Lesson 09 of 13 · 3 minute read

Use the inspection to understand the home

The inspection is a chance to understand what you are buying and what ownership may require. A long report is not automatically a bad house, and a short report is not a guarantee.

By Thomas Brady · Long Island Home Buying 101

Choose the inspector and confirm the scope

Ask about licensing, experience with similar homes, what is included, access limitations, reporting time, and the fee. Request a sample report so you know whether findings are explained clearly. Confirm which systems or concerns need a separate specialist.

A standard inspection generally concerns visible, accessible conditions. It cannot reveal every concealed defect or predict every failure. Wastewater systems, underground tanks, pests, environmental concerns, and other items may require additional evaluation. Ask before the appointment so there is time to arrange appropriate work.

Attend and ask practical questions

If you can attend, ask the inspector how major systems work and which observations need follow-up. Find out where water and electrical shutoffs are located and who should operate them. Do not touch unsafe equipment or enter hazardous areas to learn this.

Ask: Is this an immediate concern? Is it routine maintenance? Does a specialist need to investigate? What could not be inspected? An unavailable area or disconnected utility is an unresolved question, not a passing result.

Turn the report into a short action list

Separate safety concerns, major repairs or replacements, further evaluation, and ordinary upkeep. Ask for clarification rather than translating technical phrases into a worst-case conclusion. Obtain qualified estimates for work that affects your budget.

For a Long Island property, follow up on the actual systems and history: heating fuel and tanks, drainage or water entry, and private wastewater equipment where present. Do not assume flushing a toilet proves a septic system is in good condition, or that an inspection establishes permit compliance.

Decide with the right people involved

Review the findings with your agent and have your attorney explain the contract position and any deadlines. Options may include further investigation, requesting repairs, a price adjustment, or a permitted credit. The seller does not have to accept every request.

Your lender may require certain repairs and may limit credits. Whether you can withdraw and recover a deposit depends on the documents and circumstances. Put any agreed resolution into the proper written form. Keep the report after closing as a starting point for maintenance planning.

Keep in mind

Ask the inspector to explain the most consequential findings and the most important limits of the inspection.

Put it to work

Your next step

Use page 9 of the workbook to record:

Inspector, appointment, scope, and excluded or inaccessible items
Safety concerns and major work requiring a specialist
Estimates and questions for agent, attorney, and lender
Agreed next steps, responsible people, and deadlines

Open the worksheet (PDF, page 9)

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Educational guidance by Thomas Brady, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, Vintage American Realty, LLC. Updated September 11, 2026. Your lender, attorney, insurer, and other qualified professionals should confirm the requirements for your purchase.