Franchise Info
Inspector reviewing a home inspection report while a water heater leak happens in the background, reinforcing that systems can fail even after inspection.

What We Look For (And What We Don’t): Warranties, Insurance, and the $10,000 Honor Guarantee

Let me be 100% honest: the home inspection is not a crystal ball, and it’s definitely not a guarantee that nothing will go wrong.

In fact, we’ve had cases where a water heater worked just fine during the inspection, only to spring a leak before the seller even got back home. It’s rare—but it happens.

There Are No Guarantees in Homeownership

If someone tells you that everything in a house is “perfect” and “won’t have any problems,” they’re either misinformed or lying.

The truth is: every home is guaranteed to have problems. Mechanical systems wear out. Appliances break. Pipes corrode. Time wins.

What I do is give you a snapshot in time—a real, honest look at what’s working, what’s aging, and what needs attention. I don’t pretend I can predict the future, because no one can.

But Here’s What We DO Offer

While the inspection itself isn’t a warranty, we do offer a few protection tools and support services that many clients find helpful:

  • RecallChek: We run all major appliances and systems through a recall database. If one ever gets added to a recall list—even after the inspection—you’ll be notified and protected.
  • Warranties (if included with your inspection package): These may cover short-term failure on things like HVAC, water heaters, or major appliances. Read the terms. Ask us what's included.
  • $10,000 InterNACHI Honor Guarantee: If you ever discover that one of our inspectors committed fraud, InterNACHI will back it up with a guarantee worth up to $10,000.

Here’s What We Can’t Do

  • We can’t promise that systems won’t break after the inspection.
  • We can’t insure against natural wear and tear.
  • We can’t override the terms of a warranty company or the seller’s obligations.
  • We don’t provide home insurance, and we’re not a legal substitute for it.

Think of our protections as an extra layer of support—not a shield against every risk.

Prepare for What Comes Next

Here’s the best advice I can give:

  • Budget for repairs. You’ll need them, sooner or later.
  • Ask questions during the inspection—it’s the best time to get educated.
  • Read the fine print on any warranty or guarantee, so you know what’s covered.
  • Follow up with service providers to extend the life of your systems.

FAQs: Understanding Post-Inspection Protection

Is a home inspection a guarantee that nothing will go wrong?

No. It’s a snapshot in time—not a prediction of future performance or failure.

What is the $10,000 InterNACHI Honor Guarantee?

It’s protection offered by our professional association if an inspector is found to have committed fraud during your inspection.

Are appliances and systems covered by warranty?

Some packages include short-term warranties. Others don’t. Always confirm what’s included with your inspection.

Can I add a warranty or maintenance plan after the inspection?

Often, yes. We can help you choose a protection plan if you want additional peace of mind.

→ Next up: Post 50: What’s Next? Final Steps After Your Home Inspection

← Previously: Post 48: What Can Still Go Wrong After the Inspection?

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