This is an important question because it makes sure you understand the limitations of a home inspection and will not be disappointed later.
In fact, a few things are excluded from a home inspection, and some might not get inspected or tested because the inspector cannot access them.
These are the most common items that are normally excluded from a home inspection:
- A home’s market value
- A home’s property lines
- Cosmetic items
- Wear-and-tear items (carpet, holes in walls, scratches, paint, knobs, etc.)
- Swimming pools
- Hot tubs
- Sprinkler systems
- Telephone lines
- Fences
- Cable lines
- Surround sound systems
- Sewer lines
- Insulation in walls
- R-value of windows
- Proper sizing of central heating unit
- Proper sizing of central cooling unit
- Proper sizing of water heater
- Cost estimates for repairs
A specialized inspector can still inspect some of these items for an additional fee, but they all fall outside a normal home inspection.
This is a list of areas you’ll want to make sure are open, unlocked, unblocked, and accessible BEFORE the inspection starts:
- Crawlspace
- Main electrical panels
- Furnace panels
- A/C condensers
- Water heaters
- Attic access panels
- Detached garages
- Closets
- Roof
Most home inspectors will not move heavy personal items that are blocking their way because sellers can be pretty sensitive about their belongings.
That’s why clutter, shelves, and storage items should be moved before the inspection starts.
For a complete list, here is the professional home inspector’s Standards of Practice.
Knowing this ahead of time can help you help the home inspector give you the best inspection possible.
