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A professional foundation inspection typically takes one to two hours, depending on the size of the house and whether the inspector finds any issues that require further investigation. The specialist or structural engineer will evaluate the foundation's condition by inspecting many parts of the home, including the perimeter, crawl space or basement, windows, doors, trimwork, attic, roof, and interior and exterior walls. They will also check for signs of over-settling and may inspect your landscape's drainage and gutters.

Home inspectors may look briefly at your roof, but certified roof experts will be more thorough. Hiring a roof inspector can give you a better sense of any underlying concerns as well as longevity. That said, a roof inspector won’t look at the rest of your home. The inspection may or may not include the attic, where problems can be hidden if they aren’t already visible on the surface of your roof. It’s important to clarify exactly what you’re getting with your inspector so there are no surprises.

Any good contract company will do their own post-work inspection and walkthrough with their clients, but you shouldn’t consider these a replacement for a third-party pre-drywall inspection. Even a small mistake or oversight can lead to big issues down the line. Having an objective, neutral professional perform the inspection will help to make sure nothing goes overlooked.

Depending on your state, a home inspector may need a license. All states and the District of Columbia require home inspectors to undergo training. However, some states (such as New York, Texas, Washington, and Illinois) require state-issued licenses while others (including California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) do not.

Other professional certifications include the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) certification, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) certification, and the National Home Inspector Examination. Inspectors can also receive certifications in specialized areas. These can include structural specialties, like chimneys, swimming pools, or septic systems, as well as specific issues like mold, pests, or radon gas. Whatever your situation, make sure your home inspector is certified to handle it.