This week on Thoughts from the Crawlspace, Jamie breaks down the essential elements of a home inspection, especially the exterior features that deserve a closer look. He walks through what’s typically covered in an inspection and what’s not, including common exclusions like swimming pools and spas.

You’ll also learn the key differences between a home inspection and an appraisal, and why it’s important not to confuse the two. While appraisals estimate market value, inspections focus strictly on the condition of the property.

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Episode Highlights

• What’s Actually Inspected – A breakdown of the key exterior elements examined during a standard home inspection.
• Common Exclusions – Why features like swimming pools and spas are typically not included in a routine inspection—and what to do about it.
• Inspection vs. Appraisal – A clear explanation of how these two processes differ and why that matters for buyers and sellers alike.
• How to Be Prepared – Tips for homeowners, buyers, and agents to approach inspections with the right expectations and questions.

00:00 - Intro

03:11 - Understanding Home Inspections: The Exterior

07:27 - Inspecting Roof Shingles: Key Indicators

09:35 - Inspecting the Exterior: Foundations and Pests

13:49 - Home Inspection Safety