Your Inspection
Know the Condition of the Property Before You Buy, Sell, or Sign
Professional Inspection Services That Put You in the Know
Your inspection is one of the most important steps in any real estate transaction, and we treat it that way. At By-Lions Home Inspections, we’ve been conducting thorough property evaluations across Central Ohio for decades, and we bring that same level of care and detail to every single appointment. Whether you’re stepping into a buyer’s market for the first time or you’re a seasoned homeowner keeping tabs on your property, your inspection with us is designed to give you real, actionable information.
We follow the Standards of Practice established by ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors, one of the most respected organizations in the industry. During your inspection, our licensed inspector examines all of the major systems and components of the property, flags anything that warrants attention, and notes items that may require future maintenance. We’re also certified in thermal imaging, which means we can identify moisture, electrical, and insulation concerns that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
When the walkthrough is complete, we’ll go through our findings with you and your real estate agent in plain, straightforward language. No jargon, no guesswork. You’ll also receive a detailed digital report with photos and descriptions, giving you everything you need to move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
A home inspection is an objective visual examination of a house’s physical structure and systems, from the foundation to the roof. On average, a single-family home inspection usually takes 2-4 hours to conduct, though this is heavily dependent on the size and condition of the home. The inspector will note whether each problem is a safety issue, minor defect, or major defect. They will also report what items need to be replaced, repaired, or serviced and things that are suitable for now but should be closely monitored.
A home inspection will include the condition of the home’s:
- heating system
- central air conditioning system (temperature permitting)
- interior plumbing system
- electrical system
- roof, attic, and visible insulation
- walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors
foundation, basement, and structural components
Depending on the size and condition of the home, typical inspections take 2-3 hours to complete.
Buying a home may be the largest single investment one will ever make. Homebuyers should learn as much as they can about the house before buying it to minimize surprises and unexpected difficulties.
A home inspection may identify builder oversights, the need for major repairs, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape. Through the home inspection process, homebuyers will have a better understanding of their prospective house, allowing them to make informed decisions with confidence.
If a homeowner is planning to sell their home, a home inspection can allow them to address repairs that will put the house in better selling condition.
It is not required for the homebuyer to be present for the home inspection. However, the American Society of Home Inspectors recommends being present to receive the most value from the inspection. This gives the homebuyers the opportunity to observe the inspector and ask questions throughout the process.
Many homebuyers find that talking with their inspectors gives them a better understanding of the home’s condition and how to best maintain it.
A professional home inspection is an objective assessment of the current condition of a house. A home inspector will not pass or fail a house but instead, describe its physical condition and indicate what components and systems need major repair or replacement. A home inspection is not a municipal inspection and will not verify local code compliance.
It is important to point out that no house is perfect. Every home inspection will identify any issues with the house and the inspector will communicate the severity of the problems found. The home inspector’s goal is to leave their clients with a deeper understanding of their prospective home, so the client can make an informed decision as they continue their home-buying process. The inspector’s role is not to tell the clients if they should buy the house but to help them understand additional ownership costs.
You will receive your home inspection report and wood-destroying insect report (if requested) by the end of the next business day after your inspection date. Radon tests take 48 hours to complete, so you will receive that by the end of the business day on the indicated pick-up date. All reports are emailed directly to the client’s email address provided.
To learn more about the American Society of Home Inspectors (AHSI) and Radon:
5 Benefits of a Home Inspection
Negotiating Power
A detailed inspection report gives buyers concrete information to bring to the table when negotiating price or repair requests, and helps sellers address issues proactively before they become a sticking point.
Safety Awareness
Our inspectors evaluate the home for potential hazards including electrical problems, carbon monoxide risks, structural concerns, and signs of moisture damage that could affect air quality.
Long-Term Planning
Knowing which systems and components are aging gives you the ability to plan ahead financially, rather than being caught off guard by a failed water heater or aging HVAC unit.
Seller Credibility
Sellers who complete a pre-listing inspection signal confidence in their property. That transparency can build buyer trust and lead to a smoother, faster transaction.
Full Peace of Mind
Walking into a closing knowing the true condition of the property is invaluable. Our thorough inspections make sure you go in with your eyes open.
What's Included in Your Inspection?
Roof
Roof coverings, gutters, downspouts, vents, flashing, skylights, chimney, roof penetrations, and overall roof structure.
Attic, Insulation & Ventilation
Insulation levels and condition, ventilation in unfinished spaces including attics and crawl spaces, and exhaust systems.
Exterior
Siding, windows, exterior doors, flashing and trim, walkways, driveways, stairs, patios, decks, and surface drainage.
Basement, Foundation, Crawlspace & Structure
Foundation movement, visible cracks, structural concerns, and indicators of water intrusion or settling.
Cooling
Air conditioning system, thermostat location, energy source, and the method of cooling.
Heating
Furnace, thermostat location, energy source, and heating distribution method.
Fireplace
Visible portions of fireplaces and chimneys, lintels, damper operation, and cleanout doors.
Plumbing
Main water supply and shutoff valves, water heater, interior supply lines, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, and the drain-waste-vent system.
Electrical
Service entry, conductors, main panel, grounding, switches, fixtures, receptacles, AFCI/GFCI protection, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors.
Appliances
Dishwasher, garbage disposal, range, oven, microwave, refrigerator, exhaust fans, garage door opener, doorbell, and dryer vent.
Doors, Windows & Interior
Representative sampling of doors and windows, floors, walls, ceilings, stairs, railings, and garage systems.
Visual
Every report includes high-resolution photos and written descriptions of each finding, so you can see and understand exactly what the inspector documented.
Follow Up Support
After your inspection, we walk through the report with you and your agent to answer questions and make sure nothing is left unclear.
Delivered Within 24 Hours
You'll have your complete digital report within 24 hours of the inspection. Reliable and on time, every time.
Email Delivery
Reports are delivered via email with access to your secure Spectora client portal for payments, agreements, and document management.
Mobile-Friendly
Your report is fully optimized for smartphones and tablets, so you can review it anywhere, on any device.