15 Items Not Included On A Home Inspection
The standards of practice for home inspectors are different for every state. In Arizona, we have adopted the standards of practice from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) with some modifications approved by our licensing board. Home inspectors look at and inspect a lot of items, but there are some that are not included during the course of a standard home inspection. When purchasing a house, it is important to know what is included and what is not included. Below, you will find a list of fifteen (not all) items that are not included during a home inspection.
Swimming pools and spas: It may be hard to believe, especially with the frequency of pools in Arizona, but the inspection of pools is outside the standards of practice. At Dwellinspect Arizona, our team has received certification and advanced training and we are prepared to inspect pools as an ancillary service.
Hidden or inaccessible areas: A home inspector does not inspect areas that are concealed, inaccessible, or obstructed, such as behind walls, under flooring, or within closed-off spaces. Additionally, this can include the obstruction of visibility due to an occupant’s personal belongings.
Underground utilities: A home inspection will not assess the condition or locate underground utilities such as sewer lines, water supply lines, septic tanks, or buried fuel tanks. There are items that are underground and therefore not readily visible. An important element of the house is the sewer system. As an added service, our team at Arizona Sewer Scope (link) can use a camera to inspect the sewer system. Insert blog, what is a sewer scope and why do I need one.
Presence of Pest: During a home inspection, the inspector may see signs of pests. However, they are not specialists in pest control and a comprehensive examination for pests will not be performed. It should be noted that unwanted pests such as rodents and insects are nocturnal and not visibly present at the time of inspection.
Mold and air quality: The only way to properly identify if an organic compound is mold, is to take a sample of the material and have a laboratory verify the composition. Home inspectors may identify potential signs of mold that are visible, however, the identification of mold is outside the standards of practice. As a result, our team is certified and able to conduct air quality tests and direct samplings should an area be discovered during the home inspection that is concerning.
Asbestos and lead: A home inspection does not include testing for or assessing the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint. Similar to mold, these need to be verified by a laboratory.
Private wells: If a property relies on a private well for water supply, the home inspection standards of practice do not include the performance of the well, water quality, or components.
Geologic and/or soil conditions: A home inspection does not include the assessment of soil stability, geological risks, or the presence of hazardous substances in the ground. An expert in these fields should be consulted if a concern is present. In Arizona, this can be especially important in properties that have been constructed on the mountainside or if the ground consists of expansive soil.
Security systems, low voltage lighting, audio systems, cable, or internet: A home inspection will not include the testing of security systems, low voltage lighting, audio equipment, cable, or internet.
Cosmetic features: The primary focus of a home inspector is to evaluate the structural, mechanical, and safety aspects of a property. While some may be noted in the report, an inspector will not comment on aspects such as interior design, paint colors, or cosmetic flaws unless they impact the functionality or safety of the home.
Compliance with building codes: Building codes frequently change, and a home inspection is primarily focused on identifying current issues as opposed to ensuring compliance with building codes. A house is not required to update as codes change, and therefore building codes are not part of home inspections.
Building Permits: Research of building permits of a property is outside the scope of a home inspection. Depending on the age of the property, many cities will have records and can provide documentation when requested.
Lawn irrigation/sprinkler systems: The operation of lawn irrigation is outside of the home inspection scope. However, our team at Dwellinspect Arizona will operate the system and look for any potential problems that are visible.
Solar panels and alternative energy systems: A home inspector will not evaluate the functionality, performance, or efficiency of solar panels or other alternative energy systems such as backup generators.
Fire suppression systems: Outside of any obvious leaking, a Home Inspector will not assess fire sprinkler systems or test their functionality, as it requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
By having clear expectations and fully grasping the extent of the inspection, prospective home buyers can navigate the complex process of acquiring a new home with confidence. Knowing what to expect and what additional information is required empowers individuals to make well-informed decisions, ultimately leading to a smoother and more successful home-buying experience.
If you’d like to see what an inspection report from Dwellinspect Arizona looks like, check out our blog post HERE.