What is the primary purpose of a home inspection?

The primary purpose of a home inspection is to assess the condition of a home. During a home inspection, a qualified inspector thoroughly evaluates various components of the property, including the foundation, roof, electrical systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and more. This assessment helps identify any potential issues or defects, providing prospective buyers with a comprehensive understanding of the property's condition before making a purchase.

A home inspection is not primarily about providing legal documentation or estimating the market value of a property. While a written report from a home inspection can serve as a record of the property's condition at a specific point in time, it is not meant to fulfill legal obligations in the same way that contracts do. Likewise, while an inspection may indirectly influence market value by revealing necessary repairs or improvements, its primary goal is not appraisals or valuations.

Additionally, compliance with building codes is important, but a standard home inspection does not primarily focus on code compliance. Home inspectors may notice some code violations during their assessment, but their main objective is to evaluate the home’s overall condition and safety for the buyer’s information.