Before the inspection
Bring your questions, not just your contract deadline.
Note concerns from the showing, seller disclosure or repair history so they can be discussed during the inspection.
Use the buyer checklist
Buyer resources
Better questions make better buyers.
A short field guide for inspection day, the report that follows and the systems you will be living with long after closing.
Start here
Three things worth knowing before inspection day.
During the inspection
Follow the systems, not just the cosmetics.
Fresh paint is easy to notice. Electrical, plumbing, roof and HVAC concerns deserve just as much attention.
Review inspection scope
After the inspection
Read the full report before making the next move.
Photos and summaries help, but the full report gives the context you need for repairs, specialist follow-up and future maintenance.
Ask a questionBuyer checklist
Six places to keep on your radar.
This is not a substitute for the formal inspection. It is a practical way to arrive with better questions.
Roof & drainage
Ask about roof age, past leaks, visible repairs, gutters and how water moves away from the house.
Electrical
Older panels, additions and visible DIY work are useful things to flag for closer attention.
Plumbing
Look for water stains, slow fixtures, corrosion and signs that repairs may have happened before.
Heating & cooling
Ask about system age, service history, unusual noise and whether rooms feel consistently conditioned.
Interior signs
Cracks, sticking doors, uneven floors and moisture stains can deserve context even when they look minor.
Site & exterior
Pay attention to grading, vegetation contact, exterior deterioration and visible drainage patterns.
Service area
Central Alabama, centered around Birmingham.
Southern Home Inspection serves roughly a 60-mile radius around Birmingham and can travel farther when arranged in advance.
BirminghamPrimary service area
Jefferson CountyCentral Alabama
Shelby CountyCentral Alabama
Tuscaloosa areaBy scheduling availability
Bibb CountyCentral Alabama
Chilton CountyCentral Alabama
St. Clair & BlountCentral Alabama
Cullman & WalkerCentral Alabama
Report basics
What the inspection can and cannot do.
No. The standard home inspection is noninvasive and visual. It focuses on readily accessible, installed systems and components.
No. The report documents inspection findings. The purchase decision remains yours, informed by the report, your priorities and advice from appropriate professionals.
Yes. When a condition deserves deeper evaluation, the report may recommend follow-up by a qualified contractor, engineer or other specialist.