What’s the Difference Between a Home Inspection and an Appraisal?

By L7 Home Inspections

If you're buying a home—especially for the first time—you’ll quickly learn there are many steps involved, and just as many professionals. Two of the most important services in the process are the home inspection and the appraisal. And while they might seem similar, they serve very different purposes.

At L7 Home Inspections, we’re often asked, “Do I still need a home inspection if the bank is sending an appraiser?” The answer is a clear yes—and here's why.

🏠 What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a detailed visual examination of a property’s physical condition, conducted by a licensed home inspector. It’s usually requested by the buyer and typically happens shortly after an offer is accepted.

The goal? To help you understand the true condition of the home before you finalize the purchase.

A home inspection covers:

• Roof and attic

• Foundation and crawl space

• HVAC systems

• Electrical and plumbing

• Windows and doors

• Interior and exterior structures

• Appliances and safety issues

Bottom line: A home inspection protects you, the buyer, by uncovering defects that may affect your safety, comfort, or budget.

💰 What Is a Home Appraisal?

An appraisal is an independent assessment of the home’s market value, typically required by the lender to ensure the home is worth the amount you’re borrowing.

It focuses on:

• Comparable home sales (comps)

• Location and neighborhood trends

• Square footage and layout

• Basic condition of the property

The appraiser doesn’t crawl in attics or check outlets. Their job is to verify that the home is worth the price you're paying, not to find hidden problems.

Bottom line: An appraisal protects the lender—not the buyer—by confirming the home’s value.

🔍 Home Inspection vs. Appraisal: Key Differences

Feature	Home Inspection	Appraisal
Purpose	Identify physical issues	Determine market value
Who it protects	Buyer	Lender
Ordered by	Buyer (optional but recommended)	Lender (required for most loans)
Who conducts it	Licensed home inspector	Licensed appraiser
Scope	Detailed look at structure, systems, and safety	High-level overview of value and condition
Can it affect closing?	Yes, if major defects are found	Yes, if appraisal comes in low

💡 Why You Need Both

Even if your appraisal “passes,” it doesn’t mean the home is free of issues. A great-looking home might still have:

• Mold or moisture problems in the attic

• An old roof on its last leg

• Electrical hazards

• Foundation cracks

These won’t show up on an appraisal—but they will show up during an inspection.

Skipping the home inspection could leave you with costly surprises after you move in. That's why smart buyers treat the inspection as a non-negotiable step in the process.

🛠 What If Problems Are Found?

If your home inspector finds issues, you may have options to:

• Request repairs from the seller

• Renegotiate the sale price

• Walk away (if your contract includes an inspection contingency)

It gives you leverage, and more importantly—informed choice.

Final Thoughts

An appraisal tells you how much a home is worth on paper. A home inspection tells you what it’s really made of.

At L7 Home Inspections, we help buyers feel confident, informed, and protected at every step. Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, we give you the knowledge you need to make a smart move.

Buying a home? Don’t skip the inspection. Book your inspection with L7 Home Inspections today.

📞 (573) 586-9694 🌐 www.L7homeinspections.com📍 Serving Bell County and Surrounding Areas