Lets go over can you get a home inspection after closing. Closing on a new home is often the final step in what can be a long and emotional process. Once the paperwork is signed and the keys are handed over, many buyers assume the opportunity for inspections has passed. However, there are valid reasons and real benefits to scheduling a home inspection even after the closing date. While most home inspections are performed prior to finalizing the sale, post-closing inspections can still serve important purposes—especially for those who skipped the initial inspection or purchased a newly built or as-is property.
Whether you’re looking for peace of mind, preparing for renovations, or evaluating maintenance needs, a home inspection after closing can help identify issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. Understanding when and why to schedule a post-closing inspection can protect your investment and prepare you for the responsibilities of homeownership.
Why Someone Might Skip the Inspection Before Closing
In a competitive housing market, some buyers choose to waive the inspection contingency to make their offer more appealing to sellers. While this can sometimes be a necessary move to win a bidding war, it also comes with significant risks. Without an inspection, buyers may unknowingly inherit issues such as roof damage, outdated electrical systems, or plumbing leaks.
Other times, buyers purchase homes through auctions, foreclosures, or estate sales, where access for inspections may be limited or unavailable prior to closing. In such situations, the inspection is postponed simply due to time or access constraints.
Finally, in the case of newly built homes, buyers might assume everything is in perfect working order. Yet even new construction can have defects, especially if the builder rushed to meet deadlines.
Is It Too Late to Get a Home Inspection After Closing?
The good news is that it is never too late to get a home inspection, even after the sale has been finalized. While a post-closing inspection won’t change the terms of the deal, it can still be a valuable tool for understanding the condition of your property and planning for future maintenance.
After closing, you own the property, which means you have full access for a detailed inspection without coordinating with the seller or real estate agent. This flexibility allows the inspector to thoroughly evaluate all areas of the home, including the attic, crawlspace, and mechanical systems, without restrictions.
Benefits of a Post-Closing Home Inspection
Scheduling a home inspection after closing offers several unique advantages, particularly for buyers who did not have one prior to purchasing the home.
Peace of Mind and Safety
One of the most compelling reasons for a post-closing inspection is peace of mind. Homeownership can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. An inspection report can reveal issues that aren’t immediately obvious—such as faulty wiring, mold in the attic, or a compromised foundation.
Having this information allows homeowners to prioritize safety concerns and address them before they cause larger problems. For families with young children or elderly residents, ensuring the home is safe becomes even more important.
Maintenance and Repair Planning
A home inspection offers more than just a list of what’s wrong—it also serves as a roadmap for future maintenance. Knowing that the roof may have five good years left or that the HVAC system needs servicing helps homeowners plan and budget effectively.
This proactive approach can prevent emergency repairs and unexpected expenses. Rather than being reactive, homeowners can take control of their maintenance schedule and avoid being blindsided by sudden failures.
Verifying Renovation Needs
Many buyers intend to renovate after purchasing a home. A post-closing inspection is a smart way to get a professional opinion on what systems and components are up to code—and what might complicate renovations.
Issues like outdated wiring, unpermitted additions, or structural damage can all affect renovation timelines and budgets. An inspector’s insight can help homeowners prepare for their remodel realistically and legally.
Builder Warranty Documentation
For buyers of newly constructed homes, a home inspection after closing is often part of a smart long-term plan. Most builders offer a one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Having a professional inspection before this warranty expires ensures that all potential issues are documented and reported within the coverage window.
This “11-month inspection” is a common step taken by proactive homeowners to maximize the benefit of the builder’s warranty. It often identifies problems that aren’t immediately visible or noticeable until systems have been used for several months.
Limitations of a Post-Closing Inspection
While an inspection after closing provides valuable insight, it does come with a few limitations compared to a pre-closing inspection. The most obvious is that any repairs identified will now fall solely on the homeowner unless the property includes a transferable warranty.
For homes sold “as-is,” the buyer accepts all existing conditions, and no negotiation for repair credits or seller-funded fixes will be possible. That said, even in these cases, knowing what you’re working with can still provide clarity and direction for how to care for the home moving forward.
What to Expect During a Post-Closing Inspection
A post-closing home inspection is virtually identical in scope to a traditional inspection. A certified home inspector will review the major systems of the house, including:
- Structural integrity of walls, ceilings, floors, and foundation
- Roof condition and drainage systems
- Plumbing and water heater functionality
- Electrical systems and panel configuration
- HVAC efficiency and visible ductwork
- Windows, doors, insulation, and ventilation
- Attic and crawlspace conditions
- Exterior siding, grading, and drainage issues
The inspection typically takes a few hours depending on the size and complexity of the home. The inspector will deliver a detailed report, complete with photographs and recommendations for both immediate and long-term repairs.
You can view what to expect from a certified inspector or book one directly through Icon Home Inspectors—a trusted source in Northeast Ohio for thorough, objective home evaluations.
When Should You Schedule the Inspection?
For general peace of mind, a post-closing inspection can be done at any time. However, sooner is usually better. Ideally, you should schedule the inspection within the first 30 to 60 days of moving in. This timeline allows you to identify and resolve issues early, before they escalate.
For new construction homes, scheduling an inspection around the 10th or 11th month of ownership gives you ample time to report problems before the builder’s one-year warranty expires.
Conclusion
While many people think of a home inspection as something that happens before the sale, the answer to “can you get a home inspection after closing” is a resounding yes. In fact, for buyers who waived the pre-closing inspection or purchased a new or as-is home, scheduling an inspection after closing might be one of the smartest decisions they can make.
An inspection post-closing provides peace of mind, helps prioritize repairs, informs renovations, and ensures long-term safety and satisfaction in your investment.
If you’ve already closed on your home and want a reliable, comprehensive inspection, contact Icon Home Inspectors today to schedule an appointment. It’s never too late to understand your home’s condition and protect your investment.
