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HOME INSPECTION - EXPECTATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

                        Expectations and Limitations

Some common misconceptions about home inspections:

1. Will the home inspector be able to identify problems that are concealed behind building finishes or exist in areas that are either inaccessible or only partially accessible? 

A professional home inspection is limited to only visible and readily accessible area's, systems and components in the home. The reason is simple. We are invited guests in someone else’s home, and as such, we are expected to treat the property with respect and leave it in the condition we found it in. We do not have permission to dismantle components or do destructive testing, such as take apart the furnace, knock holes in the drywall, and so on. Nor do we have permission to move personal belongings, clothing, storage items, furniture, carpeting, ceiling tiles, appliances, etc.

2. Will the home inspector be able to identify problems that occur only sporadically?

Some problems may not reveal themselves during the inspection and therefore may not be detected. Water infiltration tends to be the most common of these types of problems. For example, some types of roof and basement leaks only occur during severe or unusual weather conditions, and it is unrealistic to expect your home inspector to identify this without clear evidence. Prolonged dry weather may eliminate any evidence of roof and/or basement leaks. It is important to understand that both major and minor problems can escape detection, especially when symptoms or clues are absent or concealed.

3. Will the home inspector be responsible for problems that develop or occur after the inspection?

Your home inspector’s opinions and findings reflect what he or she observed on the day, 

date and time of the inspection only. If the furnace is working during the inspection, it is unrealistic to expect your home inspector to forecast its breakdown. A good analogy is that it is like looking at bald tires on a car. We all know that bald tires run a much higher risk of blowing than new tires, but who can say with any certainty when those tires will blow? They may last another year or two, or they may go flat tomorrow morning. Furthermore, even brand new tires go flat from time to time. The bottom line is that some mechanical systems may operate intermittently, and some may fail to operate altogether. Whether or not you’ll experience this type of problem is anyone’s guess.

4. Will the home inspector pay for any defects or problems that are missed during the inspection?

It is important to understand that a home inspection does not come with guarantees or

warranties, and is not an insurance policy of any kind. The primary reason is that there are just too many limitations and restrictions with what we can do as guests in the Seller’s home. Although a home inspection can reduce your risk, it can not eliminate it, nor will your home inspector assume it. If this is a concern to you, Home Warranties are available for those looking for limited protection from potential unexpected problems.

5. Will a home inspection uncover problems with the "inner workings" of mechanical devices or components, such as heat exchangers, compressors, chimney flue interiors, drainage pipe interiors, etc?

In almost all cases, the inner workings of mechanical devices and components can only

be accessed by dismantling the system or component, which is beyond the scope of a home inspection. Typically, a specialist is required to perform this type of invasive inspection.

6. Is a home inspection technically exhaustive in nature and will identify every problem with the house and property?

This is simply an unrealistic expectation. Such an inspection would take far longer than a

standard home inspection and cost several thousand dollars, not to mention the disruption it would cause to the homeowner. Although a professional home inspection is comprehensive, the reality is that you will likely experience unexpected problems and spend money on repairs not noted in the report.

7.  Are Home Inspectors experts in every area of building construction and maintenance.

In actuality, home inspectors are only generalists, not specialists, much like your family

doctor. When your inspector finds a defect or area of concern, he or she usually will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and repair recommendations.

8. Will a home inspection reveal whether or not underground drainpipes are broken or clogged with tree roots, or determine the likelihood of a sewer backup into the basement?

This type of problem can only be identified by a drain specialist with the proper camera

equipment to view the interior of underground drainpipes. If you are concerned about the condition of the underground drainage system, we recommend you engage a drain specialist for further evaluation. The homeowner and/or the municipal works department may have information about past instances of sewer backups.

9. Will a home inspection identify environmental issues, such as the presence of, or danger from, mold, Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI), asbestos, mercury, lead paint and water-supply pipes, underground oil storage tanks, soil contamination, arsenic in pressure-treated lumber, indoor air quality, radon gas, and so on?

In fact, environmental issues are beyond the scope of a home inspection. The only way to

identify the presence of mold, asbestos, UFFI, etc. is through laboratory testing. This type of inspection is usually performed by a qualified environmental specialist. Professional home inspectors know better than to offer opinions on issues that are outside their area of expertise and/or beyond the scope of their inspection.

10. Will a home inspection identify building components or systems that do not meet current building codes or zoning?

When you consider that building codes and zoning change every few years, it is

unrealistic to expect a house that was built say, in 1970, to conform to current building codes. However, in some instances where safety may be an issue, the inspector may look to the current building codes as a benchmark for what is presently considered safe.

                               HOME INSPECTION - EXPECTATIONS AND LIMITATIONS

                                                             


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