How do I read a home inspection report?

Start by looking at the summary section, which lists the most critical findings. Focus on safety hazards first (electrical, structural, water intrusion), then major system issues (roof, HVAC, plumbing), and finally maintenance items. Viorly can analyze your report automatically and prioritize findings for you — just upload the PDF.

What are red flags in a home inspection?

Common red flags include moisture intrusion and water damage (especially in crawl spaces and basements), aging or damaged sewer lines (pre-1970s homes often have clay or Orangeburg pipes), foundation settling or cracks, roof deterioration, outdated electrical panels (like Federal Pacific or Zinsco), and signs of pest damage. Which issues matter most varies by region and climate — Viorly's analysis accounts for both.

How much do home inspection repairs cost?

Repair costs vary widely by issue and by region. Typical national ranges: roof replacement ($8,000–$25,000), sewer line replacement ($5,000–$15,000), foundation repair ($3,000–$15,000), HVAC replacement ($5,000–$12,000), electrical panel upgrade ($1,500–$4,000). Viorly provides cost estimates localized to your home's area when you upload your inspection report.

What is a home inspection report analysis tool?

A home inspection report analysis tool uses AI to read your inspection report PDF and extract the key findings, prioritize them by severity, and estimate repair costs. Viorly is a free analysis tool for home buyers anywhere in the U.S. — it turns your complex inspection report into a clear action plan with local repair costs and vetted contractor recommendations for your area.

Is Viorly free to use?

Yes, Viorly is completely free. You can upload your home inspection report and get a full analysis — including prioritized findings, repair cost estimates, and a maintenance calendar — without creating an account or paying anything.

How do I negotiate repairs after a home inspection?

After receiving your inspection report, identify the most significant issues (safety hazards, major system failures, expensive repairs) and request that the seller either fix them before closing, provide a credit toward closing costs, or reduce the purchase price. Focus on items that are genuine defects rather than cosmetic preferences. Having clear repair cost estimates strengthens your negotiating position.

How often should an HVAC system be serviced?

Once a year for a furnace and once a year for an air conditioner, ideally before each season starts. Heat pumps that run year round do well with two visits.

Is a maintenance plan worth it?

Usually yes if it includes both seasonal visits and a discount on repairs. Read the fine print for what the visit actually covers.

What should I do myself between visits?

Change the filter on schedule, rinse the outdoor coil gently each spring, and keep two feet of clear space around the outdoor unit.

What does an HVAC service visit cost?

A furnace or air conditioner tune-up is a small, routine bill. Here is the range, what the tech should actually do, and when a tune-up is not enough.

Hire a pro

$125 to $417

Typical national range, done by a licensed HVAC contractor. Local labor rates move this up or down by a third.

Do it yourself

Not recommended

This is licensed or specialized work. The savings are in choosing the right pro and a fair quote.

Do I need a pro?

Call a pro

A seasonal tune-up is pro work: the technician checks refrigerant pressure, the heat exchanger, gas pressure and the electrical connections, which a homeowner cannot safely do. What you can do yourself is the filter, the outdoor coil rinse and keeping the area around the unit clear, and those three things are most of what keeps the bill small.

Why it costs what it costs

The visit is mostly labor: a trained tech, a truck, and about an hour on site.
A maintenance plan (two visits a year) is often cheaper per visit than a one-off call.
Add-ons are where the price grows: a capacitor, a contactor, a refrigerant top-up. Ask for each one in writing before you say yes.

When to stop and call someone

The system short-cycles, blows warm air on cool, or trips the breaker.
You smell gas or burning. Turn it off and call now.
The unit is 15 years or older and repairs are stacking up: ask about replacement before paying for another repair.

What would it cost at your house?

Ranges are national. The advisor knows your home's age, systems and region, and it's free: ask your first question with no account, then sign in free to ask as many as you like.

Ask about your home, free Add your home

Questions people ask

How often should an HVAC system be serviced?: Once a year for a furnace and once a year for an air conditioner, ideally before each season starts. Heat pumps that run year round do well with two visits.
Is a maintenance plan worth it?: Usually yes if it includes both seasonal visits and a discount on repairs. Read the fine print for what the visit actually covers.
What should I do myself between visits?: Change the filter on schedule, rinse the outdoor coil gently each spring, and keep two feet of clear space around the outdoor unit.

Related guides

What does it cost to replace an HVAC system? · $8,333 to $16,667

Published 2026-10-06. Costs from Viorly's repair cost database; the DIY estimate is parts at retail, the pro range is before local labor differences. Lowest listed price is $125.