WHAT'S INSPECTED
Licensed Home Inspectors adhere to the International Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice established by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. As a result, Inspectors examine every system and structural component that is visible.
However, they cannot see behind furniture, walls, pipes, cars, boxes, tools, etc., and, per the Standards of Practice, Inspectors do not move any item. Therefore, prior to the inspection, it is important that sellers move items that may interfere with the inspection.
However, they cannot see behind furniture, walls, pipes, cars, boxes, tools, etc., and, per the Standards of Practice, Inspectors do not move any item. Therefore, prior to the inspection, it is important that sellers move items that may interfere with the inspection.
WHAT'S NOT INSPECTED
- Hidden flaws: As described above, Home Inspectors can only examine what is visible. They will not move furniture, boxes, pipes, tools, equipment, etc., to look above, behind or below.
- Below ground: Home Inspectors cannot examine the portion of a home's exterior that is underground, including but not limited to the foundation, chimney elements, drains, exterior stairs, siding, etc.
- Septic, oil, and propane tanks: These will not be examined - they require experts in the fields involved.
- Mold, asbestos, lead: Home Inspectors will point out visible concerns they see related to these elements; however, problems are not always visible. When Home Inspectors do see something and point out the concerns in the report, experts will then be required to perform in-depth examinations/remediation.