report?

We deliver all reports via a secure digital portal. You’ll get an email with a link where you can:

View the full report
Download a PDF copy
Share it directly with your agent or contractor
View a Repair Request Builder if your agent wants to generate a response for the seller