Home inspections are a crucial part of any real estate transaction, providing buyers with a comprehensive evaluation of a property’s condition and uncovering potential issues that may not be visible to the untrained eye. Home inspectors play a pivotal role in helping buyers make informed decisions about their purchases.
However, it’s important to note that home inspectors have their own set of limitations and restrictions. They are not licensed contractors, so they cannot make repairs or recommend specific contractors. They are also not allowed to provide estimates for the cost of repairs or replacements, and other restrictions as well which you will read further in this article.
In this article, we’ll dive into the 20 most crucial things that home inspectors are not allowed to do and what they can’t tell you. This information is essential for home buyers, homeowners, and prospective home inspectors alike.
By understanding the limitations of home inspectors, you can better prepare for your home inspection and make the most informed decisions about your real estate purchase.
1. Appraisal Services
Home inspectors are not allowed to provide appraisal services. Their role is to evaluate the condition of the property, not determine its market value. For example, if a home inspector notices a sagging roof, they’ll report it as a structural issue but won’t estimate how it affects the property’s worth.
2. Code Compliance
Inspectors are not responsible for verifying if the property complies with local building codes. Their focus is on safety and functionality, not code adherence. If they find a railing that’s not up to code, they’ll flag it as a safety concern, but they won’t cite specific code violations.
3. Predict Future Problems
Inspectors cannot predict future issues with a property. They report on current conditions and potential problems based on their observations. For instance, if they notice a small crack in the foundation, they’ll report it, but they can’t predict if it will worsen over time.
4. Expose Hidden Defects
While inspectors are trained to uncover hidden defects, they may not find everything. Some issues may only become apparent after the inspection. Inspectors may miss some hidden defects. An example could be a water leak that only occurs during heavy rain and doesn’t show up during the inspection.
5. Environmental Hazards
Inspectors are not specialists in environmental hazards. They may report potential concerns like mold or asbestos but should recommend further testing by experts. For example, if they see mold-like stains on a ceiling, they’ll recommend a mold specialist to confirm and assess the extent of the issue.
6. Structural Engineering
Inspectors cannot perform structural engineering assessments. If an inspector suspects a structural problem like a cracked foundation, they’ll recommend hiring a structural engineer to evaluate it thoroughly. They won’t provide a final assessment.
7. Pest Inspections
Home inspectors may mention signs of pest infestations, but they are not pest control experts. A pest inspection by a specialist is necessary for a comprehensive evaluation.
8. Utility Services
Inspectors don’t inspect utilities like septic systems or wells. For instance, they won’t check if the well water is potable or if the septic system is functioning correctly. You’d need separate experts for those evaluations.
9. Offer Repair Estimates
Home inspectors should not provide repair cost estimates. They can identify issues but leave pricing to contractors. For example, if they find a leaking pipe, they’ll recommend calling a plumber for a repair quote.
10. Interfere with Personal Property
Inspectors cannot move personal property or furniture during an inspection. Accessible areas are inspected, but they can’t disrupt the homeowner’s belongings. Like if a room is cluttered, they’ll inspect what they can see but won’t rearrange furniture.
11. Predict Utility Costs
Inspectors cannot predict utility costs. They may provide energy efficiency recommendations but not exact cost estimates.
12. Dismantle and Test Every System
Inspectors won’t disassemble a house or perform destructive testing. They’ll evaluate what’s accessible without causing any damage. For example, they won’t open up walls to inspect plumbing.
13. Assess Cosmetic Issues
While cosmetic issues like chipped paint or outdated fixtures may be noted, inspectors primarily focus on structural and safety concerns. For example, they won’t criticize the choice of wallpaper.
14. Determine Legal Property Boundaries
Inspectors don’t determine your property boundaries. If you need to know where your property lines are, you’ll need a licensed surveyor to assess and provide that information.
15. Evaluate Underground Systems
Inspectors do not assess underground systems, like sewer lines or buried oil tanks and they require specialized inspections. Inspectors will recommend professionals with expertise in these areas if they suspect issues.
16. Assess Appliances’ Longevity
Inspectors can’t predict how long appliances will last. They can only assess their current condition and functionality. For example, they’ll report that the oven is functional, but they won’t guess how many more years it will work without issues.
17. Comment on Aesthetic Preferences
Home inspectors don’t comment on aesthetic preferences or interior design choices. They’ll stick to evaluating the structural integrity and safety of the property, not your taste in décor.
18. Give Investment Advice
Inspectors should not offer investment advice, it isn’t within the scope of a home inspection. They provide information about the property’s condition, but they won’t offer advice on whether it’s a good investment for you.
19. Inspect Unreachable Areas
Inspectors cannot evaluate areas that are inaccessible, such as closed-off crawl spaces or locked rooms. If a homeowner has locked a room, sealed off a crawl space, or piled belongings in front of an area, inspectors won’t be able to evaluate it.
20. Guarantee a Problem-Free Home
Lastly, it’s important to remember that no home inspector can guarantee a problem-free home. Even the most thorough inspection may not catch every issue, and new problems can arise after the inspection. They provide valuable insights, but perfection is rare in the world of real estate. In short, home inspectors are there to offer valuable insights, but no property is entirely without issues.
In conclusion, home inspectors are crucial in the real estate process, but they have their own limitations. Understanding what they can and cannot do is essential for both buyers and sellers. For comprehensive assessments, consider involving specialists when necessary. By working together with qualified professionals, you can ensure a smooth and informed real estate transaction.
