Connecticut Home Inspection FAQ

Schaefer Inspection Service is a Connecticut-licensed home inspection company serving buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals across the state. Our inspectors are certified through InterNACHI and ASHI and comply with Connecticut’s Home Inspectors Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or your fifth, the answers below will walk you through everything you need to know about the home inspection process.

1. What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation of a property’s condition conducted by a licensed inspector on a specific date. During the inspection, the inspector assesses all major systems and structural components — including the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC — and delivers a written report documenting findings, photos, and recommendations. In Connecticut, home inspectors must be licensed by the state and follow a defined Standards of Practice.

2. What is the difference between a home inspection and an appraisal?

A home inspection evaluates the condition of the property; a home appraisal determines its market value. They serve different purposes and are conducted by different professionals. An appraiser works for the lender and estimates what the home is worth. A home inspector works for the buyer (or seller) and identifies defects, safety concerns, and maintenance needs. Both are commonly required during a real estate transaction, but neither replaces the other.

3. Can a house fail a home inspection in Connecticut?

No — a home inspection does not result in a pass or fail. The inspector’s job is to document the condition of the property at the time of inspection, not to approve or reject it. Every home, including newly built ones, will have some findings. The report gives buyers and their agents the information needed to negotiate repairs, request credits, or make an informed decision about whether to proceed.

4. Why is a home inspection important?

A home inspection protects buyers from purchasing a property with undisclosed or hidden defects. It identifies safety hazards, systems nearing the end of their useful life, and issues that could become costly if left unaddressed. For most buyers, a home is the largest purchase of their lives — an inspection costing a few hundred dollars can reveal problems worth thousands. It also gives buyers leverage to negotiate with the seller before closing.

5. Who pays for the home inspection – the buyer or the seller?

In most Connecticut real estate transactions, the buyer pays for the home inspection. The inspection is typically ordered after an offer is accepted and takes place during the due diligence or inspection contingency period. Sellers may also choose to commission a pre-listing inspection, which they pay for, to identify issues before putting the home on the market.

6. What does a home inspection include?

A standard Schaefer Inspection Service home inspection covers all major systems and components of the property, including:

• Roofing (shingles, flashing, gutters, downspouts)
• Exterior (siding, grading, walkways, retaining walls)
• Foundation and structure (framing, crawl spaces, basement)
• Electrical systems (panel, wiring, outlets, GFCI/AFCI protection)
• Plumbing (supply lines, drain lines, fixtures, water heater)
• Heating and cooling (HVAC equipment, ductwork, filters)
• Insulation and ventilation (attic, crawl space, bath fans)
• Interior (walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, stairs)
• Wood Destroying Insect Evaluation
  Optional add-on services include radon testing, water quality testing (well and municipal), sewer scoping camera inspections and mold assessments.

7. What is not included in a standard home inspection?

Home inspections are non-invasive, meaning inspectors do not open walls, move belongings, or dismantle systems. Items typically outside the scope of a standard inspection include: septic systems, underground or concealed pipes, pool and spa equipment, solar panel systems, detached outbuildings (unless specified), and interior linings of chimneys. If you need any of these evaluated, ask about specialty inspection options when booking.

8. How long does a home inspection take?

Most home inspections take 2 to 4 hours. The exact time depends on the size, age, and condition of the property. A 1,200 sq ft condo may take closer to 2 hours, while a 3,500 sq ft home built in the 1940s could take 4 hours or more. We encourage buyers to attend the inspection as availability allows.

9. Do you use infrared cameras or special equipment?

Yes. Schaefer inspectors use infrared (thermal) cameras, gas leak detectors, and other diagnostic tools as part of our standard process. Infrared cameras help identify moisture intrusion, insulation gaps, and electrical hot spots that are not visible to the naked eye — issues that often go undetected in a basic visual inspection.

10. How do I schedule a home inspection in Connecticut?

You can book a Schaefer home inspection three ways:

• Online: www.mhschaefer.com/schedule-inspection
• Phone: 203-387-2131
• Email: office@schaeferinspectionct.com
  We recommend scheduling as soon as your purchase offer is accepted. Most inspection contingency windows in
  Connecticut are 7–10 days, so booking early gives you time to review findings and negotiate before the deadline.

11. How quickly can you schedule a home inspection?

Schaefer Inspection Service has multiple licensed inspectors on staff, which means we can often accommodate next-day appointments. Typical scheduling lead time is 2-3 business days, though availability varies by season. Spring and summer tend to be our busiest periods — if your closing timeline is tight, call us directly and we’ll do our best to prioritize your inspection.

12. Can I reschedule or cancel my home inspection?

Yes. We ask for at least 24 hours’ notice for any reschedule or cancellation to avoid a cancellation fee. Contact us by phone at 203-387-2131 or by email as soon as you know you need to make a change.

13. Should I attend my home inspection?

Yes — we strongly recommend that buyers attend their inspection. Being present gives you the opportunity to see issues firsthand, ask the inspector questions in real time, and gain a practical understanding of the home’s systems and maintenance needs. Buyers who attend their inspection consistently report that they feel more confident reviewing the final report and negotiating with the seller.

14. What should I bring to a home inspection?

Bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes, and prepare a list of any specific concerns you have about the property. If you have a copy of the seller’s disclosure, bring it — comparing it against the inspector’s findings is a valuable exercise. Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially if there is a crawl space or attic to access.

15. How should a seller prepare for a home inspection?

Sellers can help the inspection go smoothly by doing the following before the inspector arrives:

• Ensure clear access to the attic, basement, crawl space, and all utility areas
• Unlock gates, outbuildings, and any secured exterior spaces
• Confirm all utilities are active — water, gas, and electricity must be on
• Remove belongings stored in front of the electrical panel, furnace, and water heater
• Replace burned-out light bulbs (inspectors note inoperable fixtures)
• Ensure all built-in appliances are accessible and operable
  A well-prepared home typically results in a smoother, faster inspection.

16. When will I receive my home inspection report?

Schaefer Inspection Service delivers your full inspection report within 24-48 hours of the inspection. Reports are delivered digitally and include annotated photographs, written descriptions of each finding, severity coding (to distinguish safety concerns from routine maintenance items), and recommendations for repairs or further evaluation by a specialist.

17. What should I do with my inspection report?

Your report is a negotiating tool and a long-term maintenance reference. Common uses include: requesting the seller make specific repairs before closing, negotiating a price reduction or credit in lieu of repairs, deciding whether to proceed with or withdraw from the purchase, and planning a maintenance schedule for the home going forward.

Your real estate agent can help you determine which findings to prioritize in negotiations.

18. What if the inspection reveals major problems?

Major findings are not uncommon, especially in older homes, and they don’t automatically mean you should walk away. The report gives you clarity on what the issues are, how serious they are, and who you should contact to address them. From there, you have options: negotiate repairs with the seller, request a price reduction, ask for a closing credit, or — if the findings are severe enough — exercise your inspection contingency to exit the purchase. Your agent and attorney can advise on the right approach for your situation.

19. Will Schaefer Inspection Service recommend contractors for repairs?

Yes. Schaefer Inspection Service maintains a contractor referral network to help clients connect with trusted tradespeople for followup repairs. You can access the list at mhschaefer.com/contractor-network/. Note that Schaefer does not perform repairs — maintaining that separation protects the independence and objectivity of our inspections.

20. How much does a home inspection cost in Connecticut?

The cost of a home inspection in Connecticut varies based on the size, age, and location of the property. Contact Schaefer Inspection Service at 203-387-2131 or through our website for a quote specific to your property. Optional services — including radon testing, water quality testing, and mold assessments — are priced separately and can be bundled at the time of booking.

21. What additional inspection services does Schaefer Inspection Services offer?

In addition to the standard home inspection, we offer:

• Radon testing — radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and is detectable only through testing
• Water quality testing — available for both well water and municipal supply; tests for bacteria, nitrates, and other contaminants
• Mold assessments — visual inspection and/or air sampling when mold is suspected
• New construction inspections — phase or final inspections for newly built homes
• Pre-listing inspections — for sellers who want to identify issues before going to market

22. Do you inspect newly constructed homes in Connecticut?

Yes. New construction inspections are an important step that many buyers overlook. Even homes built to code can have defects — improper installation, missed details, or items that weren’t caught during the builder’s own walkthrough. A new construction inspection by an independent, licensed inspector gives buyers an objective assessment before the final walkthrough and before warranties begin.

23. Can you inspect older or historic homes in Connecticut?

Yes. Schaefer inspectors have extensive experience inspecting antique, historic, and pre-war homes throughout Connecticut.Older homes require specialized knowledge of period-specific materials and construction methods — lead paint, knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, and post-and-beam framing all require different evaluation standards than modern construction. Our inspectors are trained to assess these properties accurately and in context.

24. Do you offer re-inspections or Final Walk Throughs with an Inspector after repairs are made?

Yes. If a seller agrees to make repairs as part of the negotiation, we can conduct a follow-up re-inspection to verify that the work was completed correctly before closing.

25. Are Schaefer inspectors licensed in Connecticut?

Yes. All Schaefer Inspection Service inspectors are licensed by the State of Connecticut, as required by law, and operate in compliance with the Connecticut Home Inspectors Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Our inspectors are also members of InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors) and ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), two of the leading professional organizations in the industry.

26. How do I know I am choosing a qualified home inspector in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, home inspectors are required by state law to be licensed — always verify that your inspector holds a current CT license before booking. Beyond licensing, look for membership in professional organizations like InterNACHI or ASHI, which require ongoing training and adherence to a code of ethics. Schaefer inspectors meet all three criteria: licensed, professionally affiliated, and continuously trained. You can verify CT inspector licenses through the Department of Consumer Protection.

27. How can I learn more about home maintenance after my inspection?

Schaefer Inspection Service offers several ways to keep learning about your home long after the inspection is done. Our Nailed It video series — available on our YouTube channel and at schaeferinspectionct.com — covers practical home maintenance tips and tricks designed for homeowners of all experience levels. Topics range from seasonal prep to understanding your home’s systems. Beyond the video series, we regularly publish educational content across our social media channels, including seasonal maintenance checklists, inspector tips, common issue spotlights, and how-to guidance. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay informed year-round. Your inspection report is just the starting point — we’re here to help you take care of your home long after closing day.