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One of the most important steps when purchasing a house is the home inspection. While there is a lot that an inspection report can tell a homebuyer about the property they plan to purchase, inspectors are not certified to examine everything in a home or provide unlimited advice.
They can’t, for example, comment on whether you should address an item that might be a problem. Most importantly, they need to be objective and cannot comment on whether you should purchase the home. They are bound by a set of rules that limit what they can tell you, and giving real estate advice violates the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors’ code of ethics.
Here some things home inspectors can’t evaluate or tell a homebuyer:
Pools, septic system, foundation repairs
Inspectors check for what they can physically see without having to move anything. They won’t actively look for cracks or plumbing leaks or move furniture to see if an outlet is working. They may not be able to say whether the home’s foundation is cracked behind the wood paneling. To dig deeper into what you might think could be a problem, contact a specialist.
Termites, rats and mold
Most inspectors aren’t licensed to determine whether these types of infestation exist. Instead, they may note “evidence” of things, such as sagging floors (sign of termites), shredded insulation (sign of rats), or black discoloration on the walls (sign of mold), which could indicate problems. Have a specialist follow up and investigate further.
Roof problems
Inspectors are not required to climb up on the roof and closely examine shingles and gutters. They can stay on the ground and report what they can see from there. They should still note any missing or damaged gutters or downspouts and the general condition of the roof based on what they can see from the ground. For more detailed information on the condition of the roof and repairs, contact a professional roof inspector.
Unnecessary vs. needed repairs
There are inspectors who will list every flaw in a home from chipped paint to window scratches. These things don’t necessarily signify that the house is not in good condition.
A homebuyer may want to investigate further, however, if the report mentions issues like condensation in a basement or crawl space, early signs of wood rot, cracks in foundation areas, standing water in a basement or crawl space, HVAC not working, electrical and plumbing issues or radon levels above 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter).
“Don’t get overwhelmed if your report is long and detailed. The point is homebuyers also have to do their due diligence and find out more if they feel an item could cause problems in the future. Your Realtor can review the report with you and provide advice on what is normal wear and tear and what you may want to have a professional investigate further,” Eileen Giorgi, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, said.
Source: Information taken from HouseLogic.com, the consumer website of The National Association of Realtors.
Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing 5,000 Realtors and affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term Realtor is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.