Last updated on December 22nd, 2023 at 01:27 pm

Quick answer

Here are some examples of items not covered in a home inspection.

  •  Home inspections don't include an inspection of the home’s HVAC system, unless it is visible and accessible.
  •  Nor do home inspections include an inspection of the home’s electrical wiring, unless it is visible and accessible.
  •  Home inspections will not include an inspection of the home’s insulation, unless it is visible and accessible.
  •  And home inspections won't include an inspection of the home’s septic system or any underground utilities. 

Home inspections are key ingredient of the home buying process. They help buyers identify any potential issues with the property before making a purchase.

There are certain things that home inspectors don’t look for. In this blog post, we will cover what exactly home inspections are and why they are necessary.

We will also discuss what home inspectors don’t cover, including common misconceptions about their scope. 

Understand that while home inspectors do not cover everything, they do inspect areas including structural components, plumbing systems, and electrical systems.

We will also touch upon the importance of a comprehensive inspection and when to hire a specialist

Understanding home inspections

A home inspection is a non-invasive evaluation of the condition of a property, focusing on visible defects and safety hazards.

Home inspectors may not inspect hidden areas or components, such as the septic system, underground pipes, and mold.

Buyers should consider additional inspections for specific areas of concern, such as the roof or foundation. 

You may need to hire a specialist if you need to inspect the chimney or the roof!

By understanding what is and isn’t covered in a home inspection, buyers can make better-informed decisions when making an offer on a property.

What is a Home Inspection

When purchasing a home, it’s important to ensure that the property is in good condition and free of any hidden issues. A home inspection is akin to a medical checkup for your dream house. Before sealing the deal, this crucial step grants you a comprehensive understanding of its health and well-being.

Led by a qualified inspector, this examination dives deep into the property’s structural integrity, mechanical systems, and individual components.

From the foundation’s sturdiness to the roof’s weatherproofing, from the electrical wiring’s safety to the plumbing’s functionality, no nook or cranny goes unexamined.

This detailed evaluation empowers you, the buyer, with invaluable knowledge.

Armed with the inspector’s insights, you can make informed decisions about potential repairs, negotiate with confidence, and ultimately purchase a home with your eyes wide open, prepared to face any hidden hiccups along the way.

It’s an investment in peace of mind and a safeguard against unpleasant surprises down the road, ensuring your dream home truly becomes a source of joy and comfort.

Here is what a home inspection costs

Remember, a home inspection has limitations. Home inspectors do not typically look for pests or environmental hazards like asbestos. 

Why Do Buyers get one

Buyers want to ensure that their investment is sound. Home inspections are an important part of the buying process as they can help identify any potential issues with the property. 

While a home inspection shines a bright light on your potential abode, it’s important to remember it’s not a magical crystal ball. No single scan can predict every potential hiccup.

So, savvy buyers don’t just get an inspection, they unpack it: they delve into the inspector’s findings, ask questions till their heads spin, and don’t shy away from voicing concerns. Press for explanations, and if something doesn’t sit right, raise the flag.

Furthermore, a standard inspection, while thorough, has its limitations.

Think of it as a general health check, not a deep-dive specialist consultation. If concerns lurk in specific areas, like hidden cracks in the foundation or potential termite infestations, consider venturing beyond the standard report.

Additional inspections or specialized assessments by professionals in those areas can provide invaluable peace of mind, and potentially save you from future headaches (and wallet woes).

Buyers should communicate any specific concerns to the inspector to ensure they are addressed adequately. 

While a home inspection cannot guarantee that there won’t be any future problems with the property, it can provide valuable insight into its condition and help buyers make informed decisions about their investment.

Who Orders and Pays for these

It’s typically the buyer who pay for the inspection.

After all, they want to make sure that the property they’re investing in is structurally sound and free of any major issues

However, there are situations where sellers may choose to have an inspection done before listing their home for sale. 

In either case, keep in mind that while home inspectors can provide valuable insights into a property’s condition, they are not responsible for making any necessary repairs or upgrades. 

It’s ultimately up to the buyer to review the inspection report and decide how best to proceed with their purchase.

What Inspectors Don't look for

  • For example, pests or mold may not be included in a standard inspection.
  • Additionally, inspectors do not evaluate cosmetic features such as paint color or interior design choices. Cosmetic issues or outdated fixtures will not typically be included in a home inspection report

Understanding the limitations of a standard home inspection and consider additional inspections if necessary to ensure all aspects of the property are thoroughly evaluated.

Common Misconceptions about Home Inspections

Let’s address some common misconceptions about home inspections. 

  • Firstly, home inspectors are not required to look for issues that fall outside of their scope of expertise.
  • They are not environmental specialists and do not test for hazards such as mold or radon. Additionally, home inspectors do not inspect for pests unless they are visibly apparent. 

Additional Areas Not Covered

For example, swimming pools and septic systems are not typically covered by home inspectors, so buyers may need to hire separate professionals for these evaluations. 

Additionally, inspectors may not check for pests, mold, or asbestos, so be aware of these potential issues and take action if necessary. 

Areas Covered by an inspection

Structural and mechanical components of the home take priority, such as roofing systems, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems

They will ensure that the foundational elements of the home are functioning properly. 

Structural Components

Structural components of a home are some of the most critical aspects that home inspectors scrutinize. 

They examine foundations, walls, roofs, and other structural elements to determine if they are safe and stable. 

Any hidden structural components behind walls or under floors may not be entirely inspected. 

Exterior Components

The exterior components of a property are just as important as its structural and mechanical elements.

 A thorough inspection typically includes an assessment of the roof, gutters, siding, foundation, windows, and doors

They may not look for issues with outdoor structures such as decks or sheds or assess the condition of landscaping and other similar features. 

Roofing System

The roofing system is one of the most critical components that inspectors review. 

While inspectors typically examine the roof covering and look for signs of damage or wear, they may not be able to inspect every aspect of the roofing system. 

This means that hidden damages or defects may go unnoticed, which could lead to costly repairs in the future.

To ensure a comprehensive assessment of your roofing system, have a separate inspection by a certified roofing professional who can identify any underlying issues. 

Plumbing System

Home inspectors typically examine the plumbing system to identify visible leaks, water pressure issues, and signs of damage or deterioration.

There are certain areas that may not be covered in a typical home inspection.

For example, inspectors may not inspect the sewer line or septic system unless specifically requested by the client. 

Furthermore, hidden leaks behind walls or underground pipes may also go unnoticed during a standard home inspection. 

Hire a licensed plumber for a comprehensive inspection of the plumbing system if any issues are suspected to avoid potential costly repairs down the line.

Electrical System

Inspectors typically assess the visible wiring, outlets, and fixtures for any obvious signs of damage or malfunction within the home’s electrical system. 

They are not licensed electricians and may not be able to identify every electrical issue.

Inspectors may also be limited in their ability to inspect behind walls or in other inaccessible areas. 

To ensure that your home is safe and up to code, it’s recommended that you hire a licensed electrician for a more comprehensive inspection of your electrical system.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

Maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home is important for all homeowners, especially during extreme weather conditions.

Home inspectors typically evaluate the HVAC system’s overall condition and operation to ensure that it is functioning correctly. 

They may not inspect every component of the system, such as individual ductwork or air filters.

For example, they won’t disconnect the dryer vent and inspect it.

Regularly maintaining and replacing air filters is vital to ensuring proper indoor air quality, which can help prevent health issues like allergies. 

Interior Components

Homeowners may be curious about what is included in the interior component evaluation.

This means that interior components like appliances, window treatments, and built-in furniture are not usually inspected by home inspectors. 

When to Hire a Specialist

In some cases, a home inspection may not be enough to identify all potential issues with a property. That’s when it is time to consider hiring a specialist. 

These experts have advanced training and knowledge in specific areas such as pests, mold, and asbestos.

While home inspectors are adept at identifying general issues, specialists can provide more detailed inspections and recommendations for remediation if necessary.

Hiring a specialist may require additional fees, but it could be a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Final Thoughts

While home inspectors are trained to inspect various components of a home, there are some areas they don’t cover

Have a comprehensive inspection done with supplemental inspections and services as needed.

Common misconceptions about what home inspectors cover can lead to misunderstandings and potentially costly mistakes. 

As a buyer understanding the scope of a home inspection and what areas may not be covered. If you’re unsure about specific areas of your potential new home, consider hiring a specialist for additional inspections.