First-Time Homebuyer Inspection Checklist (Minnesota)

Buying your first home is overwhelming. The inspection day is one of the few moments where you have a real expert in the building who's working entirely for you. Here's how to make the most of it.

Before inspection day

• ☑ Schedule promptly — Inspection contingencies usually run 7–10 days. Book the inspection as soon as your offer is accepted. Use the instant quote calculator.
• ☑ Choose your add-ons — At minimum, add radon (essential in SE MN), and add a sewer scope if the home is older than 1980.
• ☑ Confirm with listing agent — Some sellers want to be out of the home; others stay.
• ☑ Plan to attend — Block 3 hours on your calendar.
• ☑ Bring a notebook and your phone — You'll want photos and notes.

What to bring

• Notebook and pen
• Phone (for photos and shutdown of work apps)
• Tape measure (for furniture planning)
• Comfortable shoes
• A list of questions you've been holding onto

Questions to ask the inspector during the walkthrough

1. "Where are the main shutoffs — water, gas, electric?"
2. "How old is the furnace? Water heater? Roof? AC?"
3. "What are the top 3 things I should fix in the first year?"
4. "What should I budget for in the next 5 years?"
5. "Are there any safety issues I should fix immediately?"
6. "Anything that should be a deal-breaker?"
7. "What kind of maintenance schedule should I follow for [system]?"

Red flags that should make you walk

• Major foundation cracks (horizontal cracks, especially)
• Active roof leaks with damaged sheathing
• Sewer line collapse
• Knob-and-tube or aluminum branch wiring throughout (insurance complications)
• Major HVAC failure on a recent unit
• Any signs of seller concealment (fresh paint over water stains, recent caulk over cracks)

None of these are automatic deal-breakers — but they should at least re-open negotiations.

Reading your report

Modern inspection reports rank findings by severity. Focus on these in order:

1. Safety — Fix immediately. Often non-negotiable.
2. Major repair — Negotiate seller credits or repairs.
3. Minor repair — Plan to fix in year 1.
4. Monitor — Watch over time; not urgent.

Negotiating after the inspection

Your three options after inspection findings:

1. Ask seller to fix. Best for safety items and major systems.
2. Ask for a credit. Better for minor items where you'd rather pick your own contractor.
3. Walk away. Use the inspection contingency if findings are severe enough to make the home a bad deal.

Ready to schedule your first home inspection?