What We Look For (And What We Don’t): What a Home Inspection Is Not

The reason I’m writing this post is because the word “inspector” carries a lot of weight—and a lot of confusion. People hear “home inspector” and assume I’m part code enforcer, part psychic, part contractor, and part life coach. So let’s set the record straight.

A home inspection is a general, visual, non-invasive evaluation of the systems and components of a home. That’s it. I look at what’s there, test what I can safely operate, and report what I see. I don’t predict what’s going to fail next year. I don’t open walls. And I don’t verify whether every contractor who ever worked on the place followed all the rules.

I’m an Evaluator—Not an Enforcer

I don’t issue violations. I don’t check municipal records. I don’t report code infractions to the city. In fact, I’m not inspecting for code at all. Your 1965 house is allowed to have things a 2025 house isn’t—and I’m not going to ding it for that.

If something looks dangerous or clearly wasn’t installed right, I’ll absolutely flag it. But I’m not calling the permit office, and I’m not pulling blueprints. That’s outside my role, and outside the scope of a home inspection.

What I’m Looking For—And What I’m Not

• ✅ I’m looking for: systems that are unsafe, malfunctioning, visibly damaged, or installed in a way that raises red flags.
• ❌ I’m not looking for: cosmetic issues, behind-the-wall conditions, or whether a room addition was permitted in 2008.

I also don’t test underground tanks, solar systems, wells, septic systems, or anything that isn’t permanently installed and easily accessible. If something’s off or inaccessible, I’ll say so in the report—and recommend who to call for deeper evaluation.

I’m a Generalist—And That’s On Purpose

Just like your family doctor doesn’t do knee surgery during your annual checkup, I’m not doing a structural engineering analysis or disassembling your HVAC. I’m here to evaluate, test, and observe. If something feels off, I’ll recommend a specialist. That’s not a cop-out—it’s the smart way to keep you safe without guessing.

In fact, the InterNACHI Standards of Practice make this crystal clear: we’re not required to determine the life expectancy of systems, verify compliance with codes, or estimate repair costs. Those things are outside the scope—and trying to do them puts everyone at risk.

Limitations Aren’t Flaws—They’re the Framework

This isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about staying in the lane that protects everyone: you, me, the seller, the agent, and the future owner. I’m trained and licensed to perform a **general** visual evaluation—not to perform a teardown or a forensic investigation. That’s what trades and specialists are for.

And when I say “visual,” I mean it. If I can’t see it or safely access it, I can’t inspect it. That means no moving furniture, no crawling behind storage piles, no removing access panels, and no using special equipment like moisture meters unless I choose to.

FAQs: What Your Inspector Isn’t Responsible For

Do inspectors check for code compliance?

No. Home inspections are not code compliance audits. Codes change constantly and vary by jurisdiction. I inspect for safety and function—not to see if your house passes city hall’s latest checklist.

Can you tell me how long things will last?

No. I can tell you the age and condition of systems, but not how long they’ll last. Life expectancy varies based on usage, maintenance, and luck. If something’s clearly failing, I’ll flag it—but I don’t predict the future.

Do you check permits or contractor work history?

No. I assume systems were installed by licensed professionals unless I see otherwise. I’m not verifying permits, licensing, or manufacturer installation techniques unless it affects safety or function.

Can you move things or take things apart during the inspection?

No. I don’t move personal belongings, open sealed panels, or dismantle systems. I inspect what’s visible and accessible. If something is blocked or inaccessible, I’ll note it in the report.

→ Next up: Post 8: Your Inspection Report Is Not the End: What to Do Next

← Previously: Post 6: Get the Most Out of Your Inspection Report

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