One of the most common questions buyers ask is:
“What inspections do I actually need?”

And it’s a great question—because inspections are one of the best ways to protect yourself when buying a home.

The goal of inspections isn’t to make a house “perfect.” Every home has something. The goal is to help you understand what you’re buying so you can make a confident decision.

Let’s walk through the inspections I consider essential, and a few others that may depend on the home.

The Most Essential Inspection: General Home Inspection

If you do one inspection, this is the one.

A general home inspection is a full overview of the home’s major systems and structure. The inspector is looking at things like:

• Roof condition
• HVAC (heating and cooling)
• Plumbing
• Electrical systems
• Foundation and structure
• Windows, doors, and overall condition

Think of this as your big-picture check of the home.

It helps answer questions like:

• Are there any major issues?
• What repairs might be coming soon?
• Is anything unsafe?

From there, you can decide if you want to move forward, negotiate repairs, or bring in specialists for a closer look.

Radon Inspection

Radon is a naturally occurring gas that you can’t see or smell, but it can be harmful at high levels.

In Maryland, radon testing is very common—and for good reason.

A radon test is simple. A monitor is placed in the home for a short period of time to measure levels.

If levels come back high, the good news is that it’s usually fixable with a mitigation system.

Wood Destroying Insect (Termite) Inspection

This inspection checks for things like:

• Termites
• Carpenter ants
• Other wood-damaging insects

Even if you don’t see damage, this inspection is important because some issues aren’t visible to the untrained eye.

In many cases, lenders also require this inspection before closing.

Mold Inspection (When Needed)

Not every home needs a mold inspection, but it’s something to consider if there are signs like:

• Musty smells
• Past water damage
• Visible spots or staining

Mold testing can help determine if there’s an issue and how serious it may be.

Well and Septic Inspections (If Applicable)

If the home has a well or septic system (common in some areas), these are very important.

Well Inspection

This checks:

• Water quality
• Water flow (yield)
• System condition

You want to make sure the water is safe and the system can supply enough water for the home.

Septic Inspection

This evaluates:

• The condition of the septic system
• Whether it’s functioning properly
• If any repairs or replacements are needed

Septic systems can be expensive to repair, so this is one you don’t want to skip.

Chimney Inspection (If the Home Has One)

If there’s a fireplace, a chimney inspection is worth considering.

It checks for:

• Blockages
• Structural issues
• Safety concerns

This helps ensure it’s safe to use.

So… What’s Actually “Essential”?

For most buyers, I recommend starting with:

• General home inspection
• Radon test
• Termite (wood destroying insect) inspection

Then adding others based on the property:

• Well/septic if applicable
• Mold or chimney if there are signs or features that warrant it

The Bottom Line

Inspections aren’t about finding reasons to walk away—they’re about giving you clarity and confidence.

When you understand the condition of the home, you can make smart decisions, negotiate when needed, and move forward without surprises.

If you’re not sure which inspections make sense for a specific property, that’s where having the right guidance really matters. Every home is a little different, and the goal is to choose the inspections that best protect you.